Front Receiver Hitches
Buyer’s Guide, Comparison and Advice
Front receiver hitches add a lot of functionalities to your vans or trucks. Yet, getting hitches that don’t fit well to your purpose or your vehicle may just put all those benefits down the drain.
We understand that. We know just how important it is to choose the right front receiver hitch.
Shopping for this product can get a little challenging. With the number of companies manufacturing this product nowadays, the options have increased significantly which makes the shopping quest even more stressful and confusing.
Lucky for you, we’ve already done the hard work for you and spent days reviewing several front receiver hitches. We’ve narrowed down the choices into the top ten products.
We’ll run through the benefits and drawbacks to help you arrive at a smart buying decision.
But first, what exactly is a front receiver hitch?
What is a front receiver hitch?
It is an enhancement that you can install on the front end of your vehicle. The front receiver hitch allows you to attach accessories that could add functionality and purpose to your truck or other vehicles.
What are its different uses?
A simple product they may seem, but these hitches can be used in many different ways. Some of the uses include the following:
- It can hold the cargo carrier to add more space for extra cargo.
- It can be used to mount a winch.
- It can hitch up your boat trailer at the boat ramp to help you control the trailer better as you launch.
- It can be used for towing applications.
5. It can be used to mount a snowplow.
What should you consider when buying front receiver hitches?
Shopping for front receiver hitches can be quite challenging. One wrong choice and you can end up spending more time and energy installing the product. Worse, you may end up not being able to use the hitch for your vehicle at all.
Here are some of the things you should keep in mind when buying front receiver hitches:
Capacity
What are you going to use the hitch for? What are you going to attach to it? Is it going to be too heavy? When choosing a front receiver hitch, you should always check its capacity and strength. How much weight can it hold?
After all, one of the main purposes of hitches is to add more space for your cargo. You wouldn’t want your stuff falling or getting damaged along the way because the hitch does not have enough capacity to hold, wouldn’t you?
Placement
Have you decided to buy a hitch to add functionality to your vehicle? Before anything else, make sure where you want your hitch to be. Are you really certain you prefer the one that is installed at the front end of your vehicle?
Compatibility
Can you imagine buying a pair of shoes for someone without knowing his size? More often than not, you’ll end up getting shoes that are either too loose or too tight. The same is true with front receiver hitches, maybe, even more challenging.
There are many different kinds of vehicles with different brands, different models, and even different years. Their bodies are unique from each other. That only means there’s a big possibility a certain front hitch may not fit your truck.
So, keep this in mind when shopping, always check the types of vehicles compatible with their product. Most of the time, the manufacturers build the hitches according to the make and model of the vehicle. Just look for the one compatible with your specific vehicle.
Installation
Front receiver hitches can be installed in many ways depending on the product. But first, you might want to ask, are you going to do the installation yourself or are you going to hire an expert to do it for you?
If you are more inclined to do it yourself, you might want to consider the products that are easier to install. Some hitches only require simple hand tools to be installed. No welding is necessary.
These products come with an instruction manual on how to properly install your front hitch. Make sure to read, understand, and follow the directions.
Safety
As they always say, it’s better safe than sorry. Nothing is different when it comes to shopping for a front receiver hitch. It does not matter what you are going to use it for. Safety should always be the first priority.
But then, how can we be sure about how safe the product is?
With front receiver hitches, all you need to do is to check if they comply with the SAE J684 specifications. It is the standard that should be followed by manufacturers to ensure the quality of their products.
Quality
What do you usually look for in just about any product that you buy? More often, it is their quality. The same is true with choosing front hitches for your vehicles. Apart from being safe to use, they should also be of high quality.
How do you gauge the quality of the product? The reputation of the brand or the manufacturer can tell you a lot about the quality. What are the raw materials being used? What kind of coating and finish did they use to cover the front hitches? How is their construction process being done?
Most front hitches are made of carbon steel and coated with a black powder finish. Some make use of the special or dual coating. When it comes to construction, some manufacturers build their hitches with a solid welding process.
When choosing a front receiver hitch, be wary of these details to ensure you only get the product with decent quality.
Price
Now, in the previous section, I asked you what do you usually look for when you are buying a product. While some choose quality, it is still no secret that others look for a better price.
“Better price” does not always mean cheaper. Or do you want to compromise quality for a cheaper price? What’s important here is you go for the product that is worthy of its price.
For front receiver hitches, the average price is between $130 to $150. But some products cost below $100 and some others cost more than $200.
Feedbacks
Check out the product reviews and feedback. Who else can tell you an honest and accurate description of the products than those who have actually bought and used them?
You can check out groups on social media that discuss this topic. It could be a group on towing or trailer. You can also look for groups of people who own the same car as you. You can check out discussions or initiate a question about the front receiver hitches that they used.
Another place to find reviews is on blogs or websites dedicated to helping people choose a product by making reviews.
You can also read feedback on the product page itself on different shopping websites. Here, you can find reviews from actual people who bought that certain product. They share their experiences and opinions about the product.
Feedbacks and reviews are essential considerations when shopping for front receiver hitches.
Front receiver hitches product reviews
Now that we’ve covered the things to be taken into consideration when buying this product, let me show you some of the best front receiver hitches that you can purchase in the market today.
# 1.CURT 31078 2-Inch Front Receiver Hitch
CURT 31078 is an ideal option for those who own Ford F-250, F-350, and F-450 Super Duty. Its versatility also makes it perfect for those who plan to use the hitch for more than one purpose. Made of carbon steel, this provides a receiver tube that can accept a 2×2 inches shank frequently used on vans, trucks, and SUVs.
Pros
- Strength of 500 pounds tongue weight, 5000 pounds GTW, and 9000 pounds straight pull.
- Able to attach a cargo barrier, snow plow, bike rack, winch mount, tow hook, or any other towing accessories.
- Protected with two layers of corrosion-resistant Bonderite and a black powder coat that cover the hitch from the inside out.
- Compatible with select Ford F-250, F-350, and F-450 Super Duty
- Tested safe at CURT’s engineering facility, this hitch is designed following the SAE J684 standards.
- Comes with all the hardware needed for installation
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Incompatibility with other trucks and vans
Verdict
4.7/5
# 2. Reese 65022 Front Receiver Hitch
Another front receiver hitch available in the market today is Reese 65022. This hitch makes it possible to mount different kinds of accessories on the front of SUVs, vans, and trucks. This is a versatile and practical choice because of its easily interchangeable accessories.
Pros
- Can hold up to 500 pounds of vertical load and 9000 pounds of line pull.
- Interchangeable accessories for versatility
- Has 2-inch square-shaped receiver tube opening and is compatible with J-pins.
- Its metal shield follows three-step protection, which includes anti-rust primer, e-coat electrostatic coating for total coverage, and powder coating for durability.
Cons
- Temporary removal of the bumper when installing
- OEM fog lights removal for receiver installation
- 40 minutes install time
Verdict
4.6/5
# 3. Draw-Tite 65078 Front Receiver Hitch
Draw-Tite 65078 front receiver hitch is great when it comes to compatibility since it is custom-built according to the specific model of the vehicle. It is also perfect for those who do not have large tools for installation.
Pros
- Strength rate up to 500 pounds tongue weight and 9000 pounds line pull
- Long-lasting aesthetic appearance using A-coat with a black powder finish and all-frame attachment points
- Uses CAD or computer-aided design to custom-build the hitch depending on the make and model specification
- Has 2-inch square-shaped receiver tube opening and constructed for maximum durability
- Can hold accessories like spare tire carriers, winches, ball mounts, steps, and many more
- Bolt-on installation using simple tools with no welding machine required
- V-5 and SAE J684 standards compliant
Cons
- Temporary removal of the front bumper during installation
Verdict
4.4/5
# 4. CURT 31108 Front Receiver Hitch
Another CURT product on our list is the CURT 31108 front receiver hitch. Just like all other hitches they manufactured, this product is tested safe to use as it complies with the SAE J684 specifications. That makes it perfect to use in different ways such as holding cargo carries, tow hook, winch mount, bike rack, and many more.
Pros
- Tested safe to use by SAE J684 specifications
- Versatile uses
- Strength rated for 500 pounds TW, 5000 pounds GTW, 9000 pounds straight-line pull
- Easy to install as it is custom-built for certain models of vehicles such as Yukon XL 2500, GMC Sierra 1500 HD, Classic, 2500 HD, Classic, 3500, Chevy Silverado 1500 HD, Classic, 2500 HD, Classic, 3500, Classic, or Suburban 2500.
- Corrosion-resistant as it is fully covered in an A-coat base and black powder coating
Cons
- Can only fit certain make and models of vehicles
Verdict
4.6/5
# 5. Reese 65028 Front Receiver Hitch
Here’s another Reese front hitch on the list. As long as it can fit your SUV or truck, this can be ideal for you. Although it requires some tools for installation, the process can be done quite faster than other front receiver hitches.
Pros
- Has a capacity of 9000 pounds line pull and 500 pounds of vertical load
- Can mount different accessories on the front of the vehicles for different uses that make outdoor activities more fun
- Can easily interchange accessories for versatility
- Covered with metal shield protective coating
- 20-minute installation
Cons
- Installation requires a 9/16″ drill bit and 18mm, ¾ inch, and ⅞ inch wrenches
- Temporary removal of the bumper during installation
Verdict
4.1/5
# 6. Reese Towpower 65043 Front Mount Receiver
This Reese product might be for you. It has good customer reviews, versatile, and reliably strong.
Pros
- Optimum strength of 9000 pounds line pull and 500 pounds of vertical load
- Can mount different accessories on its front end
- Protected by metal shield coating
- 2-inch square-shaped tube opening with J-pin ready attachments
Cons
- Temporary removal of the bumper during installation
Verdict
4.5/5
# 7. ATV TEK, TMP1 Trio HD Multi-Purpose Front Receiver Hitch
ATV Tek TMP1 Trio HD is an easy-to-use front receiver hitch that comes with a ball mount. It works well with UTVs but may have an issue with standard-sized trailers. Because it can easily be plugged in and out, this product is ideal for those with multiple vehicles. Plus, this hitch is very low-priced.
Pros
- Comes with a ball mount
- Has C-channel design and high-quality steel for optimum durability
- Can easily be plugged in when needed and removed right after using
- No drilling required
- Built for multiple towing purposes
Cons
- Cannot extend far enough from the receiver
- Mounts the ball so high for a regular trailer
Verdict
4.6/5
# 8.Yae-Tek Multi-Mount Front Receiver Hitch
Perfectly suitable for heavy-duty uses, this front receiver hitch can pull up to 11000 pounds of weight. Check first, though, if this can fit your vehicle as it usually works well with large vehicles such as Jeep Wrangler. This product is also good for those on a tight budget.
Pros
- Built for Jeep Wranglers and some other large vehicles
- Equipped with large-sized shanks for stability
- 11000 pounds pulling capacity
- Includes isolator rings and hitch pins
- Has a multi-mount design that allows the D-ring to swing vertically and horizontally
Cons
- Incompatible with SUVs
Verdict
4.7/5
# 9. CURT 31313 Front Receiver Hitch
This CURT front receiver hitch is ideal for Toyota Tacoma, the specific vehicle this product is designed for. Just like the other CURT products available, this also follows strict standards and can be used for different functions. Although this has a lower strength capacity than the other CURT front hitches, its price is somehow higher.
Pros
- Strength rated for 350 pounds tongue weight, 3500 pounds GTW, and 9000 pounds pull capacity
- Can attach different kinds of accessories with its 2-inch receiver
- Follows SAE J684 specifications
- Protected against chipping, rust, and UV damage
- Easy to install
Cons
- Can only fit on Toyota Tacoma
Verdict
4.5/5
# 10. CURT 31514 Front Receiver Hitch
Another product manufactured by CURT, this front receiver hitch is specifically built for Nissan Xterra. It shows versatility and durability with its ability to hold different kinds of hefty accessories. It costs above the average price of front receiver hitches.
Pros
- Strength rated for 350 pounds tongue weight, 3500 pounds GTW, and 9000 pounds pull capacity
- Versatile and practical to use with different accessories using its 2-inch receiver
- Follows SAE J684 specifications
- Protected against chipping, rust, and UV damage
- Easy to install
Cons
Can only fit on Nissan Xterra
Verdict
4/5
Conclusion
There’s a diversity of options for front receiver hitches. While the first thing to check is its compatibility with your vehicle, we’ve also narrowed down the list into three. These are the top hitches in three different aspects.
Here’s our top pick when it comes to its gold standard, CURT 31078. Although it is relatively expensive, its features and benefits are top-notch.
The first choice in terms of the brand is the CURT 31313. CURT is considered the frontrunner when it comes to manufacturing hitches and other towing accessories.
When talking about the budget, ATV TEK, TMP1 Trio HD multi-purpose front receiver hitch is on top of the list.
So, what aspect are you most inclined to when choosing a product, the price, the quality, or the brand?
atter of selecting the right receiver size and aesthetics to complement your needs.
The following are some guidelines to look for when purchasing the best trailer hitch receiver.