Front hitch mount - GM 2500HD

[Tacklewasher]

I have a bit of trouble parking my boat and was googling for a front hitch mount to replace my drivers side tow hook (2001 GM 2500HD 4X4) when I came across this site

https://bodiaknet.powweb.com/store/...d=161&osCsid=df6ad0790983b99f0e33e0f57c1b834b

Anyone ever heard of this or tried it? Or does anyone have a link to the receiver that replaces the tow hook? I know I saw it a few years back but don't remember where. Basically, if I can move my truck sideways to my boat, I can get it in past the trees without taking out the retaining wall. I've got a boat dolly, but I think I should be able to drive it in easier.

Thanks.

 

[Docknocker]

Re: Front hitch mount - GM 2500HD

IMHO, I just don't see the point. What's the gross/tongue weight,
1800/180 Lbs?
If your parking area isn't uphill, seems like it'd be quicker to park it with your dolly

 

[NoKlu]

Re: Front hitch mount - GM 2500HD

Any 4x4 shop will be able to help you out. Lots of guys use receiver hitches on the front to mount a winch so they can swap the winch front or back when it's needed, and they can take it inside so the thieves don't get it.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Front hitch mount - GM 2500HD

use the real thing, http://www.hidden-hitch.com/results...0HD,+2500+and+3500+Series+2+and+4+Wheel+Drive

it puts the tongue center, makes it easy to get into tight areas. here is my home made front hitch, i use it all the time.

 

[puddle jumper]

Re: Front hitch mount - GM 2500HD

Lots of people use them. Ive even seen some people launch/retrieve with them.

 

[DJ]

Re: Front hitch mount - GM 2500HD

I would be very cautious about anything (aftermarket) that ties the front bumper to the frame. Bumper-OK, frame-OK, just NOT tied together.

If they are tied together, you may defeat any and/or all the crash sensors that trigger the air bags.

That could be life threatening, or at least an excuse for your insurance company to deny coverage.

 

[BlazinKuztumz]

Re: Front hitch mount - GM 2500HD

Yeah I must agree. I wouldn't do any sort of mount on your bumper honestly. Front bumpers are meant as a first line defense in crashes, but they aren't meant to tow, pull, etc. unless they come standard from the factory for that purpose. I'd find something that frame mounts and either goes through (turn signal/fog lamp) an area of the bumper, or from under the bumper. As well, you are completely correct, if you have something mounted to the bumper that shouldn't be there, and you have any sort of front crash sensors, it may trigger it prematurely, or possible stiffen the bumper mounting to the point that it nullifies the sensors all together. Thought I'd chime in since I run my own automotive parts business on the side and do fabrication/welding for auto enthusiasts.

 

[Tacklewasher]

Re: Front hitch mount - GM 2500HD

I'm going to keep looking as I am sure I remember seeing a receiver that replaces the front tow hook. Simply unbolt the tow hook and bolt on a receiver in it's place.

I really want the offset because of how my boat parking area is set up. It will be much simpler to park the boat if it is hooked up on the drivers side. I'm concerned with the thing I linked to above as, while I think it may be good for pulling, I doubt it would work for pushing.

 

[sschefer]

Re: Front hitch mount - GM 2500HD

Here's an idea I've been toying with. I've got this Jazzi thing. It's a motorized wheel chair with decent sized tires and it steers with a joystick. It's 24v and uses to 2 type 27 deepcycle batteries with an onboard charger.

My brother and I were screwing around with it a couple of weeks ago and hog tied a piece of 2" square stock with a 2" ball on in and towed my boat up and down the driveway a couple of times and even through the gravel. It worked great. I even sat on it and took it for a spin down the driveway, out into the street, spun a huey and back up the driveway and into the garage.

My neighbor who is in her late 80's yelled out the window..."Now that's what I call planning ahead!!" My brother and I are both in our 50's and I don't think we've laughed that hard in a long time.

I got this thing for free and you wouldn't want to buy a new one but maybe you could find one at a garage sale pretty cheap.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Front hitch mount - GM 2500HD

I'm concerned with the thing I linked to above as, while I think it may be good for pulling, I doubt it would work for pushing.

Ayuh,...

I clicked your link,... I think it looks pretty solid,... Enough to push your little boat,.. No Problem...

It bolts together with a good sized clamping force,.. If that's a 1/2" bolt, pulled down to 50ft.lbs,...
You won't have any problems at All...