4th gen front hitch + cargo basket

[xxaarraa]

I looked for information about a front hitch for our 4th gens, but surprisingly didn't find too many threads. So wanted to post my experience here for future reference.

I tow my motorcycles to the race track all summer, so the rear hitch is occupied. I have a race wheel carrier and awning mounted to the roof rack so there is no room on the roof. My 100 lb dog has commandeered the interior cargo area. So I was out of options!! I was looking for a front hitch, so that I could run a cargo basket in the front.

Curt front receiver:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000JI841K/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

18" extender. I am running an Avid light bar so wanted enough extension to clear everything. 18" is plenty. I could have gotten away with just 12" extension.
Amazon.com: CURT Manufacturing 45796 2" Receiver Extender: Automotive

HEre is the cargo basket I bought from bass pro:

Hitch Haul® Aluma-Haul? | Bass Pro Shops

Everything went surprisingly smoothly. I had to remove my light bar that is also mounted to the front frame rail, install the hitch receiver, then reinstall the lightbar (with a few spacers for 4 of the bolts). But they both fit and play nicely with each other, which I was pleasantly surprised by.

Here is the receiver and cargo basket in action:

 

[KidVermicious]

Bigger trailer wasn't an option? I think I would have had the tongue extended and mounted a basket there.

 

[xxaarraa]

Bigger trailer wasn't an option? I think I would have had the tongue extended and mounted a basket there.

No, a bigger trailer was not an option. This kendon as it is barely fits in my condo parking space - when it folds and stands upright, roof height is a consideration for me.

 

[4x4mike]

What about something like this as an option?

My utility trailer has a long tongue as the front of the trailer folds down to add longer cargo. With one of the above attachments I have reason to believe I could tow the trailer without problems while having my hitch basket installed.

As it is I can't open my hatch with most things I put in the basket. This is where the rear window roll down is very helpful.

 

[MarkinWMich]

I am considering a front hitch, as well, mainly for a hitch-mounted winch, but also for one of those hitch-mounted grills for when we camp, or are tailgaiting at sporting events. I never even considered a front cargo basket, are those even legal? I've never seen one, to be honest.

 

[xxaarraa]

What about something like this as an option?

My utility trailer has a long tongue as the front of the trailer folds down to add longer cargo. With one of the above attachments I have reason to believe I could tow the trailer without problems while having my hitch basket installed.

As it is I can't open my hatch with most things I put in the basket. This is where the rear window roll down is very helpful.

I have a large 100 lb dog that travels with me to the race track and he sits in the cargo area. Not being able to use the rear hatch is a deal breaker for me.

 

[xxaarraa]

I am considering a front hitch, as well, mainly for a hitch-mounted winch, but also for one of those hitch-mounted grills for when we camp, or are tailgaiting at sporting events. I never even considered a front cargo basket, are those even legal? I've never seen one, to be honest.

Not sure they are legal or not. I think there is a grey area - my research reveals that the license plate should be visible at all times, and that the headlights and turn signals should not be obstructed. I plan on relocating my license plate to the front of the cargo basket when I haul stuff, and my lights/signals will always be visible. I don't see why it won't be legal, but have to get more miles under my belt before I know for sure.

Yeah, I haven't seen this too often. That's never a reason to not try something

 

[m85476585]

They might fail Massachusetts inspection (but just take it off when you go for inspection)

(12) Bumpers, Fenders, External Sheet Metal and Fuel Tank. A Certificate of Rejection shall 
be issued if any of the following conditions are evident: 
(a) Bumpers. Broken or bent bumpers, fenders, exterior sheet metal or moldings, having 
sharp edges or abnormal protrusions extending beyond normal vehicle extremities so as to 
constitute a danger to pedestrians and other motor vehicle traffic. If bumper face plates are 
removed, bumper brackets must also be removed. On vehicles equipped with air bags, the 
front bumpers may not be removed. The vehicle hood, door(s), luggage compartment lid, 
and battery or engine compartment doors or lids, if so equipped, must operate as originally 
designed.

 

[kevinpt]

I am considering a front hitch, as well, mainly for a hitch-mounted winch, but also for one of those hitch-mounted grills for when we camp, or are tailgaiting at sporting events. I never even considered a front cargo basket, are those even legal? I've never seen one, to be honest.

i have a cbi front hitch. keeps the front hitch like those from curt from being the first thing you hit off road. right now i got lights mounted to it but have put other things in it and really like the build quality

 

[xxaarraa]

Yes, I considered the CBI - I called and spoke to Nathan. He said their hitch doesn't play well with my avid light bar.

Yes, you are likely to drag the front receiver on sharp approaches. Being lifted does help.

Yes, I will be removing the cargo basket when not in use, especially when I go to get an inspection sticker. Geez!

No, I don't get all the skepticism. This place is about trying new ideas and sharing them.

 

[MarkinWMich]

Yes, I considered the CBI - I called and spoke to Nathan. He said their hitch doesn't play well with my avid light bar.

Yes, you are likely to drag the front receiver on sharp approaches. Being lifted does help.

Yes, I will be removing the cargo basket when not in use, especially when I go to get an inspection sticker. Geez!

No, I don't get all the skepticism. This place is about trying new ideas and sharing them.

Given that this is a forum, every member has the right to respond, even if their response is total BS. So, sometimes you have to let some of the responses slide and not give it a second thought. You shared an innovative approach to carrying cargo...which is great, I think we all appreciate it. It stimulated some thoughts, questions, concerns, and conversation,...as it should. No worries, my friend, keep posting.:thumb:

 

[m85476585]

I think it's an interesting idea, and I wonder why more people don't carry cargo in the front. I've seen some front bike racks, and those would be a great way to increase the bike carrying capacity of a vehicle.

I pointed out the inspection rules to add some information on the legality of it. I think it's a gray area even as the rule is written. Plus, I don't know if you can be stopped/ticketed on the street for something that would fail inspection (I'm guessing you probably can). Technically anything attached to the hitch on the rear of the vehicle could fail inspection, too, since it doesn't specify front or rear bumpers. Cargo on the front seems a bit less safe than having it on the rear, but it's not any worse than a winch and/or metal bumper.

 

[NuclearN8]

I :bravo: your innovative solution a problem you had to solve.
Necessity is the mother of invention as it's been said...

I'm curious, how it handles when loaded out like that?
It's gotta feel like it's hunting for steering, especially at higher speeds...
I can't imagine if you get a strong crosswind at highway speeds, that may get hairy, no?

 

[kevinpt]

Yes, I considered the CBI - I called and spoke to Nathan. He said their hitch doesn't play well with my avid light bar.

Yes, you are likely to drag the front receiver on sharp approaches. Being lifted does help.

Yes, I will be removing the cargo basket when not in use, especially when I go to get an inspection sticker. Geez!

No, I don't get all the skepticism. This place is about trying new ideas and sharing them.

i will say the cost of the cbi hitch is twice what your hitch is so thats one down side to cbi. its all about what YOU want for your rig. not saying cbi is a better option just a different one for those that look at this thread. i can also confirm the the avid light bar will not work with a cbi front hitch. i helped a friend install one and i compared the mounts. with some work or fab i think you could do it but it would be a lot better with your option. all in all its great to see more people getting front mount hitches

 

[T101]

OP, Can you post a picture without the basket and extender hooked up?

 

[Brutalguyracing]

op
i like it
using mine this weekend as well
this is how i tow my bike

 

[txclimber]

I also have a front hitch. It's awesome. Not sure why it's not getting much love on this thread.

I originally thought I would only use it for my bike rack when I was towing my camper too. Not true. I almost always put my bike there now.

1) Easier to keep an eye on
2) Access rear hatch without removing bikes
3) I decide if a crash ruins my way too expensive bike, not the dumb ass behind me

 

[xxaarraa]

OP, Can you post a picture without the basket and extender hooked up?

 

[xxaarraa]

I :bravo: your innovative solution a problem you had to solve.
Necessity is the mother of invention as it's been said...

I'm curious, how it handles when loaded out like that?
It's gotta feel like it's hunting for steering, especially at higher speeds...
I can't imagine if you get a strong crosswind at highway speeds, that may get hairy, no?

Did a 700 mile trip this weekend with about 100 lbs of cargo in the front. Didn't even feel like anything was in the front. I suppose if you loaded it to max capacity (500 lbs), you are likely to feel it in the front end, but even then, I doubt it. When I have my dirt bike hanging off the back hitch, I hardly feel its there. I think our trucks are heavy and well planted for a well mounted 500 lbs to make a big difference.

 

[xxaarraa]

i will say the cbi hitch is twice what your hitch is.

I don't understand your silly antagonism. Yeah, I like CBI products too. I run their frame sliders and they make quality products.

In my application, the CBI did not work with my light bar. Besides, even if it did, I wouldn't want my cargo mounted up that high right in front of my radiator blocking air flow.

Good for you to have gotten the CBI. Now work on the rest of your truck. A lift kit and tires might be a suggestion I would make, looks like you are sitting pretty low to get any use out of a CBI hitch (a winch isn't of much use in your truck as it stands).