Hitch not installed

[Dreaded1]

I purchased my Rubicon off the lot last week. I saw the trailer wiring harness but didn't notice the hitch was not installed and the tow package was not listed on the window sticker. I needed the hitch for a trip next week and couldn't risk ordering online and it not getting here in time, so I called the dealership and they had one in stock for $265, which I was ok with. I asked the rep if they had a military/vet discount and he said he could do something for me. When I got to the counter her had marked it down to $225, and I was out the door for $240 after taxes. Hopefully I will be able to install it tonight with the help of a friend.

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[sarcasm]

There are two options for adding a hitch. What you have now if you look closely is the ability to attach a ball\hitch to the bumper. The other is to get the full Trailer Hitch Receiver that attaches to the frame and replaces the one that will be attached to your bumper now. I was able to get the more robust frame attached for under $300.

Frame attached: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RTZN17T/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Bumper Attached: https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/covering-the-hitch-cut-in.32027/post-520962

NOt sure which the dealer is giving you but I would rather have the frame attached option.

 

[Dreaded1]

There are two options for adding a hitch. What you have now if you look closely is the ability to attach a ball\hitch to the bumper. The other is to get the full Trailer Hitch Receiver that attaches to the frame and replaces the one that will be attached to your bumper now. I was able to get the more robust frame attached for under $300.

Frame attached: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RTZN17T/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Bumper Attached: https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/covering-the-hitch-cut-in.32027/post-520962

NOt sure which the dealer is giving you but I would rather have the frame attached option.

I got the hitch that attaches to the frame.

 

[Dreaded1]

The swap went well last night, we only ran into one issue. The new receiver did not come with the inserts for the bolts that attach the bumper to the bottom of the hitch. We tried to get the inserts out of the original one, with no luck. Other than that, it went pretty smoothly.

 

[Batts65]

Dreaded, do you think that you will not have as much towing capacity since it did not come with the hitch??

 

[Dreaded1]

The hitch I intalled is the factory hitch capable of towing 7600lbs. As far as I know the Rubicon can tow 7000lbs. This should be more than substantial.

 

[NaughtyGeek]

The tow package is not just the hitch. The vehicle gets upgraded cooling as well as alternator iirc. Be careful what you tow in what conditions as overheating could well be an issue for you without the cooling upgrades.

 

[Dreaded1]

The tow package is not just the hitch. The vehicle gets upgraded cooling as well as alternator iirc. Be careful what you tow in what conditions as overheating could well be an issue for you without the cooling upgrades.

Damn I was afraid of that. I will look into it more. I was told the Rubicon can tow 7K lbs as is.

 

[Dreaded1]

https://fourwheeltrends.com/gladiator-towing-capacity-how-much-can-a-jeep-gladiator-tow/

If I am reading this page correctly the Rubicon should be able to tow 7K without the max towing package.

 

[NaughtyGeek]

According to the manual the Rubicon is the only model that doesn't have different tow ratings for with and without the tow package so perhaps you're ok. The only tow rating change on the Rubicon is manual vs automatic transmission.

 

[WhippetTaxi]

Don't forget to investigate brake controllers if you are towing anything with substantial weight (and elec brakes).

 

[sarcasm]

The extra engineering may make it better at the fringes of capacity but you would not notice it in most cases. Your real issue is the door sticker does not match what it probably can do with the upgraded hitch. That could be an issue with your insurance company if you ever get into an accident. (Less likely but still possible, law enforcement)

 

[Dreaded1]

Don't forget to investigate brake controllers if you are towing anything with substantial weight (and elec brakes).

I have already looked into brake controllers, I know I will need that

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