Anyone running a front mounted receiver hitch?

[Dolbs4082]

I've only been stuck once in my life (in my own vehicle, been with plenty of buddies that got stuck lol), and that was when i was with my fiance (at the time, now shes my wife). It was Christmas day, both boys were at my parents and we decided to take a back road. Snow was way to deep for the ole exploder and we got stuck. Ended up waiting several hours to find someone with a truck that would pull us out.


Ever since then im super cautious about mud and snow. Well, now that i've got a sport trac, i'd like to trust the truck a little more and really see what she's capable of. In doing so i want to know that if i get stuck, i will get myself out. Which is why im going to be ordering a winch. I've read that 8k is big enough, i'd rather get a 9k incase i have to help someone else out...

I want to be able to use it on the front or rear of the truck when the time comes. So i've been looking at installing a front receiver. I've talked about building one myself, but Im now thinking about just ordering one on line... i see that they can be bought for 150-250 dollars and have a 9k+ straight line pull load on them.

What im scared about is, i've already lifted the truck 3" via body lift and 2" via TT/Shackles. So if i install the front receiver where its supposed to go, its going to be right in the center of the lower valance grill.

I love that idea, but it worries me that i'll be blocking the air flow to the radiators... am i wrong in thinking this?

What are ya'lls thoughts on the front hitches? 99% of the time i'll just have a nice d-ring in the receiver that can be used to pull vehicles out if need be (will have a d-ring on the front and rear receiver at all times unless the winch is in use or towing a trailer).

 

[2TimingTom]

While not a Sport Trac:

But yes, I've had the same thoughts about a winch. I don't have one yet, but I plan to get some kind of tray winch and possibly loading it with synthetic line to keep the weight down. Makes a bunch of sense to have the versatility to be able to pull yourself out either forward or backward depending on the situation.

And you got stuck in the snow in Hillsboro, KS? Must have been a drift. The 5 years I lived in Wichita, I think the total snow fall in that time is about a typical year in Denver.

 

[01STrunner]

Tom do you have a BL?

 

[2TimingTom]

Tom do you have a BL?

Yep- 2".

 

[MidnightRebel07]

Honestly you'd be better off doing this with your truck instead of a hitch, jmo. Check out the hidden winch project, it's easier then it looks.

http://www.mysporttrac.com/shared/projects.asp?TYPE=Off%20Road&PageHeader=Member%20Projects

I already modified an ARB winch bumper to fit my lifted Trac, now I'm getting ready to install my 12k lb. winch.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=372731

 

[01STrunner]

Yep- 2".

Did you have to fab up brackets to make the hitch bolt to the frame or did it have enough play?

 

[01STrunner]

Honestly you'd be better off doing this with your truck instead of a hitch, jmo. Check out the hidden winch project, it's easier then it looks.

http://www.mysporttrac.com/shared/projects.asp?TYPE=Off%20Road&PageHeader=Member%20Projects

That's where I saw that project! Really cool idea he had with the hidden winch. The only problem I can think of is getting to the engage lever if ever needed.

 

[2TimingTom]

Did you have to fab up brackets to make the hitch bolt to the frame or did it have enough play?

No. But the front bumper was custom built, including the hitch, to match the lift.

 

[MidnightRebel07]

You just reach into the opening of the bumper cover and turn the handle.

I like the idea of having the winch hidden for theft protection, the weather and it reminds me of the old and new Dodge Power Wagons with the hidden winch.

 

[Dolbs4082]

While not a Sport Trac:

But yes, I've had the same thoughts about a winch. I don't have one yet, but I plan to get some kind of tray winch and possibly loading it with synthetic line to keep the weight down. Makes a bunch of sense to have the versatility to be able to pull yourself out either forward or backward depending on the situation.

And you got stuck in the snow in Hillsboro, KS? Must have been a drift. The 5 years I lived in Wichita, I think the total snow fall in that time is about a typical year in Denver.

LOL! yea, got stuck in hillsboro... a back road where the road was lower then the two pastures on the sides... snow filled up level, and i didnt realize it til it was too late.

 

[Dolbs4082]

I've read threw that thread about the hidden hitch in the front bumper several times. I love that idea, but i also really like the idea of being able to pull from the rear as well as the front.

 

[theluke19]

..i also really like the idea of being able to pull from the rear as well as the front.

I could be wrong, but I've read that powering it heavily in reverse (much less while pulling someone out who is stuck) is bad for your drivetrain - so unless you mean 'pulling with a winch' , I'd advise against this.

Getting pulled from the front is different and shouldn't hurt- for instance, if you were the one stuck, and getting pulled out.


I've also been looking at getting a front-mount hitch, so I could mount a Winch, and it be removable (store it while in the city)- but I've run into the issue that my brushguard is blocking the exit point of the hitch. I'm sure there is one out there that may work, but I haven't really had much luck in finding one.

 

[ChallengerDave]

I will be doing that hidden winch in my truck as soon as I have saved up enough funds. Very very soon. Looks like there is nothing to it. I wanted to do a front hitch but I really dont wana lug the winch around when I need it. But I want it to be there when I need it.

 

[01STrunner]

No. But the front bumper was custom built, including the hitch, to match the lift.

Duh. Idiot me I didnt make the connection before I asked.

And rebel yeah I guess that would work. Just wasn't sure if the opening is really big enough for a hand to get behind there. Guess it is if he did it.

 

[MidnightRebel07]

If needed you can simply trim alittle of the plastic opening to make it easier to reach in there. You wouldn't see the cuts that have been trimmed since it would be on the top of the opening.

 

[Dolbs4082]

I could be wrong, but I've read that powering it heavily in reverse (much less while pulling someone out who is stuck) is bad for your drivetrain - so unless you mean 'pulling with a winch' , I'd advise against this.

No, i ment being able to pull (use the winch) from the front or the rear. as in pull myself out of stuck places using the winch. Because i know that when i was stuck in the old explorer, pulling from the front would have done no good. I had to be pulled from the rear. It would have been nice to just hook up the winch and pull myself backwards...

 

[Ratbiker]

i have a front receiver hitch on my trac. bought it at the local autoparts store for less then 200bones it adds a nice touch to the vehicle and i have used it many times. i really enjoy it, and knowing how flimsy the front frame horns are on these trucks, it bolts them both together and acts like a brace to strengthen it well.

heres a close pic of my receiver (pre-lift)

 

[traveler]

Reviving an old thread because... ah heck just cause..

Etrailer.com has this: https://www.etrailer.com/Front-Hitch/Ford/Explorer/2000/C31051.html?vehicleid=2000306809

Should just about be a bolt in operation. Of course I believe it rides kinda low so...

I'm considering a front hitch as getting our Camper in and out of our fenced in back yard can be a real challenge. With a front mounted hitch it should be a lot easier.

 

[N2FORD]

I made my own front hitch from a rear hitch I found in the junkyard. It does help when backing, thought about making one for my Expedition which is what I tow with more than the ST.