Hitch install?

[Dallas91]

Has anyone removed just the plastic cover on their steel rubicon bumper? It seems if I drill out the two rivits behind the license plate and remove the plate lights it should lift off. Im really trying to avoid drilling into the plastic to place the large bolt through the top to complete the hitch install.

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[WILDHOBO]

Might be easier to just remove the bumper. If it’s as easy as removing the front bumper, it should make the project easier. Just a though. My Rubicon already has the receiver, so haven’t tried it. Feel free to grain of salt this.​

 

[Mac]

I would think the plastic cover is held on with some type of plastic push pin or Christmas tree. Should be removable without having to drill out plastic rivets

 

[Dallas91]

I'll take some pictures in the day light. There are definitely two rivits back there. I just don't know if that's all that's needed to take it off. I'm hoping to not destroy it figuring it out. The instructions I've seen say to drill a hole where the ball pin attaches to the bumper. I'm hoping to take the cover off and replace it after tightening the bolt for a cleaner look.

 

[Dallas91]

I thought of just removing the bumper but the cover still needs to be removed from the steel bumper to expose the hole for the hitch.

 

[Gvsukids]

Has anyone removed just the plastic cover on their steel rubicon bumper? It seems if I drill out the two rivits behind the license plate and remove the plate lights it should lift off. Im really trying to avoid drilling into the plastic to place the large bolt through the top to complete the hitch install.

Why not buy one with the tow package or install a receiver?

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I think you'll need to remove the bumper. The TOP part is held in place by steel clips that grip studs coming down from the top.
You'll have to release these clips.......

Looks like some simple plastic squeeze to release clips as well -

 

[Dallas91]

I think you'll need to remove the bumper. The TOP part is held in place by steel clips that grip studs coming down from the top.
You'll have to release these clips.......

Looks like some simple plastic squeeze to release clips as well -

Ahh. From the front it looks like rivits. Interesting. Let's hope I don't break anything.

 

[Renegade]

I just used a hole saw bit and cut a hole in the plastic for my trailer ball. It looks fine.

 

[Dallas91]

I'm installing a receiver under the bumper, similar to stock. Really wanting to avoid drilling a hole in the plastic.

 

[Renegade]

I'm installing a receiver under the bumper, similar to stock. Really wanting to avoid drilling a hole in the plastic.

I’m not sure I would want to modify it to put a box underneath. Are you just wanting to do it for less cost than a factory hitch?

 

[Dallas91]

I’m not sure I would want to modify it to put a box underneath. Are you just wanting to donut for less cost than a factory hitch?

It's the factory style hitch so I wouldn't be modifying anything. It's three bolts. Two on the back side and one at the top where you would put a ball in the bumper. I Just don't want to look at the bolt and hole at the top right infront of the license plate.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I’m not sure I would want to modify it to put a box underneath. Are you just wanting to do it for less cost than a factory hitch?

I wonder - and correct me if I'm wrong, of course -
Jeep used two systems on these - the tow package has the receiver and is rated with the tow package.
They also had something like a 4500 tow rating without the tow package - using a Jeep accessory that added the capability of a bumper mount ball that you could add.
I think he's not putting on the actual receiver, but the bumper ball mount?
Gotta admit, been a while since I've seen pictures of those.

With no tow package there's still a tow rating as they assume a bumper mount hitch/ball mount.
Is that correct?

 

[Dallas91]

This is what I'm installing. On my last jt I just drilled the plastic for the top bolt. But just recently got an auto and didn't realize it didn't have the factory hitch until the deal was done. It only take ls 20 minutes if I'd just drill the plastic..I just hated looking at the bolt evertime i looked at the back of the jeep. So imtrying to avoid it this time.

 

[Renegade]

I wonder - and correct me if I'm wrong, of course -
Jeep used two systems on these - the tow package has the receiver and is rated with the tow package.
They also had something like a 4500 tow rating without the tow package - using a Jeep accessory that added the capability of a bumper mount ball that you could add.
I think he's not putting on the actual receiver, but the bumper ball mount?
Gotta admit, been a while since I've seen pictures of those.

With no tow package there's still a tow rating as they assume a bumper mount hitch/ball mount.
Is that correct?

The non-tow package still has a tow bar, but doesn’t have a receiver box. I honestly can’t say for certain, but I think mine still has a 7,000 lb tow rating. Here are some pictures (ignore the damage to the plastic caused by using a trailer with too steep and angle). Obviously the ball I’m using is only rated at 5,000.

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