CBI Front Receiver Hitch

[Keith_PDX]

Finally got around to installing the CBI front receiver hitch. Overall pretty easy. Only modifications to the vehicle were a slight trim on the radiator air guide plastic thingamajiggy and the large hole behind the front license plate. Everything fit like a glove. Kudo's to CBI for their excellent work! Only feedback on this is to get the directions done, it would have probably saved me some time in a few spots figuring things out. Total install time by myself was 3.5 hours.

Primary usage will be basket or bike rack for camping. This way we don't have to have items in the way to use the rear storage/cooking unit. Most of my build is here.

Stock front:

Brace removed:

Lining things up:

Plastic to trim:

CBI front receiver bolted up:

Stock brace bolted to CBI receiver:

Stealthy!

Plate removed, basket in place. Plenty of front clearance for the overlanding/exploring we do:

 

[Rotorgeek]

I like that setup man.

 

[Belcher]

That looks awesome. How much did that set you back? I might need to have one of those. I would love one for a removable winch.

 

[flyrv9]

Makes it much easier to maneuver a trailer too - instead of backing up. Nice job.

 

[cutty01]

Makes it much easier to maneuver a trailer too - instead of backing up. Nice job.

I like how the hitch sits higher than the Curt Manufacturing version. Nice job concealing when it's not in use.

 

[Salvo Jimmy]

I like how the hitch sits higher than the Curt Manufacturing version. Nice job concealing when it's not in use.

Assume you are talking about the Curt 31054, but the Curt 31367 goes just under the front bumper so it's nearly as high as the CBI, with only a little more affect on approach angle and does not require all the removal/reinstall work. Thread below comparing the 2 Curts.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/213975-front-hitch-receiver.html

 

[Keith_PDX]

Assume you are talking about the Curt 31054, but the Curt 31367 goes just under the front bumper so it's nearly as high as the CBI, with only a little more affect on approach angle and does not require all the removal/reinstall work. Thread below comparing the 2 Curts.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/213975-front-hitch-receiver.html

I looked at that thread and physical tried out the new version. The original Curt was a boat anchor waiting for problems. The new one was better but not by much when I held it up to my trail model. It was still begging for problems. From a ground clearance and approach perspective there's no comparing either Curt to the CBI. The install was actually quite easy, taking the bumper off might look like a big deal in the pictures but it's not. Takes 20 minutes and only requires a small screwdriver and a 10mm ratchet.

 

[Belcher]

I just ordered mine over lunch...They are custom extending the receiver portion of mine out a couple inches further so that the pin is sitting just in front of the bumper and mine will be square on the end instead of slash cut. That way I can cut a smaller hole in the bumper and won't need a license plate to cover it. (We don't use front plates here in NC)

Great find...Thanks.

Chris

 

[NauticalWheeler]

Nice setup! Very clean!

Question for those in the know: Are there any front hitch setups available for the Limited version?

 

[e60ral]

How does this bolt up? I wonder if they can make this sturdy enough for a hitch mount winch

 

[kevinpt]

How does this bolt up? I wonder if they can make this sturdy enough for a hitch mount winch

the front mount hitch mounts to all the same mounts if not more then a off road bumper so yes you could put a winch on the front

 

[Ezlife45]

That looks sweet!

 

[dirtrunnerdave]

Wondering what length light bar you have installed?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Keith_PDX]

32", it's in my build thread somewhere.

:bounce:

By the way, this has turned out to be an EXCELLENT place to carry my Hi-Lift!

 

[dirtrunnerdave]

Thanks Keith... Both for your other build thread and this on...

Your post convinced me that the front receiver hitch is the way to go. Love that it is so stealth!

I was curious to know a few things about the install.... I love the hinged license plate. Did you fab up the hinged assembly yourself or was that part of the hitch mount from CBI.... Did you just figure it out as you went along or were there any instructions from CBI? If not, do you have any pointers for those that would like to duplicate what you did? Anything that you learned and would do differently?

Is it possible to put in the hitch pin without cutting such a big hole in the bumper? (I note that you have the basket mounted through the whole in the license plate holder so I was wondering how that worked with the flip up holder....)

Did the hitch mount come with instructions on hole placement and size or was that discovered with trial and error?

What did you use to cut the hole in the bumper?

Thanks for your help in advance on this. It will be my first "cut into the body" mod on my 2016 trail...

David Brix

 

[Keith_PDX]

Thanks Keith... Both for your other build thread and this on...

Your post convinced me that the front receiver hitch is the way to go. Love that it is so stealth!

I was curious to know a few things about the install.... I love the hinged license plate. Did you fab up the hinged assembly yourself or was that part of the hitch mount from CBI.... Did you just figure it out as you went along or were there any instructions from CBI? If not, do you have any pointers for those that would like to duplicate what you did? Anything that you learned and would do differently?

Is it possible to put in the hitch pin without cutting such a big hole in the bumper? (I note that you have the basket mounted through the whole in the license plate holder so I was wondering how that worked with the flip up holder....)

Did the hitch mount come with instructions on hole placement and size or was that discovered with trial and error?

What did you use to cut the hole in the bumper?

Thanks for your help in advance on this. It will be my first "cut into the body" mod on my 2016 trail...

David Brix

Hinge came with the kit. No directions, although they might have them now but I was one of the first kits out the door. There really was no need for them though, all pretty self explanatory. I dont have any recommendations. If you dont know how to take the bumper skin off I would recommend reading one of the few threads on that.

I cut the hole with a dremel and a cutting wheel for plastic. I wanted the hole as large as it could be without being seen when the license plate is closed so that I had plenty of hand room to get in there and attach a locking hitch pin or whatever else. If the plate covers the area, why make a smaller hole? I notched my license plate back-plate just so I could close it, not necessary just aesthetic.

Hope that helps.

 

[dirtrunnerdave]

Now I see.....

Thanks for the info.

That helps a bunch... Now I see that it is a notch and not a through hole. so flip up the plate, attach accessory, insert hitch pin, remove license plate and flip down the plate holder, store plate for rainy day! Very nicely done...

Cant' wait to get mine and install it.

 

[Scout04]

I just ordered mine over lunch...They are custom extending the receiver portion of mine out a couple inches further so that the pin is sitting just in front of the bumper and mine will be square on the end instead of slash cut. That way I can cut a smaller hole in the bumper and won't need a license plate to cover it. (We don't use front plates here in NC)

Great find...Thanks.

Chris

Did you get this installed yet and do you have pics? Very interested in the modified version.

 

[Belcher]

When I talked to CBI they have a spec sheet where they can extend the receiver portion forward so that the pin hole extends past the bumper. The end of the receiver is cut square instead of slanted. This does away with the license plate stealth look but allows you to not have to cut a larger hole in the plastic. Basically what you do is core a round hold or square hole that is about 2-2.5" and cover the edges with rubber trim for looks.

That is what I will be doing soon...I ordered mine but had to cancel the next day...had to do some work on my wife's car.

Don't really have any updates yet...its coming though.

Chris

 

[Scout04]

I installed the Curt 31367 this evening. Solid built receiver but still a bit disappointed in the overall design regarding mounting points. It seems more like a band aid than a genuinely well thought out solution. I wish the guys at CBI would look at it and come up with a different design to hang below like the Curt for those that don't want to do any body modifications but also something that had more mounting points without having to utilize the factory recovery points. The loops on the Curt are probably adequate for light recovery but they are in no way as rugged as the factory recovery points.