Can Ranch Grille Guard Fit with EcoHitch Front Hitch for 2016 Ford F-350

Updated 05/21/2024 | Published 05/18/2024

Question:

I am trying to install this with a ranch hand grill guard not the full bumper replacement, just the grill guard and i’d like to confirm some installation items. It looks like the ranch hand attachment point has spacers in holes A and B from the hitch installation instructions see pics attached and has a bracket for the steel straps that run out to the guard. I think i can just pull out one of the spacers and replace it with this receiver hitch mount and push the bracket for the steel straps out 1/4 an inch? I have seen pictures of these two mounted together, just wanted to confirm this is how it would work?

asked by: Matt

Bumper and Grille Guard
(click to enlarge)

Expert Reply:

Hey Matt, so we don't have any install info on installing the EcoHitch front hitch part # EH59FR with the Ranch grille guard you have but if you've seen it done before it would have to be the way you described so I do believe you are on the right track.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Matt

5/21/2024

Should there be any concern with noted capacity of the hitch? I will try to use the included hardware but in the event the bolts are not long enough i will need to reuse the ranch hand hardware in those two hole locations. The new hitch will be attaching at 4 points on either side (8 in total) so i would think (and hope) there should not be a serious loss in hitch capacity. In the event that I need extra bolts that are longer are there suggestions for grade/thread? Could i replace with a grade 8 fine thread with lock nut?

Jameson C.

5/21/2024

@Matt If you had to swap to different hardware that would push it even further into unknown territory for us but I don't see why you couldn't take the hardware that comes with it to a hardware store to match it and have it be a little longer. Grade 8 fine thread would work well though.