Front Hitch Receiver From Curt Now Available! - Page 3

**dbbd1** · 10-05-2006, 09:32 PM

Ouch, limiting your approach angle a bit.

smack · 10-05-2006, 09:36 PM

yep, definitly some approach issues, particularly as that appears to be the bottom of the stock bumper it's tucked under...would bash that thing up but good on the rocks on our trails...

just_in_time_mo · 10-05-2006, 09:42 PM

Yup, lower than I would like also. I would take one if it was higher, or even hidden in the lower crowl area. Of course then would have to have a replacement part for that area and a snap in cover of some sort.

**dbbd1** · 10-05-2006, 09:44 PM

Yup, thought I really wanted one but: the price seems a bit high (was thinking in the 150.00 range) and the approach issue. Looks like i may go back to plan "A", making my own. I was thinking that the Curt would come out through the lower honeycomb area (I do not have a problem sectioning it out). Now, I may investigate my own, thinking of fabbing a reciever and bolting and/or welding it to the bumper/cross-member, probably with some gussets going out from center all of the way to the ends where it bolts to the frame. Thoughts?

just_in_time_mo · 10-05-2006, 09:49 PM

Quote:

dbbd1 previously said:

Yup, thought I really wanted one but: the price seems a bit high (was thinking in the 150.00 range) and the approach issue. Looks like i may go back to plan "A", making my own. I was thinking that the Curt would come out through the lower honeycomb area (I do not have a problem sectioning it out). Now, I may investigate my own, thinking of fabbing a reciever and bolting and/or welding it to the bumper/cross-member, probably with some gussets going out from center all of the way to the ends where it bolts to the frame. Thoughts?

That's exactly what I would want, care to do two at a time? Oh scratch that, do one for me after you've done and tested yours! lol At least get me some details and photos when you do yours. Please!

White Rim · 10-05-2006, 10:07 PM

Quote:

dbbd1 previously said:

Yup, thought I really wanted one but: the price seems a bit high (was thinking in the 150.00 range) and the approach issue. Looks like i may go back to plan "A", making my own. I was thinking that the Curt would come out through the lower honeycomb area (I do not have a problem sectioning it out). Now, I may investigate my own, thinking of fabbing a reciever and bolting and/or welding it to the bumper/cross-member, probably with some gussets going out from center all of the way to the ends where it bolts to the frame. Thoughts?

It is a very good first step for sure, and a good solid looking design.

Yes I was and am still hoping for the lower grille area. It does not seem to be a real stretch to imagine this design modified in that regard. THe whole crossmember could be repositioned vertically wrt the flange mounts.

I would even be willing to put up with a cut thru the silver lower bumper (well no on 2nd thought).

BUt the grille is definately where this has to go because of the approach angle problem. That thing is going to get the crap knocked out of it in even mild terrain IMO.

I still think that removal of the bumper and installation of crossmember flanges between the bumper and the frame could allow the crossmember to be higher up. It may have to be more stout to handle torsion if the reciever were to be welded on top of it so it could protrude thru the grille over the steel bumper (and maybe be bolted and or welded to the steel bumper for additional space frame rigidity and flexural stiffness).

THis would allow ALL of the bumper flange bolts to provide support to the reciever hitch crossmember instead of just two. And it would reduce the need to use the tow loops for reinforcement.

Very good work though.

BigStew · 10-06-2006, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Trader098 previously said:

This just in from Mike at Curt Manufacturing:

"To all who are awaiting the Front Mount Hitch for the FJ Cruiser, the part number is 31367 and will be available for purchase 10/6/06 from HitchSource.com, Curt's online distributor.
...!

I checked the HitchSource Web site but could not find the front receiver. Is there a part number available? D'uh in the first post...sorry...31367

Thanks,

fjtribe · 10-06-2006, 12:25 PM

What we need is a winch mounting plate that rests on a front support made to utilize the original bumper. That way, the fairlead and receiver could come out in cutouts in the lower valance and thereby, no loss of approach angle. This would also help strengthen the winch mount and the front end.

Kzoocruiser · 10-06-2006, 08:57 PM

I agree with White Rim in that the design/engineering/build looks solid and am hoping that somebody out there notes the decent demand here for a hidden winch plate and/or the high mounted receiver. I'd hate to be climbing any hill with even a few larger rocks or roots scattered about near the top and smack the receiver/front end enough to lose traction or pop a wheel up in an incline position.

Obviously It can be done and I really believe the market is there if folks could swallow a little higher initial price for the smaller gross project. We're not talking a lot of material for any of this (which is where I would think the profit-driven attraction would be) yet I'd rather pay a little more for seemingly less if somebody puts the same good work you see here into the 'off-road' version also.
I see a lot of value in keeping the receiver low for most all other applications including even winching in generall (thel ower you pull from....the better off you're going to be).

DirtyLittleSecret · 10-06-2006, 10:59 PM

Dang it. They failed to deliver. This is exactly what I hoped they WOULDNT do. Gladder than ever that I shelled out the $ for the All Pro! (though still secretly still want a mean multimount bumper system!)