Has anybody done this on a 2009+ truck? I am looking for alternative ways to haul my bikes when camping, and a rear-mounted hitch on the trailer isn't a possibility due to the bumper and frame style. I don't care for the bikes catching all the bugs, but I need to do something, and $150 for the FMR is cheaper than a rear receiver on the trailer. Thoughts... anyone?

 

Curtis Manufacturiung, model 31368 (for 4-wheel drive).

I was thinking of one to help me get my boat in the driveway (without driving on the grass). In the end I did not do it as I didn't want to cut the front valence.

 

Had 2nd thoughts too on my 2010. Needed to remove air dam to mount & cut front valence like shotgunz said. Question effect on cooling with the e-fans & mpg, especially on long tows.

 

You're in luck I installed a Curt 31368 reciever on my 2010 Platinium ... I had to remove a piece from the truck to install it. It actually bolted right up.

 

Thanks for the replies. I like the installation NC 2X Platinum. I may look into it. I'm afraid the bikes will be in my line of sight, and also question cooling. I am going to study "reinstalling" the removed air dam with the hitch.

Thanks.

Smoke

 

Just looking at that pic from NC 2X Platinum, would the front mount hitch bike carrier be a worse situation than the rear? That hitch receiver is really far back from the front of the bumper. I gave a look at autoanything.com for hitch-mounted bike carriers, and they seem to stick out enough for the rear, but judging from that pic, the front would be a mess.

(Keeping an eye on this topic for my future bike carrying needs. )

 

There was a thread, I think about a grille, where the guy had one mounted in the middle of the bumper, where the front license plate would be. It looked pretty good. I asked him about it and he kinda blew it off and said any metal shop could fab one up.

I too will be monitoring this thread, it could be handy to have.

 

I think this is the thread you're thinking of...

https://www.f150online.com/forums/20...alled-pic.html

Definitely a nice install.

 

What about mounting them in your truck bed?

 

i know i have a older model but i really like my front reciever hitch here are some pics.









Heres a link for the 2010 models

http://www.etrailer.com/fmr-2010_Ford_F-150.htm

 

This is a guy who sounds like he might know something about mountin' bikes...

 

This is a front view I think mounting bikes on the front will work with this reciever. Reason being it is actually a low mount and the bike racks have a high profile you will be able to see over the top of the bikes, not to mention you can get an adapter to extend the length if you wish. I use mine for hitting the beach and surf fishing on the OBX of NC. Take a look at my Album for a few more shots. Enjoy :-)

 

Have you seen this thread?

new-mod-might-well-honest

 

Yeah, that's it, thanks!

Looks like it might put the receiver a little too high for the bike thing though. I like the etrailer.com receiver, lower and not a custom (questionable) fit.

 

Just put the curt hitch on my '09 4X, you don't have to cut the valance. It will push up enough to allow the hitch. Easy to put on.