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RiggerWings
Joined: Wed Nov 15th, 2017
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I figure I could do a front mount hitch and have a cradle mounted winch and plug so I could use it front or rear. But, what hitches have you guys used that bolt up and put the receiver in the bumper opening? The old Hidden Hitch model is no longer produced.
Next, I found this frame mount that goes behind the bumper, so it's unnoticeable from the front. That sounds the best to me.
http://www.jcwhitney.com/1985-2011-ford-ranger/superwinch-winch-mount/p3071406d658y1985-2011j1.jcwx?year=2011&filterid=g80#ProductDetails
I know it says it's a hitch mount but it says it bolts directly to the frame. But there's no fairleads and on a plastic valence there's no place to mount fairleads.
I've searched and found lots of pics and info, but it's all custom fab/welded stuff.
I've seen a few where some guys mounted a hitch up front upside down and it works...but what's that hitch pat number or what vehicle is it meant for? Is it the Curt hitch referenced below?
A google search of new items only shows a front hitch (etrailer.com) where the receiver is below the bumper. A: That looks stupid and B: It's way to low and would hang up while off-roading.
There has to be something made for our trucks to allow a winch mount or front hitch without welding and fabing it.
I wouldn't mind learning to weld, but I don't want to spend more on tools to fab this than the whole system will cost anyway.
Anyone have any information?
Curt Hitch:
https://www.etrailer.com/Front-Hitch/Ford/Ranger/2011/C31063.html?vehicleid=20114894
Instructions:
https://assets.curtmfg.com/masterlibrary/31063/installsheet/CM_31063_INS.pdf
____________________
-John
2011 Ranger Sport 4x4, daily
2008 Mustang GT, garage queen
2013 Mazda CX5, grocery getter
2018 Harley Davidson Road Glide Special, the toy