Hi All,

I've got a 2004 F-350.  I've been looking at purchasing a front hitch.  Primary use would be for a winch.  In my research I've come across  a Bodiak hitch  http://www.bodiak.net .  Looks to be pretty solid. 

Anyone have any experience with this hitch?   Feedback is appreciated.

TC

Only has a class III rating, its gonna be hurting pulling that heavy sd out. The winch is only as good as its mounting point. For something as heavy as the SD's you need to look into either a class V front hitch(not sure if you will find one in a kit) or a replacement bumper. Remember, you can get these made witht he reciever hitch built in if you dont want to permanently mount it or want to cut back on the bulkiness.  

if you want a good replacement bumper it go with the ranch hand legend bumper. i use mine around the ranch for parking trailers. so far mine is 9-0 on deer and 2-0 on compact cars.  

did u look at cabelas  

All,

Thanks for the feedback.  A replacemtn front bumper is a lil over kill for me (will5 - nice stats on that though   )

I wanted a hitch that I didn't have to remove my bumper and drill into the frame, and I wanted to be able to keep my driving lights.

The Bodiak seemed to cater to that, but i wanted to check with the community on the quality.  After "googling" for a bit I found quit a few posts on rv.net regarding it.  They seem to have some good feed

 Blackchevy - nice jab! 

Thanks all!

A class 3 hitch will work just fine, as long as you are not planning on riping tree stumps out. Just be sure to use grade 5 or 8 bolts to mount it prerferably grade 8.

The Class III hitch will definatley reach its limits on an 8k truck especially if its stuck. It could work fine for smaller ranch jobs, but I definatley wouldn't want to depend on it out on the trail or with heavier jobs..  

i would never use any grade 5 bolt on sometthing like that suspension winch bumper receiver hitch etc.

I agree. grade 8 all the way - nuts bolts and washers. Probably be a good idea to double up on them with some big fender washers. like the ones that come with body bushing kits - 2 or 3-inch if you have enough clearance for them - these will help to spread out the load a little more.