Casey Front Hitch

[Toyman]

Casey, where did you get the front hitch for the Chevy ?

 

[highdesertranger]

have you tried etailer, http://www.etrailer.com/fitguidefmr.htm . highdesertranger

 

[Toyman]

have you tried etailer,  http://www.etrailer.com/fitguidefmr.htm .  highdesertranger

Yep, none listed for the Express Van.

 

[highdesertranger]

make one or have one made. highdesertranger

 

[Toyman]

make one or have one made.  highdesertranger

Duh!!!

But if someone already has a source, why reinvent the wheel ?

 

[akrvbob]

For some reason they no longer seem available. I have for my 2001 Chevy Express but I also could not find one for my newer 2015 Express. Let me know if you find one!

 

[Every Road Leads Home]

This says it fits 1996 to 2014 Chevy Express. Not sure what they changed for 2015 or if it could be modified easy enough.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200639842_200639842

 

[akrvbob]

This says it fits 1996 to 2014 Chevy Express.  Not sure what they changed for 2015 or if it could be modified easy enough.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200639842_200639842

We are looking for a FRONT hitch. I must have missed where that one says it's for the front. Can you point it out to me because I'd really like to have one.

 

[Every Road Leads Home]

Sorry Bob, that's my bad. In my search for front hitches they snuck a few rear hitches in on me. Could have sworn it said front when I was looking at it last night, but that's for the rear.

 

[Every Road Leads Home]

I just emailed Curt, Reese, and Draw-tite.

Reese says they don't have them for the later years. I'm pretty sure Reese owns Draw-tite or Draw-Tite owns Reese so i'm expecting the same answer from them.

As soon as Curt replies I'll let you know what they say.

 

[bullfrog]

The last front receiver I had fabricated was on my wagoneer. They even were able to cut a square notch in the bumper which got it up higher and hid it with the front plate. It cost less than $200. I would check out a four wheel drive shop or welding fab shop, you might end up with something that actually fits!

 

[Every Road Leads Home]

I thought anything could be found on the internet, but front hitches for late model express vans remain elusive.

Curt, Reese, and Draw-tite all emailed back and don't make them. Curt said that they sold so few of the early model Express van ones that it just isn't worth making them because the initial design, engineering and testing costs a fair amount and they have to sell 100's of each model just to recoup initial investment.

Warn makes some front mount hitches but not for the Express. Snowsport makes them to attach small driveway plows too, but of course none that fit a van.

So thought thinking outside the box might reveal some answers. Emailed Quigley and Advanced off road who do 4x4 van conversions. Quigley said they don't have anyone that makes the front hitches for late model chevy's but to check with Uhaul as that's where they send everyone for hitches. Uhaul doesn't make the front hitch.

Advanced 4x4 said they've looked but think one off custom one's will be the only available way to go. Or buy an Aluminess front bumper that has the front receiver built into it which they say is what most people go with who are building vans with them. However, those bumpers are $2k

 

[vtwinkicker]

I too have a newer GM van and want a front hitch as I always had them on my previous vehicles. I searched high and low and it seems they stopped making them with the new body design (2004?).

I plan on having one fabricated in the near future and when it happens will let you know the results.

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

Curt makes some Universal  Adjustable Trailer Hitches for the back of RVs.  Possibly one of these could be adapted to the front of the GM van.  Take a look at Curt 13701.

 

[Toyman]

One of Bobs video on YouTube the couple is Casey & Sharon, the Winne that they have is a latter model with a hitch on the front. I titled this with Casey name, thinking maybe he'd show up and be grabbed by his name.

 

[highdesertranger]

word of caution. any work done around the front bumper, frame, sheet metal, etc. the air bags need to be deactivated while the work is performed. highdesertranger

 

[bullfrog]

Keep heat and open flames away from shock absorbing bumper assemblies. Those things will explode and go fifty or sixty feet in the air when the new guy trying to learn how to use a cutting torch in the wreaking yard tries to cut off a bumper bolt!

 

[Alcatraz]

Curt makes some Universal  Adjustable Trailer Hitches for the back of RVs.  Possibly one of these could be adapted to the front of the GM van.  Take a look at Curt 13701.

Try looking for a universal front hitch. Instead of a vehicle specific one. 
Stuff like is better left to the pro's. Big safety and liability concerns with a homemade one.

 

[caretaker]

also something else to consider is will it interfere with your airbag sensors? tow hooks might be the better way to go.

 

[hdobob]

Google "Curt 31016 hitch"