Sprinter van front hitch mount
The beauty of a Sprinter Van is its versatility to haul just about anything. And those of you out there using it to find adventure find the access to the rear to be great. Throwing a bike rack on the back hitch or even towing a trailer is perfect for maximizing a (Sprinter) van’s potential. But what about the front? Putting a hitch on the front of a Sprinter van can get you a second area to mount so many things.
Hauling more bikes
This is something we have done quite a bit. Mounting a bike rack on the front gives you access to the rear of your Sprinter without having to take off the bikes each time you need to get to your gear or outdoor kitchen. It also allows you to use your rear hitch for something else like a trailer.
Mounting a winch
There are a few options out there worth checking out.
Eco Hitch
Aluminess Hitch Mount
VanCompass Hidden Winch
VanCompass Front Hitch
Pulling your Sprinter with another Sprinter?
This is something we’ve never done. A sprinter is not a light vehicle, so towing a Sprinter van behind another vehicle should be done with extreme caution. Using a single front hitch mount may not be strong enough for the weight of the van and could result in structural damage to your van. Be ware.
Moving a trailer?
This is something we have used our front hitch for quite a bit. Backing up a trailer is an art form in itself. Sometimes, when you want to get your trailer into a really tight parking spot, using the front hitch to steer a trailer in place makes things much easier. Positioning a trailer at the bottom of a tight winding driveway where it’s difficult to turn around in is made much easier with this set up. We have backed down this road many times, but it’s stressful and takes quite a bit of time. While this is something we don’t do very often or at high speed it’s much easier and safer. and really allows you to maneuver a trailer.
2” ball fits the same as the rear.
Pushing a trailer into tight spots is much easier
Plenty of clearance on the front
The view from the driver seat
Mounting a spare tire
Using a front hitch receiver to mount a spare tire isn’t a bad idea. It allows you to either move your spare from under the van and use that space for storage, water or fuel. It also allows you to add a second spare if you’re really going way out on a trip where you might be far from any service stations. It also can act like a brush guard protecting the radiator and engine from any minor impact.
The Curt mount (left) is solid, with no hinges to reduce movement. It does however angle the tire a bit and doesn’t allow for it to be positioned completely perpendicular.
The Draw-Tite version keeps the tire positioned more vertically aligned but is over double the price.
This VioziteGam mount is two pieces and could be a good way to mount a tire and have it easily removed if needed. Theft might be a concern with this mount.
