I was planning on installing the factory tow hooks on my truck, but I now think a front hitch would be a better solution.

I know that both Curt and Draw-Tite make a front hitch, but I'd like to hear from others which one seems to mount more solidly and is a better product overall.

Suggestions? Thanks.

Sent from my DROID X2 using Tapatalk

 

I changed my mind. I got home from work and looked at the front of the frame rails. There is a 1/8" + thick cross member between the very front of both frame rails. I think you'd have to pull REAL hard sideways against a tow hook before you there was any problem. Sure, you could pull the tow hook bracket from it's mounting point, but I think you'd have to be REAL stuck first. I can always weld a piece of steel across the two tow hook brackets so that they were one large bracket assembly.

 

The only advantage to a front receiver is also being able to put a ball in it and use it to back trailers into really tight spots, otherwise the tow hooks should suffice.

 

I have a curt front hitch and like it. I got it off amazon. I have only used it once and it worked good. I also have a winch to go in a 2" hitch too. I put in on may 98 but am thinking abut building a new bumper and changing the hitch to the 96.

 

I installed a Reese Towpower front receiver for a fellow and couldn't help but notice how similar it was to this indispensable item> http://www.solidsteel.biz/

About all you would need to do is weld the receiver tube to it.

 

Hey Infidel, I was thinkin about that too, its stout enough and probably wouldn't hang down too low.

Being able to use a winch in the receiver mount is a nice option to having one also.

 

Way I see it is every Ram should have the steering stabilizer, they save money in the long run and should have come stock on every truck.
You have to use the same mounting bolt locations for the stabilizer as you do for a front hitch (or tow hooks) so why not just combine the two?
The stabilizer is plenty strong enough.

 

I agree.

 

Does the steering stabilizer get in the way of installing the factory tow hooks or vice versa?

Sent from my DROID X2 using Tapatalk

 

No.

 

I have a Curt front hitch on mine. I already had the steering stabilizer And did not like the idea of those same four bolts do a third job.

The Curt hitch mounts around And to the frame rails, And tucks up amidst completely behind my factory air dam, I had to notch it out for the receiver to stick through, but it totally blends in

I have used it as a winch mount, worked great. And to back trailers. I was amazed at the places I could get a trailer into that was impossible using the rear hitch. I even backed one in using the front And tried to pull it back out using the rear, And could not do it.

Very happy with it, if you tow at all this is definitely one if The best things you can put on your truck.

 

I've had both a Draw-tite receiver and a steering stabilizer on my truck for over eight years and it's worked out great. Both add to the better steering and the receiver comes in very handy for towing and I made a platform out of metal & wood that I can stand on to work on the engine. The receiver is much better then hooks for about the same amount of cash. Using both only requires longer bolts.