Anyone use a front hitch? - Diesel Forum

FJkai · 03-22-2010, 08:52 PM

Got a tight space for our 24-foot toyhauler (flaglot), now that I have the 2004 CC, long bed, things are impossible. Solution is to use a front hitch to just move the trailer in and out of it's spot, then un-hitch and use the rear hitch for towing of course. I'm concerned about a couple of things and was looking for some input/ experience. First, the trailer tongue weight is over 900 lbs. and the trailer loaded is about 10,400 lbs. (although it won't be loaded when it's being moved in and out of its spot). Most the front hitches I see are rated at 500 lbs. tongue weight and 9,000 lbs. line pull weight. This is just being used in the driveway to move in and out about 50 feet (unloaded) back and forth a couple of times, so is it possible to use a front hitch for this for the short amount of time and distance needed, or am I looking at needing to also use a weight distribution hitch to do it (I run one in the rear)? Also, I understand I need to remove the factory fog lights to run the front hitch, so has anyone run one of these experience any heating problems since there will be some obstruction in the bottom opening of the bumper? Thanks for any input/ advice.

RatherBNtheWoods · 03-22-2010, 09:24 PM

I use one for maneuvering my bassboat and utility trailers in super tight spots, but I don't about putting 900lbs on the front regardless of what the hitch is rated for. Sounds a bit heavy too me.

**MikeL46** · 03-22-2010, 10:56 PM

On the other hand, I wouldn't worry about the weight for manuvering. Think about a 500# tongue weight and hitting a big dip in the road - the hitch will take several times the 500# for a second or so. You weight will be static - no big bumps, no speed, no real wind drag to add in.

Do it. Be gentle and don't worry about it.

Mike

SMOKESKULL · 03-22-2010, 10:57 PM

THe one on my truck is made by Warn. If you have all the joints welded I dont see a problem with what you want to do. I think part of that load rating would have to do with overloading the front springs, but since you wont be going down the hiway I dont see a problem. THe Warn hitch I have is really heavy duty, just the bolts are pretty wimpy.

FJkai · 03-23-2010, 10:44 AM

Yeah, the hitch will be done right, it will be installed by the best shop in town so I'm not too concerned about that, mainly the tongue weight. The shop says for what I want to use it for it will be no problem, so I just wanted to poll some others and get their take. Thanks