Anyone running a Curt FRONT receiver hitch? Need opinions for my '96 K1500

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1989GMCSIERRA

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Why would a 10K trailer hitch not be up to the task of pulling out a truck that weighs 5-6 thousand pounds?
Maybe he means a heavily angled sideways pull. I’ve winched out trucks by using the rear hitch as a attachmen point. I have one of those hitch receivers with a Clovis for that purpose. I’ve never had a issue winching out vehicles by the hitch. And this was back when I had a winch that was on a removable receiver where I could mount it front or back.
 

evilunclegrimace

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Maybe he means a heavily angled sideways pull. I’ve winched out trucks by using the rear hitch as a attachmen point. I have one of those hitch receivers with a Clovis for that purpose. I’ve never had a issue winching out vehicles by the hitch. And this was back when I had a winch that was on a removable receiver where I could mount it front or back.
Yeah I was curious as to why he said that. A rear hitch is tied to both frame rails and unless the truck is making extremely violent pulls I don't see any issue with using the hitch as an attachment point to pull the truck out.
 

1989GMCSIERRA

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Yeah I was curious as to why he said that. A rear hitch is tied to both frame rails and unless the truck is making extremely violent pulls I don't see any issue with using the hitch as an attachment point to pull the truck out.
The only time it can be a issue is if you’re trying to pull more than the hitch is rated for or you’re doing some sideways really shallow degree pull with a heavy or stuck truck. I’ve seen plenty of people use the receiver mounted winches to pull people out. Plus you can use it to attach a bike rack or carry basket if you’re camping
 

tksoldierx

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I can’t remember what brand my 95 K1500’s front hitch is, but
1. No cutting or removal of air dam
2. No drilling - uses tow hook mounting holes
3. Sits level

Eventually I want to weld up a grille guard/step/hitch bottom out protector to put in the front hitch when I’m not using it, and I’d trust it to hold up with that in there 24/7. Has held up just fine to a few winters of plowing snow after North Dakota blizzards

I’ll go out n take a look at brand name later today
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Supercharged111

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2500 and 1500 frames are different. the angle at front is not the same, so if you get the wrong one the hitch will not be level.

The bumpers and valences all fit the same, you sure about that? I know the frame is beefier in the front where it's arched but I've always been under the impression that the last few inches up front is all the same. Sure looks to be between my 2 trucks.
 

Nad_Yvalhosert

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2500 and 1500 frames are different. the angle at front is not the same, so if you get the wrong one the hitch will not be level.
There's a difference between 4x4 and 2wd. The front of the 4x4 1500 and 2500 frames are dimensionally the same. The same snow plow fits both. The 3500 frame is different, thicker and about 2 inches taller.
 
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Nad_Yvalhosert

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Why would a 10K trailer hitch not be up to the task of pulling out a truck that weighs 5-6 thousand pounds?

Read, watch, download any intelligent offroad info. From Ian Johnson, to Peterson's Offroad Magazine, etc. They recommend a winch being used for extraction be:
A: rated at 2 to 2.5 times the weight of the truck. Your truck weighs 6k, your winch should be 15k.
B: and be directly bolted to the frame.
That's because 6000 lbs of rolling weight is well over 10k of "down to the axles stuck in the mud" weight.

Using a hitch as a winch mount puts all of the strength on the single 5/8" hitch pin. Now do you truly believe he "might use it to yard a small log out of my windbreak" as O.P. swears?
My suggestion is to "go big or go home" because to me, it sounds like he might just try tow a 30' travel trailer with a 1.25" class 2 hitch.

@DennisT also said his intended use was to steer/park a trailer with the front of his truck. A1 choice buddy! That's the best use for it.
 
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evilunclegrimace

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Read, watch, download any intelligent offroad info. From Ian Johnson, to Peterson's Offroad Magazine, etc. They recommend a winch being used for extraction be:
A: rated at 2 to 2.5 times the weight of the truck. Your truck weighs 6k, your winch should be 15k.
B: and be directly bolted to the frame.
That's because 6000 lbs of rolling weight is well over 10k of "down to the axles stuck in the mud" weight.

Using a hitch as a winch mount puts all of the strength on the single 5/8" hitch pin. Now do you truly believe he "might use it to yard a small log out of my windbreak" as O.P. swears?
My suggestion is to "go big or go home" because to me, it sounds like he might just try tow a 30' travel trailer with a 1.25" class 2 hitch.

@DennisT also said his intended use was to steer/park a trailer with the front of his truck. A1 choice buddy! That's the best use for it.
Typical 5/8" hitch pins are rated a 31,000 lbs
 
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