RE: Anyone Use a Front End Hitch?

[Wayfarer]

 Anyone use a front end trailer hitch for spotting their PU in close situations?  An wondering how difficult it would be to install a front-end hitch on my 2000 F150.  Used to have one years ago that clamped to front bumper (in the 1960 s when we had real bumpers!) and it made handling a boat trailer a lot easier when launching and later when parking at home.  What is available now?  Are they difficult to install, etc.  Appreciate any input.
 
 NOTE:  Saw one listed in J.C.Whitney Truck catalog for $99.95 + freight.  Does that sound about right?
 
 EDIT 4/28:  Might add that the Whitney hitch is not " One size fits all;"  rather, they have a long list and you find your particular year and make, etc.,...  The Reece list hitches for various models through  99 only.  Draw-tite has a local dealer so I ll check through them.

[Turn Key]

 Wayfarer
Have heard of some doing this but can t remember the last time I saw it done.  I believe most, if not all, were " custom"  jobs at least of late.
 
 PS: If Whitney has it for $99 and it will bolt on in some way, that s the way I d go if I wanted to do it.

[Ab Diver]

 Wayfarer
That s wierd, I was just looking at  the same thing for my crew-cab, since it s front end takes so much room to steer a trailer when backing it around a corner. Great minds, eh?
 
 Dunno how hard it would be to install, but a " one size fits all"  product seems like it would be a PITA compared to one specifically designed for your particular rig. It shouldn t be any harder to install than the Mannik " push bumper / brush guard"  I added to the front of my truck. If you don t have a brush guard like I do, it should be a simple bolt-on.  I m going to need some more research, cuz it looks as though having one excludes having the other, since (in my case) they both bolt to the same part of the frame.
 
 Anyway, take a look at Draw-Tite s web page: go to towing products, then Front Mounted Recievers, then plug in your year, make, and model. Dunno about price, but it looks like a " PN 65025"  will fit your truck. 9000 lbs. line pull rating, 500 lbs. tongue weight rating. I think it ll handle your pop-up. []
 
 http://www.draw-tite.com/

[mike4947]

 Wayfarer
Both DrawTite and Reese have a pretty complete selection of bolt on front receivers. They re mostly seen on TV s towing boats. They keep the drive wheels of the TV out of the water and on dry land for traction.
 But they do work well for spotting PU s and TT s. It takes a little time to rehitch to the front, but (at least in the case of our extended camping family) it helps eliminate multiple trys at backing in and over the years I sure it s saved us from a few dents as well.

[never2poopd2pop]

 Wayfarer
Having a front hitch is an outstanding option and well worth the expense in my opinion.