Unusual hitch (front mounted) question

[piotrbr]

Hi all -

I own a 1994 amtran international and I'm looking to mount a platform to the front of the bus for an art project (roughly 1000 pds)

I was thinking that if I can mount two rectangular receiver hitches to the front bumper or the frame (maybe replacing the tow hooks?) I can create little forklift-style arms coming out of the front that would enable placing a 6x6 platform on top of the arms

Any advice on what make and model of hitch receiver could work in this kind of context? Or alternative ways of creating a platform in front of the bus?

A bit out of my depth here so any advice much appreciated! Ideally would avoid needing to weld anything new as the bus is located in a very rural area.

P

[Jolly Roger bus 223]

no help but i would not get rid of the tow hooks.
find a fab shop and see what they think.
i would think two square plates bolted or welded or both with square tubing stuck out like a reese hitch would allow you to build something removable.
i wouldnt want anything on the front bouncing up and down on the bumper while driving at 1000 pounds sure a 100 pounds or so.

[piotrbr]

Ah yes I should have clarified: this won't be driven at more than 5-10 mph

[fo4imtippin]

I bought 2 36in receiver tubes. I drilled holes through them to line up with the tow hook holes. I then got longer bolts to account for the additional 2.5inches of distance. I also welded additional plates, and the bumper to it all. The whole assembly attaches to the frame where the bumper attaches. I have lifted the whole bus up by the bumper.

[piotrbr]

thanks - super helpful!

[ewo1]

Originally Posted by fo4imtippin

I bought 2 36in receiver tubes. I drilled holes through them to line up with the tow hook holes. I then got longer bolts to account for the additional 2.5inches of distance. I also welded additional plates, and the bumper to it all. The whole assembly attaches to the frame where the bumper attaches. I have lifted the whole bus up by the bumper.

Have you considered building a tow bar to that front hitch?
Would for sure be useful for low speed towing the bus off the road !

Ya never know when you need a tow !

[nikitis]

I'm going to add a trailer hitch to my front. I'll custom fabricate it so it doesn't look terrible, and 3d print an end cap for it when not in use and you won't notice it's there. You have to remove the bumper so you can tie into the main Chassis.

The reason i'm doing it is so that I can plug in a 12k lb winch to it to tow people out of bad situations with the bus. Or myself if my bus ever gets stuck in mud and there happens to be a tree nearby.

[ewo1]

Originally Posted by nikitis

I'm going to add a trailer hitch to my front. I'll custom fabricate it so it doesn't look terrible, and 3d print an end cap for it when not in use and you won't notice it's there. You have to remove the bumper so you can tie into the main Chassis.

The reason i'm doing it is so that I can plug in a 12k lb winch to it to tow people out of bad situations with the bus. Or myself if my bus ever gets stuck in mud and there happens to be a tree nearby.

How about putting 2 hitches up front, one on each frame rail. You can then still accomplish your winching needs but you can also fabricate a tow bar so if and when you breakdown you will be in a better position to find a big truck to pull/flat tow you to a better spot.

Slow speeds ...a big dually pickup or faster speeds ...dump truck or anything that size could get you moving faster and still have some braking ability. I'm talking about keeping speed well below speed limit and allowable road conditions...

Overkill thinking ....yes but the other option is to pay the big bucks for the HD wreckers...