Cruisers Forum

Main Forum => General Discussion => Topic started by: bobander on December 26, 2012, 07:07:04 pm

Title: Front tow hook
Post by: bobander on December 26, 2012, 07:07:04 pm

I want to install tow hooks on the front of my 2010 2551.  There are openings in the plastic trim below the bumper that appear to be for tow hooks that I see on the Ford pickups.  I have searched the internet and called the local Ford dealer and can't find anything.  Has anyone done this?  I need to help my RV out of the driveway in the winter when there is snow.

Thanks, Bob

Title: Re: Front tow hook
Post by: Ron Dittmer on December 27, 2012, 10:28:46 am

Hi Bob,

I don't have your answer on front tow hooks, but...on another forum, it seems common to install a front hitch on the Ford motor home chassis.  They use the front hitch for...
- front mounted back rack, scooter, storage, etc.
- manever a boat or other trailer around more easily in confined areas (maybe launching a boat too)
- tow the motor home with a bus sized motor home

With THIS THING (http://www.jcwhitney.com/tow-hook-ball-mount/p2020691.jcwx?filterid=u0j1) a front hitch could meet your need if there is no good place to mount generic hooks LIKE THESE (http://www.jcwhitney.com/jcwhitney/textsearch_result.jcw?sku=tow+hook&shopid=100001).

Your description implies there is a good place for tow hooks.  If you mount generic hooks, they must be bolted to the chassis frame.  Nothing related to the bumper itself, except bolt-sharing at the frame.

Blessings, Ron

Title: Re: Front tow hook
Post by: bobander on December 27, 2012, 12:11:46 pm

Hi Ron,

Draw-Tite makes a front mounted hitch for the E450, I may have to do that as I can't find a tow hook that mounts to the frame and passes thru the plastic trim piece below the bumper.  There is an opening for a tow hook but the frame is 10 to 12 inches back.  I see tow hooks on Ford pick-ups in this opening but they aren't long enough for the E-series.  I was hoping someone had been down this road and found a tow hook that will work, the local Ford dealer says Ford doesn't make one.

The hitch looks like a nice installation, it is not too low, protrudes through the plastic trim (have to cut the plastic) in the center and you have to move the license plate to one side.  It weighs 32 pounds.

Thanks, Bob