Front bumper hitch for "parking"

Am interested in finding a source for a hitch that would attach to the front bumper of my '06 Tundra. Should make parking much easier!

[2blueranger]

I ordered mine on line from etrailer.com. Haul my bicycles from it.

[commodor47]

jcjim4,

Try these two sources:

http://www.drawtite-hitches.com/fron...mount_main.htm

http://www.etrailer.com/fitguidefmr.htm

Dick

[Leslie & Nick]

Originally Posted by 2blueranger

I ordered mine on line from etrailer.com. Haul my bicycles from it.

Besides hauling bicycles, what advantages does a front mounted bumper hitch provide? Does the hitch allow for easier maneuvering in tight parking/storage situations? I looked at the etrailer.com site, and installation looks pretty easy.

I only have a couple of inches of clearance on my garage door and, yes, a front hitch allows tighter maneuvering and lets you see exactly where your TM is vis-a-vis hard objects. I've towed boats for years and am confident in by trailer backing skill but still occasionally use the front hitch to back in to a site if I don't have a spotter. It is a great place to carry a bike rack as you can see the bikes at all times and don't need to worry about backing a little too close to something. A friend bought a Yakima boat carrier for his front hitch and is now able to carry a kayak when towing his fifth wheel. - Camp2Canoe

appreciate the source info. I find it much easier, safer, and quicker to be looking forward while parking in tight places. Also, a senior citizens neck appreciates it also!

thanks Commodor47, I just ordered a DrawTite. It ships at 41 lbs. Hope I can install it without too much trouble.

[commodor47]

Originally Posted by jcjim4

thanks Commodor47, I just ordered a DrawTite. It ships at 41 lbs. Hope I can install it without too much trouble.

Glad you found the links useful. I had no problem installing my DrawTite front receiver. Did you print out the installation instructions? Nice to see what is involved (ahead of time). In my case, I had to remove the front bumper and wind guard. Also had to remove two plastic rivets on each front fender. Two of the three receiver (per side) mounting holes lined up with the frame . . . had to drill one new hole on each side. Those plastic rivets (the OEM ones) can be pricey. And they don't readily fit in the standard rivet gun. I did find a way to install the replacement plastic rivets using a pair of channel locks and vice grips (saved purchasing one of those expensive plastic rivet guns).

Good luck with the installation.

Dick

A front hitch is invaluable for backing your TM into tight spots (storage). But before you were to do damage to your power steering pump, you may need to have the weight distributing bars attached to the the front hitch. The weight of the TM on my front end was too heavy and caused the seals of my power steering to burst. It cost a small fortune to replace the seals, plus steering oil was all over everything.

Hal

Will keep the power steering impact in mind when I do the installation.