Tundra Front Hitch / Skidplate Interference

[Soyboy]

Because of the manuvering and tight parking spot I have for my 23' trailer, I am thinking about purchasing a front mounted hitch. I have read some of the threads about these hitches but don't have a clear idea as to which brands won't interfere with the skid plate. I don't want to take it off, and I would prefer not to have to wrestle with it any more than I don already when it is time for oil changes etc.

Warn, Reese, Hidden Hitch, Draw Tight. I think they all make them for the Tundra. Which one works the best without blocking the skid plate.

Thanks,

Denman

[dyogim]

I had the warn one and when I installed it I couldn't remove the skid plate without removing the hitch. So, I never removed the hitch. Too much of a PITA.

[glennk]

Hello,

Not knowing what type of trailer you have(general purpose or camper type) you could always get yourself a tralier dolly. Here is a link to make one or you can buy one for about $100.

http://grotr4.tripod.com/images/trailerdollyall.jpg

I've been tossing around a few ideas for storing my boat on my side yard. I have a few hurdles to jump but i would need a dolly to move it around.

[Soyboy]

Thanks for the info about the trailer dolly. However the trailer is too heavy to move with a "non powered" dolly (unless have you a bunch of help). Plus they don't on gravel which comprises part of the area where I have to manuver it.

I have looked at powered dollies, Power Mover Trailer Dollies & Power Wheel Dollies they even have ones that will work on loose surfaces such as gravel, they run $900-1K. Ouch. That is why I am looking at the front hitch, if I can find one that doesn't interfere with my skid plate/engine access.

Thanks again.

Denman

[dyogim]

You can always consider upgrading your skid plate to the skitd row skid plate. Although, I 've never used one with the front hitch. I believe it would alleviate the problem of interference. If I remember, the only part that got in the way were the side lip edge of the stock skid plate and with the skid row one, it doesn't have this lip. Hopefully someone has this combo can chime in and confirm.

[TERRYJMATTHEW]

I Have The Hidden Hitch On The Front Of My Tundra. No Interference W/ The Skid Plate. HAVE BEEN PLEASED WITH IT SO FAR. I ALSO DIDNT SEE THE NEED TO DRILL THE TWO EXTRA HOLES THAT DRAW-TITE RECOMMENDS. THE WAY I SEE IT IS IF THE FACTORY TOW HOOK MOUNTS ARE STRONG ENOUGH TO HOLD THE RECEIVER.

[Soyboy]

Terry:

Just to be clear and not to seem stupid, you have not had any problems taking the skid plate on and off since you put the front hitch on?

Thanks for the photos , sounds like the Hidden Hitch might would be the way to go. I looked at your photos posted on this site too.

Any tricks or tips to installing it other than you didn't drill the extra holes?

Thanks again,

Denman

[TERRYJMATTHEW]

No Problems At All. Remove The Factory Tie-down Hooks And Tow Hook. Install The Hitch And Re-install Bolts. Part# 65031.they Also Have Business To Business Sales So I Bought It Direct. ($111.00 Including Frt And Taxes)

[Soyboy]

Terry and everyone else, many thanks!

[07DCwhiteSR5]

anyone have a pic from the front of the truck to see how this looks head on or if its noticeable?

[jim65wagon]

just this one. It's a Hidden Hitch on my 2003 Tundra. It tucks up under the bumper just as high as it can. Easy install, but I recommend removing the center bolt on the front of the skidplate to facilitate oil changes.