Front Hitch Install

I finally took the time to install the front hitch I purchased a few months ago.
Its a Curt model 47. Rated at 5000 lb. trailer weight, 500 lb. tongue weight.
I found it online at Cabelas on sale with free shipping.

It was a very easy install and no help needed. 2007 Chevy 2500 HD Classic.
It bolted on where the existing tow hooks are bolted. Simply remove two of the existing three tow hook bolts.(Inside and bottom of each frame rail). The third tow hook bolts (outside frame rails) are not required to be removed and will hold the hooks in place while you install the hitch.

I used my knee to hold one side of the hitch up against the frame, leaving both hands free to hold up the other end and start the new bolt in the threaded hole on the bottom of the frame. (All mounting holes are threaded and no nuts are used.) Once I had the first bolt started to hold one side of the hitch in place, it was a piece of cake from there.

All new hardware is included. The new bolts are a little longer and require a 19mm socket/wrench.
The existing bolts on my truck were 3/4" hex head. Washers and spacers (if needed) are included.

I tried to get before and after pics but the lighting was terrible. Very hard to get a pic under the truck. Here are a few after the install. Could not get one of the inside frame rails due to flash/lighting.

Drivers side. Bottom frame rail.


Passenger side. Bottom frame rail.


Front views. Hardly even notice its there.



No trimming of the air dam was needed.
I can now haul my canoes with a T bar while towing the Cat. Probably use it for generator, cooler, bicycles or even my dirt bike if needed.

With the replaced bumper w/hitch on the Cat and the new front hitch on the truck, I should be able to haul multiple toys at once.

Let the Loading begin...... Looks good.

That one is a lot simpler than the one they showed for a ford. If I remember right you had to take the bumper off on the ford. It was some serious work, which sway'd me to go another route.

Nice, clean installation.

Do you think that would fit a 2007 2500 new body style?

BobnPi wrote:Do you think that would fit a 2007 2500 new body style?

I think it was the same part nuber through 2011 when I ordered.
You can check on cabelas website. Just fill in your truck info and it will give you the correct part number before you order.

Phil - Your setup works just fine and looks good. Don't blame you for not going with a complicated install on the Ford. It was a real simple install for my Chevy.

Thanks Maxtor.

I had one for my F150, best piece of marriage insurance I ever bought.

We used to have a pop-up tent trailer and backing that into the garage was a challenge since I can't back to save my life! Putting that sucker on was the best ever for positioning that trailer either in the garage or camp site.

Very nice MountainMan , just another mod to add to long list of things to do.....

Another usage for the front hitch is for a winch. We have one on our Explorer, for off road usage. We also have the rear receiver so you can move the winch from the back to front when needed. I also set up a receiver on our car trailer, so the winch can be used on it.
Handy little item.


http://www.google.com/products/catalog?pq=portable+winch+mount&hl=en&sugexp=gsihc&cp=20&gs_id=1r&xhr=t&q=winch+mount+receiver&gs_upl=&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&biw=1024&bih=578&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=16910512270734399459&sa=X&ei=62JaTsbYGKLmiAKgqODICQ&sqi=2&ved=0CFYQ8wIwAw

Right on Maxtor!

Its in the plans. I already have a 9000lb Warn and mount on my Jeep that I can move from front to rear. I just need to run the wiring for the truck and I'm set.

Very nice! Good work.

I just informed the DW what she was getting me for my birthday.

Looks great, and you now have a push me pull you.
Sean

Bob - how did that go over.

Mixed. She's happy that she doesn't have to try to think of somehing I want/need. She's not happy that her bicycle may get bugs on it.

BobnPi wrote:Mixed. She's happy that she doesn't have to try to think of somehing I want/need. She's not happy that her bicycle may get bugs on it.

Bicycle cover.


http://www.overstock.com/Sports-Toys/Hitch-Bike-Rack-Cover/2652692/product.html?rcmndsrc=2

Nice install. I was thinking about something like that for a while now.

Reading the comments on the bike cover, they were all mounted on the rear. I'm not sure how they would hold up to the front mount. I'll probably use a small plastic tarp and some adjustable bungies.

Putting a cover/tarp on something on the front would restrict air flow to the engine wouldn't it? Just my .02 worth. Jim

Stanford wrote:Putting a cover/tarp on something on the front would restrict air flow to the engine wouldn't it? Just my .02 worth. Jim

Good point...

Yep,, and to some extent so would anything mounted in front of the radiator.

We camp mostly in cool weather, so I'm not too worried about overheating. However, I plan on keeping an eye on the engine and trans temps if I do cover the bikes.

Look it there it is not a streak it is BobnPi who's truck has over heat.