I looked high and low for a front mounted receiver hitch to carry a bike rack and/or cargo carrier but to no avail. I did watch an older YT video where an Express van owner was able to modify a Reese universal class III hitch and mount it to the front frame rails. So I copied it and it turned out nice. The most labor intensive part was drilling through the frame and the side brackets. Used up 2 drill bits to get the job done. Mounted with 4 inch x 3/8 inch grade 8 bolts, lock washers, and nuts. I notched the air damn, around where the hitch head is. It will definitely hold 100 lbs of cargo or bikes and gives me more versatility with the travel trailer. The hitch is a Reese Towpower 37096.

 

Thanks for all the pictures and details. I have been thinking about doing the same thing for a bike rack.

I came across this in my search:
https://www.etrailer.com/question-258536.html

From the dimensions in the upfitter manual the front of the frame is 900mm wide or about 35-7/16"
https://www.gmupfitter.com/files/med...an_060116b.pdf

The width sounds right but the anti-roll bar looks like it will be in the way. I'm thinking about picking one up and seeing what it might take to mount to my '15 3500 but I like how you got that one mounted up!

 

I couldn't find a GM van specific bolt-on front hitch. I'm sure I could find a welding shop to fabricate one for me. But it would cost me more than the $80 I spent on the hitch and $20 I spent on grade 8 hardware.

This modified Reese is only good for a couple of bikes or a cargo rack. Wouldn't even consider using it as a recovery hook or winch.

 

Hi Triaged,

I was looking at putting a front receiver on my 2015 Chevy Express. Did you ever succeed in installing the hitch you linked to? If not, did you find something else that fits?

Thanks

 

I haven't bought or installed it yet. It's still in my cart on Amazon hoping the price will go down. I think it will fit if you are ok with drilling holes and figuring out how to get hardware in there. There are some Amazon reviews by people with newer vans saying it worked. I just installed a limited slip in the rear axle so I should get it soon so I'll have a front tow point to go with it... but soon might be a year.

 

I just ordered it. $31 coupon right now. Lowest I've seen it. I might install it when the weather gets cooler.

 

I saw one on the Rock Auto site for a "97 Express

Post a picture after you get it installed.

 

Hi Triaged,

Wondering if you got to this project? If so, how does it fit?

Thanks

 

I haven't installed it yet. Too many other things have come up and it's a want not a need so far. Maybe in the next couple of weeks. Weather is nice here now.

 

What year is your model..I have a 2010 3500LT