Front hitch install?

Now a small boat owner, I think it may be useful to have a light front hitch to maneuver the boat in an out of its tight parking spot.
Taco is 2012 A.Cab.

Is there such a thing as a light front hitch unit?
It only needs to deal with 400 lbs of tongue weight, not a road towing application.

Is there a way to retain, or not compromise the front bumper crash characteristics?

Could something as crude as a welded-on receiver work?

 

@Mobtown Offroad

 

http://mobtownoffroad.com/product-category/2gen-tacoma/bumpers/

 

Thanks for the plug! We have 3 in stock, ship next day. Can be ordered here: http://mobtownoffroad.com/product/front-recovery-bar/

More info here: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...idden-recovery-bar-by-mobtown-offroad.363805/

 

@jaymoussy I have a Mobtown recovery bar on my truck. No receiver. Relatively easy one person install.
Joe was great to work with.
Highly recommended.

 

I had one of these:

http://www.cbioffroadfab.com/produc...products/high-clearance-front-receiver-hitch/

Worked well. Pulled it off so I could add proper armor.

 

We also offer receiver only for $299 plus shipping, but I do not have one in stock, lead time is 10-14 days on that one.

 

mm... interesting but pricey for my limited application, static load.

The alternative is to debone my old snowblower, attach a receiver to it, and use the spare change for a new blower..!

EDIT/OTHER:
Joe@mobo..: You should make a model with two receivers, boaters and RVers seem to want to put huge coolers on there, and the single-receiver design isn't stable enough for that, I read.

 

I've seen adds for some light weight snow plows that attach to a front hitch. The hitches are configured for specific trucks.
V
http://www.realtruck.com/curt-front-mount-receiver-hitch/R18386P2008Y608MA.html

 

I installed one for a Snowsport/DR plow about a month ago. CURT is the brand. Easy to install yourself.

 

I have the CBI High-Clearance hitch. I love it, I've used it to move boats and trailers, as well as mounting my winch.

http://www.cbioffroadfab.com/produc...products/high-clearance-front-receiver-hitch/



I can't speak for the Mobtown hitch, but it looks like a decent product as well.

I don't really care for the Curt hitches, as they hang down so low I'd have ripped mine off within a month. But, if you don't off road, it might be a good choice. It'd be easier to move trailers with the lower height.

 

Thanks for posting the picture
Im interested in doing the same but haven't been able to find a picture of the Curt mounted up to check height till i saw this thread. Also instructions say to remove the skid plate and i don't see any reference to re-installing after mount is attached. Is this the price to pay for a front receiver? If so not the way to go in mho. All said and done the Mobtown front receiver looks awesome but a bit pricey to ship north.

 

Cant tell from the picture if the skid plate is able to be reattached? Please let me know if that is the case and thank you in advance. cheers tango

 

I have the CBI hitch and love it. I just wish it had recovery points like the Mobtown hitch does. As for stability of adding a platform for a cooler, just use a ratchet strap to pull it to one side.

Man, that curt hitch is L-O-W!

 

I agree it is pretty low. What I fear the picture is not showing is the removal and tossing away of the skid pad. Please tell me Im wrong because i may order one other wise.

 

I reinstalled my skid plate with the CBI. It doesn't interfere at all.

 

Same with the Mobtown Offroad Recovery Bar. The skid goes right back on.

 

If you put the stock skid back on, you're doing it wrong. That needs a serious upgrade!

 

Thanks for the bounce back. I guess a bit of chopping may be ok as long as the plate is still doing its job and wont fall off. I think i may wait a bit till I can afford the Mobtown set.