Selecting the best option for front mounted hitch for bikes

[SilverEagle6]

TV is 2014, F-250 Super Duty Super Crew 4x4 with 20" wheels. I trying to determine the best hitch option for carrying two bikes. Rack is a Saris Freedom with tray mount.

Hitch Options:

Bodiak --- easily mounts to tow hooks, concerned it is too high. Reviews on the hitch are good, but for my truck and two adult bikes, I'm concerned it may impede my visibility

Curt -- there versions, below the front fasci rubber, mounted through the front fasci rubber, or mounted and comes through the air vent at about the same level as the Bodiak, I'm concerned the lower version is too low and the air vent version is too high and I hate to cut through the rubber fasci, but that may be the best option.

I would like to hear the input from anyone who has used any of these on a Ford F-250. If there are other front hitch options please offer those up.

FYI- truck cap has kayaks, bed is full, don't want anything in the trailer.

Thanks,

[tsunami]

Not on an F250, but it's a front mount hitch with a Hollywood bike rack. There is a threaded rod through the front of bike rack that the hitch pin slides though to tighten the rack down so it won't vibrate.


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[tsunami]

Removed the seats for visibility and use lower driving lights.


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[dkottum]

Are you familiar with the Airstream Fiamma rack on the back of the trailer. We've been using it for several years and it works very well, bikes stay clean, easy to use.

[SilverEagle6]

Not interested in the Fiamma, just front hitches.

[Edistobob]

Sorry, not a F250, but I do use a front 2-bike Swagman rack on our 2008 Expedition. I also remove the seats for travel and have no issue with visibility. Generally don't travel at night, but obstruction to the headlights is minimal.

[sheriff1]

I just ordered the curt for my F350, I'll update when I install it.


2015 F350 CC 4X4 6.7 Diesel
2010 27FB Silver Cloud "The Silver Spoon"

[SilverEagle6]

Bob, which hitch did you use and what is the height of the receiver bar from the ground?

Sheriff, thanks, please let me know and pictures would be great.

[n2916s]

Been carrying my two Treks on the front of my Nissan Titan for ten years now. I pull the seats and drop the handle bars (one bolt on the Treks) and there is no visibility problem.

They do get "buggy" though and I douse them with Corrossion X on occasion as well.

Mike

[Edistobob]

Silver eagle, I use the Swagman XC2 and the bottom of the receiver is about ten inches off the ground.

[msmcv51]

I use a drop down hitch adapter on my F250 with front hitch. Vision is not obstructed and seats and handle bars stay on the bikes.

[SilverEagle6]

msmcv51, what type hitch do you have on the front?

[msmcv51]

I went to a parts place called Truck and Van Land, they got it in for me. It mounts to the front of the frame stubs. I had to drop the bumper and tow rings to install, then replace the tow rings and bumper. I will try to upload pictures later once it gets light.

[SilverEagle6]

Thanks, I am most interested in the height of the hitch from the grind and distance of your rack's upright support from the grille/bumper.

[msmcv51]

Originally Posted by SilverEagle6

msmcv51, what type hitch do you have on the front?

unable to upload picture. E-mail me at m.s.mcv@sbcglobal.net and I will send them back to you.

[akjam]

I mounted one of these - Curt Front Hitch - 2" Receiver- Part#: CU-31018 - on the front of my F250. The bottom of the receiver is 10" off the ground. We used the bike rack with it last weekend and didn't like it much so I am having mods done to the bike rack.

We are using an older Thule that has a feature that allows it to swing down when mounted on the rear. That allows too much play and we didn't like the bike swaying back and forth as we are going down the road. The bikes also are above the hood and we didn't like it. I took the bike rack to a machine shop and they are going to weld up the hinged section to stop the movement and cut 9" out of the post. We'll see if we like that any better.

Not sure yet if this is going to solve the problem but with regards to the Curt hitch, is was easy to install with no modifications to the truck.
Jim

[usera9202]

Have a trailer hitch mounted on the front of your truck. If you can't find one for your model, go to a farm store that does welding and they'll make one. There are many many bike carriers that fit in a trailer hitch. And, did you know, it's much easier to put a trailer in a tight spot when hitched to the front. You can turn shorter and see better. All farmers know that.

[m.hony]

I have the Curt front receiver on my Tundra. It was $100. It bolted up in literally 10-15 minutes. Unbolt the tow hooks, put the receiver between the frame and tow hooks, bolt tow hooks back- easy-
The bike rack ends up nearly dead level with the front bumper because it has a slight upward bend/curve. There are no issues with bottoming out or anything like that.

[glcmranger]

John: See my email I sent you. Suggest using the Curt adapter but upside down to get the carrier lower...

[SilverEagle6]

glcmranger .... Thanks Sue.

akjam ----- are you cutting off 9" from the rack upright because of visibility?