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

[DennisT]

Used, "search," a while back and someone on these forums liked the, "Curt," hitch for front-of-truck use better than DrawTite. Something to with mounting. I'm thinking I'd like a front hitch. Did it on my '99 Cherokee years ago and, although I don't use it a lot, I keep a trailer ball in it and it makes me a little more secure should someone back into me from the front. Same thinking now for my 1996 GMC K1500. Curt site says install in 30 minutes; no drilling. Reviews seem to agree. About 200-bucks for one. (Not real cheap). I'll end up calling Curt, but for now what I'd like is to hear is some feedback from users. Or, other brand references. The Curt model I looked at was: #31042. Also:
1. When installed, does it set level, or does the forward end, or snout, droop or point upward? (I'd like it level)
2. Would I have to cut a slot in lower ground effect spoiler or air dam plastic?
3. Can I keep my original license plate plastic mount?
4. Is it really no drilling?
5. I have a 3,000+ Warn winch I used with my old car trailer. Bolted to steel platform. Some folks use a front 2-inch receiver to mount such a winch for occasional use. I'd like comments on this idea.......since I already have the winch. But I would not leave it mounted on such an attachment as a trailer hitch.
As always, thanks for comments.

 

[Nad_Yvalhosert]

I work at a suspension shop and I remember a 400 truck that came in with a front hitch, though I cant remember the manufacturer.
1. The truck was rear end high, and the hitch was level.
2 & 3. The truck didnt have an air dam, I assume you WILL need to cut your air dam. It was right under the front license plate frame/bracket.
4. Looked like it mounted to the tow hook bolt holes.
5. I hope you're not planning on using a class 2 hitch, and a 3k winch as an extraction aid. You'd need one that is rated at 2-2.5 times the weight of the truck. Even a 10k rear trailer hitch is not up to the task.

 

[DennisT]

Thank you, Nad. I found the Curt installation diagram, and yes it does, in part anyway, use the tow hook bolt locations and appears to allow the hooks to remain. I never even considered using my winch and that type of mount to pull the truck out of a mud hole, etc. I might use it to yard a small log out of my windbreak, or things like that. Best use I've found for front mounts is to, "steer," a trailer into a tight space. Your comments were helpful

 

[jus10inbrla]

I made my own

 

[DennisT]

I like what you built. Wish I had that capability.

 

[Papablunt]

I have a Curt front hitch on my K2500. I don't know how the K1500 mounts are laid out, but this Curt fits perfect on mine. You have to remove the air dam and a few other things to get it in there.

 

[jus10inbrla]

Unbolted factory tow hooks, bolted in 2 2” receivers and put oversized shackles on . Then on goes the Warn 8274. I have anderson quick connects front and rear or truck so it can be swapped however i need it to.

 

[DennisT]

Wow. This is getting good. Papablunt, thanks for wonderful photos. Pretty much answered all my concerns. Without knowing any better, I guess a person could notch out the air dam and reinstall it around the hitch. Likely not worth it. And visually seeing the hitch crossmember I think can look fine in itself. I think Curt's part numbers are different from your 2500 to my 1500. Not sure why. They can probably tell me. Otherwise, it sure looks to be a bolt-right-on installation.

 

[DennisT]

Just10..., Thank you too, for your post. Extremely interesting, but I'm confused on a couple points: What is the significance of what appears to be a center, "notch," cut into the bottom of your bumper? Next, are you saying you did not install an production hitch, but rather mounted two separate 2-inch receivers? And finally, I am not familiar with Anderson Quick Connects. Guess I better look that up. Appears you have created a very versatile set up for your needs.

 

[evilunclegrimace]

I work at a suspension shop and I remember a 400 truck that came in with a front hitch, though I cant remember the manufacturer.
1. The truck was rear end high, and the hitch was level.
2 & 3. The truck didnt have an air dam, I assume you WILL need to cut your air dam. It was right under the front license plate frame/bracket.
4. Looked like it mounted to the tow hook bolt holes.
5. I hope you're not planning on using a class 2 hitch, and a 3k winch as an extraction aid. You'd need one that is rated at 2-2.5 times the weight of the truck. Even a 10k rear trailer hitch is not up to the task.

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