Remove hitch receiver for better departure angles?

[shrinkhead]

I don't really need the hitch for towing and was naively wondering if it would be better to remove it? Looks like it would hit first which may or may not be desired? Thanks for the advice. Mines a mostly stock LE.

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[Russler]

I don't really need the hitch for towing and was naively wondering if it would be better to remove it? Looks like it would hit first which may or may not be desired? Thanks for the advice. Mines a mostly stock LE.

Have you had issues with other vehicles? I am not sure how you use your truck but assuming (which means I am absolutely making an ass of myself) most folks with a stock LE probably dont plan on getting to wild. If you are driving it like you stole it ignore the last sentence. Personally I would rather slide across the hitch/reciever than my rear bumper.

 

[tysongladiator]

Keep the receiver on and just remove the ball mount whenever you hit the trails. You never know when you may need to tow something. Boat, trailer, etc. I tow my boat and trailer and definitely need it. But I also take my JT off road and on trails every other weekend. I just remove the mount and i have no problems at all. I don't get stupid because it's my daily driver, but I've done some pretty rough stuff. In other words, keep it!

 

[whiteglad]

I agree, it is better to scrape the receiver than the quarter panels. Moreover, the bumper and tow hook/s are mounted to the hitch, not the frame itself.

 

[shrinkhead]

Thanks!! That is settled then for now. The truck will definitely go proper off-road but i will start stock first and then go from there with sensible upgrades depending on what is needed to be able to tackle the terrain i want to tackle. I have only a couple inches of garage clearence left so trying to avoid a lift at all cost unless someone makes a one inch lift or air suspension that can be raised or lowered?

 

[Commodus]

I don't really need the hitch for towing and was naively wondering if it would be better to remove it? Looks like it would hit first which may or may not be desired? Thanks for the advice. Mines a mostly stock LE.

Have you considered something like this?
https://www.quadratec.com/p/body-armor/backbone
This is the way I decided to go.

 

[wannajeep]

Hitch receiver is good protection against damage to the rest of the rig.

 

[12BNNT]

Have to agree. Leave the receiver on there. Makes a great skid plate for the rear end when off road. My JK had a 3” lift and 35’s and came down a big muddy ledge hard on one trip, bent one of the chain loops and smashed the tail pipe but nothing else was damaged. The JT has a “slightly” longer butt on it so I’m sure that receiver will save the rear bumper many times.

 

[Renegade]

I ordered mine without the tow package for the very reason of increasing the departure angle. The factory bumper has a ball mount already. All you have to do is use a hole saw to cut the plastic, then install the ball hitch. Departure angle and towing both!

 

[WhatExit?]

I think you’re also likely to come down on the spare tire too - if you’re driving on terrain like that. If you lift your Gladiator and run taller tires you’ll lessen those instances

 

[12BNNT]

I think you’re also likely to come down on the spare tire too - if you’re driving on terrain like that. If you lift your Gladiator and run taller tires you’ll lessen those instances

That too. I know my hitch sits a hair lower than the stock spare. (Haven’t tried the 35 under there yet) so, I guess it “could “ possibly help save your spare from dragging also.

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