Front Mount Hitches: What They're For and How to Choose One
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A front mount hitch adds a receiver tube to the front of a truck or SUV. Your rear hitch stays free for towing, and the front receiver takes accessories.
What people use front hitches for
- Winches — a receiver-mount winch can move between the front and rear hitches. See winches.
- Snow plows — many light-duty plows mount to a front receiver. See snow plows.
- Cargo carriers — extra carrying space without blocking the rear hatch or tailgate. See cargo carriers and baskets.
- Tow hooks and recovery points, and hitch steps.
- Manoeuvring trailers — pushing a trailer into a tight parking spot or down a boat ramp where you can see it directly in front of you.
What a front hitch is not for
Front hitches are designed for accessories and low-speed manoeuvring, not for towing a trailer down the road. Use your rear hitch for highway towing, with the right hitch class for the load.
Ratings to check
| Rating | What it means | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Straight-line pull | How hard you can pull straight out from the receiver — CURT's front hitches are rated at 9,000 lb | Winching and recovery |
| Vertical load | How much weight can hang on the receiver | Cargo carriers, plows and winch weight |
| Accessory rating | The limit printed on the winch, carrier or plow itself | Your setup is limited by the lowest rating |
Read the specific hitch's label and instructions; ratings vary by model.
Before you buy
- Fit: front hitches are vehicle-specific, and some need trimming of air dams or skid plates. Add your vehicle at the top of the page to see what fits.
- Headlights and sensors: an accessory in the front receiver can block headlights, the licence plate or front parking sensors. Remove accessories when you don't need them.
- Front axle weight: a plow or loaded carrier adds weight to the front suspension. Stay within your vehicle's front axle rating — see towing weight terms explained.
Uses and pull rating: CURT — Front hitch receivers, checked September 2026.