Front 2 inch hitch

Big E

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Morganton, NC
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Has anyone installed a high clearance front 2 inch hitch? I've looked at ones from Mobtown and CBI. I am interested in using it for either a front rack on the beach, portable winching, or recovery point as in the back. Any thoughts or ideas?
 
I fitted one to the front and rear of mine with a winch mount that can be moved between them.
 

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I fitted one to the front and rear of mine with a winch mount that can be moved between them.
Have you been pulled with it much either with a strap or winch? Is it strong and secure when you do? I like the idea of being able to put a winch on front or back, and also off when not wheeling.
 
Have had it now for just over 2 years and have been pulled and winched and have also pulled others with no issues, my XJ is light though in comparison to many. Not sure I would do it again though would probably just fit a standard winch bumper to the front as it rarely ever gets put on the rear.
 
A good gauge would be to compare your vehicle weight to the rated capacity of the hitch mount. If you're using it as a recovery point you'll want a wide margin between the two to account for resistance.
 
I use a standard curt 2" front mount hitch on my dodge to house my winch. I did find a company that makes a hitch that mounts from the tow good mounting points in the middle of the front bumper. Had I known that was an option I would have done that to get the winch up higher.
 
If you have, or know anyone with, a welder and skills you could make one. A friend and I spent about $150-200 in metal and parts and made one for my FJ Cruiser. I love the ability to move my winch to the back and easily rescue friends who get stuck on the trail behind me!

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If you have, or know anyone with, a welder and skills you could make one. A friend and I spent about $150-200 in metal and parts and made one for my FJ Cruiser. I love the ability to move my winch to the back and easily rescue friends who get stuck on the trail behind me!

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d044170b1b3d01a43301459fcc985118.jpg
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0cc9635926f27c1c2758a7bf74813ddd.jpg
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I do like that bumper, very nice FJ.
 
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Thanks! It was a lot of fun making the bumper. I love a little creative challenge. ;-)


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Hi there! Cliff here.
I added a Draw Tite front hitch to my truck to mount my winch. But it was too low, so I modified the winch mount by cutting off the hitch tube and welded it back onto the mount with 3/16 thick plates and raised it up 4 inches. Now the winch is 16 inches off the ground. I will be adding a 5 inch lift and larger tires to the truck as soon as I can afford to; then the winch will be 22 inches off the ground, which should be good.
After I run battery power to the rear of the truck, I will be able to use the winch at the rear.
Attached are some photos.
Good luck with your project.

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