Will Crash Brackets on 2023 Ford F-350 FX4 Interfere With Curt Front Hitch Installation

Updated 02/17/2026 | Published 02/11/2026

Question:

Looking specifically at my 2023 Ford F-350 FX4 Super Duty diesel pickup, my truck has two OEM Front Bumper Lower Crash Bracket or Frame Rail Extensions one on each side of the truck frame. See photo. Is the recommended Curt C31078 front hitch able to fit between these crash brackets? If the crash brackets need to be removed for hitch installation, can they be reinstalled on topinch of the Curt hitch? Please advise because I do not want to purchase the hitch if it will not fit or may affect the safety of the vehicle. I am looking to purchase and install a front hitch that would NOT require removal of the front bumper.

asked by: Mark S

Crash Bracket
(click to enlarge)

Expert Reply:

Hi Mark; the installation of the Curt Front Hitch # C31078 will require removing those brackets permanently. The same is true for any other front mount hitch that fits your 2023 F-350. These crash brackets are designed to keep small vehicles from going under the front of the truck in a collision.

Although it is not what the hitch is designed for, the hitch itself will help prevent that in place of the brackets. The only real way around this would be to have some kind of brackets fabricated that would mount with the hitch, or have a hitch fabricated that would be compatible with the brackets.

What will you be using the front hitch for?

expert reply by: Robin H

Curt Front Mount Trailer Hitch
(click to enlarge)

Carl

2/17/2026

I added the front hitch to my 2024 and removed the bars. It sits low enough that a car can’t get under the truck. I’ve got a FX4 . It helps me move my trailer around in my graveled parking lot in my back yard. I don’t have to call a tow truck to get my truck and trailer out of my yard.. Very highly recommended it for the truck. It’s a great investment.

Jon

2/17/2026

Installed on my F250, 2022, diesel. Yes, gotta remove those. However, the hitch itself will function as well or better than those ‘guards.’

Mike

2/17/2026

I removed mine, no problem with safety. It's actually not essential for anything

Coleman

2/17/2026

I removed the brackets and since they are not included on the Tremor package with the shorter valance, I did not think it would affect the safety of it. For the front hitch itself, I love it and makes carrying bikes on the front when hauling my camper so much easier.