Recommended Aftermarket Hitch Receiver for new 24 Gladiator Sport S

[gladerater23]

Nope.... Reading comprehension is important. I was stating what both trucks came with from the factory as per the build sheet that accompanied both trucks.

If it makes you feel any better, my Uncle's Chevy specified that it had the towing package and his came with a frame mounted hitch. As well my other Uncle's Ford.

And if you give me a few, I can bring in a few other manufacturers as well.

You're not making sense.

Anyway, here's a pic.
I can't get the site to upload the photos.

Lol lol sounds like a personal problem. That must be depressing lol

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[Captain Jack]

Hey All,

I am rather excited to be bringing home my first Jeep and a substantial upgrade from my 09 Ranger. Only problem being that I need to add a hitch to the new truck. If I am understanding it all correctly, I have essentially 3 options.

(1) The classic ball on the bumper:

(2) This thing that I suspect is also attached to the bumper:

(3) And the more expensive MOPAR version that has the best capacity:

I am not inclined to go with the bumper ball, but If there isn't a lot of difference between options 2 and 3 then what am I actually choosing between?

Thanks!

Hey All,

I am rather excited to be bringing home my first Jeep and a substantial upgrade from my 09 Ranger. Only problem being that I need to add a hitch to the new truck. If I am understanding it all correctly, I have essentially 3 options.

(1) The classic ball on the bumper:

(2) This thing that I suspect is also attached to the bumper:

(3) And the more expensive MOPAR version that has the best capacity:

I am not inclined to go with the bumper ball, but If there isn't a lot of difference between optIions 2 and 3 then what am I actually choosing between?

Thanks!

I have a 2025 JT Nighthawk I installed a Curt class III 500 LB Toung weight and 5000 draw, similar to second picture ,this bolts to the frame from the factory mount plate. You need to fish the bolts and spacer through the frame and drop down into the hitch mount holes, fish wires supplied, some helpful advise, take the bolts and the spacers and put some adhesive under the bolt head and spacer, and let set over night, I used GOOP, from local auto store. and use something flexible to push the bolt and spacer through the frame as you pull the fish wire. The whole thing took me about 40 minutes.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Our 2019 JLUR was in the dealer shop and the service writer called to tell me they tested both batteries and they both needed replaced and being at 40k miles they weren't covered. I informed him that the Jeep had etorque and the 48V battery was in fact covered by the 80k mile emissions warranty. He said no, both 12V batteries. I informed him that etorque models don't have the small aux battery. He was adamant it did. Even when I tried to explain it. I told him to get his lying tech away from my Jeep if he's claiming to have tested both 12v batteries and I'd just pick it up. Brought a new main 12v battery with me and changed it in the parking lot before I drove it home. Fortunately the 48v battery was fine. That Jeep never went back to the dealer and the 2022 JLUR that replaced it and my 2023 JT didn't even go back for their free oil changes.

Sounds like the same tech who said my winch was draining my 12v battery and fixed it by moving the ground over to the body. Yeah, right - what's that big red switch sitting there in the OFF position?

 

[tysongladiator]

You're not making sense.

Lol lol sounds like a personal problem. That must be depressing lol

Of course I'm not. To you. Lol

Being able to understand the difference between comparing and informing may be a personal problem. Who knows? Apparently, for some, it's a hard thing to do and may add a little stress to the mind. But, it's not depressing. Lol

 

[tysongladiator]

Doesn't the JT factory receiver also bolt to the bumper as well as to the frame, taking the place of that last cross-brace on the non-tow package JTs.

Well.... There's a hole outline on the plastic cover on top of the bumper that can be cut out for a bolt for the use of option #2. But there's no hole in the bumper. So a hole would have to be drilled for the bolt. At least not in my bumper and I still have the stock bumper. Maybe, just maybe my bumper doesn't have a hole because it came with the tow package and if I were to get the non-tow package, it would actually be made for option #2. I don't know.

Even on the tow package JTs such as mine, the bumper actually bolts to the crossbrace of the hitch. 3 bolts on each side. So without that crossbrace, I wouldn't have any way to mount a bumper. So, maybe the non-tow JTs come with a different mount for the rear that allows a bumper and brace setup for option #2. I really don't know. I'll have to track down one of my friends with a non-tow and find out.

 

[tysongladiator]

Our 2019 JLUR was in the dealer shop and the service writer called to tell me they tested both batteries and they both needed replaced and being at 40k miles they weren't covered. I informed him that the Jeep had etorque and the 48V battery was in fact covered by the 80k mile emissions warranty. He said no, both 12V batteries. I informed him that etorque models don't have the small aux battery. He was adamant it did. Even when I tried to explain it. I told him to get his lying tech away from my Jeep if he's claiming to have tested both 12v batteries and I'd just pick it up. Brought a new main 12v battery with me and changed it in the parking lot before I drove it home. Fortunately the 48v battery was fine. That Jeep never went back to the dealer and the 2022 JLUR that replaced it and my 2023 JT didn't even go back for their free oil changes.

When I first bought my JT back in 2019, I let the dealer do a tsb replacement. I got the jeep back and it was all over the place. I do my own inspection and find out the pitman arm nut was barely finger tight. The torque specs calls for 184 ft/lbs. I went back and asked who worked on my jeep, the entire shop came out with all smiles because they thought they were going to get a compliment. As soon as I told them what was wrong, all of a sudden no one knows who worked on it.

Yea.... Couldn't let them work on it anymore. I was nervous when I was getting the free oil changes.

 

[gladerater23]

Well.... There's a hole outline on the plastic cover on top of the bumper that can be cut out for a bolt for the use of option #2. But there's no hole in the bumper. So a hole would have to be drilled for the bolt. At least not in my bumper and I still have the stock bumper. Maybe, just maybe my bumper doesn't have a hole because it came with the tow package and if I were to get the non-tow package, it would actually be made for option #2. I don't know.

Even on the tow package JTs such as mine, the bumper actually bolts to the crossbrace of the hitch. 3 bolts on each side. So without that crossbrace, I wouldn't have any way to mount a bumper. So, maybe the non-tow JTs come with a different mount for the rear that allows a bumper and brace setup for option #2. I really don't know. I'll have to track down one of my friends with a non-tow and find out.

Watch this install video for #2


https://www.quadratec.com/p/quadrat...EWqM87bejplC6e7r6HTiVvAnTXGITbAxoCoX8QAvD_BwE

 

[tysongladiator]

Yeah, when I bought my 2025 Sport Base, I was well aware it came without a tow package setup. Even owning two prior Rubicon JT's that had the trailer package and was rated for 7000 lbs GTW, I never once towed with them nor do I see a regular instance of me towing with my Sport Base.

I do believe though, "It is better to have and not need, than to need and not have".

Watch this install video for #2


https://www.quadratec.com/p/quadrat...EWqM87bejplC6e7r6HTiVvAnTXGITbAxoCoX8QAvD_BwE

Yes. Bolt on just like what's on our JK. The JK came with a non-tow package. But we tow small trailers with the JK, so that works out perfect. And from what it sounds like, that (option #2) may be the best option for the OP needs. I have to remind myself that not everyone tows as much as I do. So when I speak, I speak from my perspective. And option #3 was the best option for me and my needs. Not the OP.

But... I will say that even though Rob explained it pretty good, I feel like he cheated because he has a lift.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Watch this install video for #2


https://www.quadratec.com/p/quadrat...EWqM87bejplC6e7r6HTiVvAnTXGITbAxoCoX8QAvD_BwE

Yes, we know. It bolts to the cross member and then a 3/4" bolt goes through the hole in the bumper where a BALL would mount for the other mounting point.
I have the PDF directions and have known about this for some time.

There's a dimple in the plastic cover of the bumper that is the center of the hole for the ball to be mounted to the bumper (and through the plate on the cross member)

Most of this has been covered in the past years.

I have to remind myself that not everyone tows as much as I do. So when I speak, I speak from my perspective. And option #3 was the best option for me and my needs. Not the OP.

The other draw back of the inexpensive small receiver is that it's not going to handle certain bike racks and accessories due to the leverage they place on it.

One has to think about "today" and - "what if I decide to get........." as well. Buy once, install once and be done with it. Otherwise you have parts laying around you don't need or can't use any more.

 

[Zachanadandy]

Watch this install video for #2


https://www.quadratec.com/p/quadrat...EWqM87bejplC6e7r6HTiVvAnTXGITbAxoCoX8QAvD_BwE

And it's still half assed compared to a class 4 that bolts between the frame rails, all to save $100. Even if you never plan to tow being it's rating of all want the extra piece of mind for a mere $100.

 

[gladerater23]

And it's still half assed compared to a class 4 that bolts between the frame rails, all to save $100. Even if you never plan to tow being it's rating of all want the extra piece of mind for a mere $100.

No doubt that it's NOT the best option.

I've only entertained this discussion to help the original poster. Then people started saying it bolts to the bumper which it does not. If you're serious about towing you wouldn't buy a Gladiator in the 1st place.

 

[Zachanadandy]

No doubt that it's NOT the best option.

I've only entertained this discussion to help the original poster. Then people started saying it bolts to the bumper which it does not. If you're serious about towing you wouldn't buy a Gladiator in the 1st place.

It does bolt to the bumper and the cross member, which is another reason not to run 1. Likely interferes with most aftermarket bumpers. A class 4 most bumpers are designed to clear. As far as towing I guess it depends on how you define serious? A 4-5k pound off road camp trailer? Show me a better rig as full sized trucks aren't great on many trails. A 10k+ pound equipment trailer? Obviously you want a 1 ton diesel truck. A small utility trailer for dump runs? Even a JL will tow that just fine.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

It does bolt to the bumper and the cross member, which is another reason not to run 1. Likely interferes with most aftermarket bumpers. A class 4 most bumpers are designed to clear. As far as towing I guess it depends on how you define serious? A 4-5k pound off road camp trailer? Show me a better rig as full sized trucks aren't great on many trails. A 10k+ pound equipment trailer? Obviously you want a 1 ton diesel truck. A small utility trailer for dump runs? Even a JL will tow that just fine.

If you have read the reviews, it may require washers as spacers to fill the gap between bumper and cross member. Yes, it bolts to both, thus the complaints. Then you have the head of that 3/4" bolt sticking up there on the bumper.

Yeah, likely wouldn't do well with aftermarket.......


He hasn't seen our "what are you towing" threads. I regularly tow 5,000+

 

[gladerater23]

It does bolt to the bumper and the cross member, which is another reason not to run 1. Likely interferes with most aftermarket bumpers. A class 4 most bumpers are designed to clear. As far as towing I guess it depends on how you define serious? A 4-5k pound off road camp trailer? Show me a better rig as full sized trucks aren't great on many trails. A 10k+ pound equipment trailer? Obviously you want a 1 ton diesel truck. A small utility trailer for dump runs? Even a JL will tow that just fine.

It does NOT bolt to the bumper.... you take the bumper off to install OR you drill a 2" through the plastic bumper cover to access the bolt.

 

[gladerater23]

It does NOT bolt to the bumper.... you take the bumper off to install OR you drill a 2" through the plastic bumper cover to access the bolt.

Bolts to cross member not bumper itself.

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