I'm thinking about getting one for my truck... I think it'll work with the Manik, based on the dimensions they gave me over the phone... The top of the reciever opening is approximately 4 inches below the frame rails. It mounts to the frame between the tow hooks and the frame-rail, so there shoulsn't be any interference between the Manik and the hitch... My only concern would be ground clearance with a winch mounted in it... seems like it would stick out there a long way, even without the winch in it...

On the plus side, if it works, I can get a nice step for it, or maybe another lumi-logo? :-) Then it becomes time to make a winch decision... I know Mudder's gonna recommend the Warn, but I'm looking at the mile-marker with the extra hoses to reach the rear of the truck... when you can't go forward, go back, right? It would be nice, but it's big-$$$!! Plus I'm not big on having high-current cables running underneath the truck with the salt and crap we have up here... it packs up around the connectors, and could short out when it starts to melt... happened on my dad's Jeep, but that's another story... Oh, for another reason, I want the front reciever for 2 reasons: 1) No exposure to the salt and slush in the winter for the winch= longer life. 2) Less chance of destroying it if I rear end someone.

OK, let me know what you think...

-Joe-


------------------
98 Explorer (Lemon Law Case in Progress)

'00 F-150, X-cab, 4x4, Lariat, Off-road, Trailer Tow, Holandia Sunroof, built 11/99 picked up 10/00!Clear Corners, Manik Stainless Steel 1-piece brush guard, Custom CB wiring, Uniden PC76-XLW CB radio with K-40 Magna-Mount antenna (for now), 1 set of 165 watt KC Daylighters (for now... more on the way) Custom switch mounting plate and overhead console, Bully Stainless Steel Trailer hitch drawbarw/ 2" stainless steel ball.
List of planned mods: Clear tails, torsion bar tweak, bug deflector, spray in liner, and a tonneau of some sort...

93 Probe GT teal, OE rims painted to match, bone stock drivetrain.

 

I think it's an excellent idea. I planned on doing the same thing in a couple of years. I like the idea of moving the winch. When you're stuck, you have the option of saying, "Oops, I don't want to go that way anymore".

I would like to know how much lower valance cutting is involved and what the clearance actually is on your 4x4 when it's done. Then I'll have an idea what to expect on my 4x2.

 

From what the tech said, there is no cutting required for my truck. Can't say for sure about the 2wd, though... check out the reese site at reeseprod.com and you should be able to look at the installation instructions for your particular model. I really like the idea, plus it helps if you're trying to maneuver a trailer around... you can put it just about anywhere facing forward to "back" it. It's rated for 9000 lbs, with a 600 lb tongue wt, so it's got to be pretty beefy... I need to measure it to find out exactly.... I'll let you know what I find out.

-Joe-

 

OOps! I lied.... it was a hidden hitch reciever, not reese.... here's a pic...



It's a little fuzzy... I'm going to see if tech support can send me some better photos.... I think it'll work just looking at it, but I haven't actually measured it yet...

It does hang kind of low, though.... but Reese makes a nice heavy duty skid plate for them, and I'm sure hidden hitch does too.... it would definately stop you from dragging the air-dam or bumper on steep approaches!

-Joe-


[This message has been edited by GIJoeCam (edited 02-02-2001).]

 

Some more info if it'll help

Part # 5412
Front End Hitches

Weight Rating: 9000 LBS. LP / 500 LBS. TW
Installation Time: 20 minutes
Weight: 24 lbs.
Packaging Type: BOXED
Nb. Pieces: 1
Skid Qty.: 12
Launch date: 12/17/1999

 

Joe, Check out the Draw-Tite front receiver. They are based in Canton, fairly close to you. Here's their accessories including a nicely designed winch mount:


JB