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carver 1 · 08-03-2015, 05:59 PM

I would like to install a front hitch on my 2015 4x4 Duramax Denali. All the hitch people around here tel me that a front hitch on my vehicle is contraindicated. On my previous 250 this is where I carried my bikes. Anybody with help or experience will be greatly appreciated.

>>ron<<

FishinHatteras · 08-03-2015, 06:26 PM

Seeing as how you have a workhorse of a truck, I would beg to differ with the folks that are telling you that. I'm sure a quck call to e-trailer would have one being sent your way in no time. You will have to cut a hole in your lower front dam to get it in there, but this is not a big deal. I have been looking at getting one myself. They are about 150 bones for a good one. I too would have to cut a small square hole in my front dam to install it. There are plenty of youtube videos that will show you how. I have not ordered one simply because I am looking to join the Duramax family now!
Gavin

Ted S. · 08-03-2015, 06:31 PM

Check out Bodiak.

Bodiak Front End Hitches

I have one and it is great. Takes 5 minutes to install, bolts onto tow hooks.

carver 1 · 08-03-2015, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FishinHatteras

Seeing as how you have a workhorse of a truck, I would beg to differ with the folks that are telling you that. I'm sure a quck call to e-trailer would have one being sent your way in no time. You will have to cut a hole in your lower front dam to get it in there, but this is not a big deal. I have been looking at getting one myself. They are about 150 bones for a good one. I too would have to cut a small square hole in my front dam to install it. There are plenty of youtube videos that will show you how. I have not ordered one simply because I am looking to join the Duramax family now!
Gavin

Checked out E- Trailer. The curt receiver on the Denali is very close to the ground once installed. The DT states that it is not to be used on the Denali. A much better idea is the Bodiak as the next writer indicates.

>>ron<<

carver 1 · 08-03-2015, 08:04 PM

Ted,

I'm assuming that I will loose the use of my tow hooks? I'll call Bodiak in the AM. Looks like the answer.

Thanks,

>>ron<<

Ted S. · 08-03-2015, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carver 1

Ted,

I'm assuming that I will loose the use of my tow hooks? I'll call Bodiak in the AM. Looks like the answer.

Thanks,

>>ron<<

Yes, that is the case. But you can remove the unit very quickly, it's just 2 bolts. I am quite pleased with mine. I went with the added lightbar

carver 1 · 08-03-2015, 08:27 PM

Ted,

Any possibility you could send a picture?

>>ron<<

Ted S. · 08-04-2015, 06:25 AM

Ron

Can you see this:

https://goo.gl/photos/c2DEs8HXg2TYr93z8

Ted S. · 08-04-2015, 06:26 AM

Its not a closeup, if i get over there today I will take a closer photo

FishinHatteras · 08-04-2015, 07:46 AM

I looked at the Bodiak, but I'm not seeing any specifications.
Did I miss them or just not spend enough time on their page?

m.hony · 08-04-2015, 10:55 AM

A front mounted bike rack is a good idea.
I looked on the Bodiak website and they apparently don't have one for a Tundra.
There are front hitches available for the Tundra.

RuneM46 · 08-04-2015, 11:36 AM

I' e been looking for the same, but nothing like the hitches that can be used to hook e.g a snowplow onto. Back in the -80s I had one that was hooked up to the driverside front frame which allowed maneuvering a trailer into thight spaced. Haven't seen something similar since. Anybody knows what I'm talking about and where to find one?

carver 1 · 08-04-2015, 07:22 PM

Ted,

Thanks for the picture. I ordered one today for my truck. Did not get the light bar. it looks cool, but an additional $80 will be put towards the new Mudflaps. Thanks again

>>ron<<

dgates1 · 08-04-2015, 08:28 PM

On the 2008 Tundra, a front hitch works fine for bikes. It does interfere with front differential oil changes. In a pinch we also used it to back the 28footer into right spots.
Davis

manook · 08-05-2015, 02:56 AM

I installed a Curt front hitch on my 2014 chevy Silverado 1500. The only problem was it was 2" lower then the front shroud and I kept grinding it on driveways. So I had the receiver moved from below the cross member to above the cross member, and I had to cut a square hole in the front shroud. I will be using it for 1, moving a trailer, 2, a bike rack 3, Winch mount 4. the front rising section of a canoe/long pipe rack. It works great and I will post a pic tomorrow. I do not know if this will work for you, But I hope I helped.

airdreamers · 08-05-2015, 06:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carver 1

I would like to install a front hitch on my 2015 4x4 Duramax Denali. All the hitch people around here tel me that a front hitch on my vehicle is contraindicated. On my previous 250 this is where I carried my bikes. Anybody with help or experience will be greatly appreciated.

>>ron<<

So Ron,

When did you upgrade to a Denali? I put an E-Trailer front hitch on my Suburban and seems to do the trick for me for the bike. Jan and I looked at a Denali on Saturday but our head turned at another Suburban?? Not sure whether to pull the trigger or what. We are happy with what we have but you never know!

ghaynes755 · 08-05-2015, 08:39 AM

Ron would be interested in seeing your setup with the Bodiak. I saw no pictures on their website of a Duramax Denali for 2015. Just a text line saying they had something. Most of the photos were Fords.

m.hony · 08-05-2015, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dgates1

On the 2008 Tundra, a front hitch works fine for bikes. It does interfere with front differential oil changes. In a pinch we also used it to back the 28footer into right spots.
Davis

Sounds like a great solution for me. I have a 2 wheel drive Tundra.
Brand? Price?

Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums

Wingeezer · 08-05-2015, 01:16 PM

Have one on a Sierra 2500HD diesel - I would have thought that it would have been pretty much similar to the Denali arrangement.

The only problem I found with the installation on the 2500 compared to my previous 1500 is that the received comes out much higher - midway up the front license plate area!

On my 1500 it came out below the bumper.

This meant two things ..........

(1) I had to cut and re-weld my bike rack, otherwise the bikes would have been way too high and in my field of vision. Now, I can just barely see the handle bars and seat tops so I know the bikes are still there and properly secured.

(2) Because we require front license plates here, I had to make an adapter that would go into the receiver when the bikes are not being carried and would position the license plate in its original location. When I carry the bikes, my license plate holder goes into a bracket I welded to the bottom of the bike rack.

It all works well enough, however because of the higher location of the front hitch receiver on the 2500 I need to carry a tarp and lie on the ground under the front of the truck to get up under the rear of the bumper to get to the hitch pin that secures the bike rack - a minor annoyance!

Still happy with carrying the bikes that way though!

Brian.

leedav · 08-05-2015, 01:36 PM

Have one on my 05 Yukon XL. They said the tow hooks would not be able to be used but I was able to finagle them back in place anyway. Had to cut a square hole in the little chin spoiler for the receiver, no big deal. 10 years and holding.