Installation of a Front Mount Hitch on a 2013 Ford E-450 Lazy Daze RV

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Question:

Can you please provide installation details for a front hitch for this Lazy Daze RV? I will use it for a hitch-mount for a bike rack total weight with bikes 150 pounds. Also, Ive seen some comments on the Lazy Daze forum cautioning about carrying bikes on the front because of reduced air flow to the engine any comment on this issue? Also have heard, but not verified, that Ford may invalidate the warranty if any engine problems arise with a front hitch installed.

asked by: Harvey W

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Expert Reply:

I have attached a link to the installation instructions of the Draw-Tite Front Mount Hitch, # 65053, for you to check out. There will be some fascia trimming required to install this hitch on your 2013 Lazy Daze RV, but this is detailed in the installation instructions as well.

The cautions that you have seen are valid. The air flow through the front grille is very important to cool the engine and prevent overheating. If items such as bikes or other cargo are blocking the airflow, you could and likely will experience some problems. Ford could also void their warranty if they believe the issue was caused by a lack of airflow.

For your situation, I recommend installing a rear mount trailer hitch. At this time there are no custom trailer hitches that were designed to work with your RV, but there are many universal fit RV trailer hitches available. Before you make any purchases, I recommend checking with the RV manufacturer or Ford to determine if your RV can support a bike rack at the rear of the vehicle.

If you find that it is okay to install a rear mounted trailer hitch on your RV, I recommend looking at the Curt Adjustable Width Trailer Hitch, # 13703. This hitch can be installed on C-Channel, I-Beam or Box frames and it can be either bolted or welded to the frame. Keep in mind, this is a universal hitch, so drilling and other fabrication may be required.

I have attached the installation instructions and an installation video for you to check out. The installation video may be different from your RV, but it should give you an idea of what will be involved.

expert reply by: John H

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Answer 1

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Answer 2

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Installation of a Front Mount Hitch on a 2013 Ford E-450 Lazy Daze RV

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