Hitch or bumper with hitch ??

[mlp120]

I need to have a hitch or bumper/ hitch installed. Jeep dealer just quoted a price that put me in shock. What sponser here has good pricing and service that you would recommend. Will be purchasing either setup and need it installed with wiring also. Thanks for any help or advise.

Mike

[Spongebob]

I prefer frame mounted hitches myself. Have you called U-Haul to see what they charge for one?

[BRUZR]

Clearance is an issue with an under bumper receiver...

It all depends on how you'll be using your Jeep... I'm getting ready to build a rear bumper with a receiver built IN (not under). It will be frame mounted...:D

[rockwerks]

on what kind of jeep? the rubi or what

[BRUZR]

That too.

[mingoglia]

Clearance is an issue with an under bumper receiver...

It all depends on how you'll be using your Jeep... I'm getting ready to build a rear bumper with a receiver built IN (not under). It will be frame mounted...:D

X2. If you're wheeling keep in mind a receiver will be below the bumper. As much as for every other application I believe a actual receiver is the way to go I prefer not having one on a Jeep. Really with the size/weight of a trailer that a Jeep can safely handle a good quality bumper with a 2" receiver built in is sufficient.

Now if you're never planning on taking your rig offroad this clearance won't be an issue.

Mike

[mlp120]

on what kind of jeep? the rubi or what

2006 Rubicon. Would like to have a reciever hitch built into bumper but depends on price. Will only be using it a couple of times per year to travel to home depot for home improvement projects (approx. 8 miles round trip) nothing major.

Mike

[06GrnRubi]

2006 Rubicon. Would like to have a reciever hitch built into bumper but depends on price. Will only be using it a couple of times per year to travel to home depot for home improvement projects (approx. 8 miles round trip) nothing major.

Mike

Make sure you let us all know what you decide. I have an 06 Rubi and want to replace my stock rear bumper with one with a receiver type hitch.

Thanks,

[BRUZR]

X2. If you're wheeling keep in mind a receiver will be below the bumper. As much as for every other application I believe a actual receiver is the way to go I prefer not having one on a Jeep. Really with the size/weight of a trailer that a Jeep can safely handle a good quality bumper with a 2" receiver built in is sufficient.

Now if you're never planning on taking your rig offroad this clearance won't be an issue.

Mike
Right now I have a "frame mounted" receiver on my stock TJ. You should see how beat up it is from being the first point of contact all the time. Mind you, I'm only driving on trails, not rock crawling. I've even had to be yanked ONCE because I got hung up on it when I was backing up in a dip.

I can't wait to get rid of this thing!!!

[BRUZR]

Have you tried EBay?

[Cave Gimp]

I also have a frame mounted reciever on my 04 Rubi. It has some good marks from being hit. I use it more as a skid plate than anything else. I would recomend a bumper mounted one if you want to take your jeep offroad. I'm sure one of the fab shops on this board have some. The wiring should be fairly simple and straight forward. I've heard of a setup that plugs right into a taillight socket and splits to the trailer and taillight. Not sure how well it works, but that is wiring with no cutting.

[4 Wheelers Supply]

We stock the Rec. hitch by itself. We stock the Warn bumper with the Rec.hitch built in and we stock our bumper with the Rec. hitch and tire carrier.:)

[mingoglia]

With all the people wanting hitches over the last several months I wish I didn't throw mine in the trash. When I bought my junk it had a receiver and it was the first thing I yanked off and immediately trashed. :(

[BRUZR]

With all the people wanting hitches over the last several months I wish I didn't throw mine in the trash. When I bought my junk it had a receiver and it was the first thing I yanked off and immediately trashed. :(

The only reason mine is still on is because I have a pair of Waverunners that I have to tow up to the carwash and clean up so I can cover them and I'm a procrastinator...:D

[mlp120]

We stock the Rec. hitch by itself. We stock the Warn bumper with the Rec.hitch built in and we stock our bumper with the Rec. hitch and tire carrier.:)

Simon, thanks. I sent you an e-mail (from proglfr1@cox.net)

[Markos]

I love the draw-tite hitch on my XJ, and use it all the time, for all sorts of stuff. With that said, it takes more rock abuse than anyhting else on my jeep. It's tucked up fairly well also.

If you do plan on wheelin' it's also a good source for a rear tow-point (i.e. warn receiver shackle). If you are planning on paying a hefty price from the dealer, I suggest you go with an aftermarket bumper/hitch combo. Just make sure that it is still a class III setup.

Otherwise, you may want to look into installing a draw-tite, valley, or hidden hitch yourself. WWW.etrailer.com is a good source for hitches. Since we live the valley, I've been trying to source parts locally. Why pay for shipping. I'd swing by 4Wheeler's...

[Spongebob]

I prefer frame mounted hitches myself. Have you called U-Haul to see what they charge for one?


I should clarify here that the frame mounted hitches do get caught up on stuff and the one that I had installed got hung up frequently, but I feel that the lower mounting point aids when pulling a trailer. I used to pull my 17' ski boat (1900 lbs. dry) all over the place with no problems whatsoever as well as my tent trailer. I really liked the firm underframe mounting technique and the reduced height which made for a smaller drop in the hitch itself. I did suffer ground clearance issues which is the reason that I removed the hitch altogether as I no longer use my Jeep to tow anything.....I have a truck for that.

In short, (this is of course my opinion :) ) if you plan on doing more towing that wheeling, go with the frame mounted hitch. If you need the extra clearance, go with a bumper mounted hitch, but be sure that the bumper has frame tie ins.



Have fun,

[Washington_XJ]

I got lucky and snagged a full frame mount hitch off a buddies jeep for free. The previous owner had it installed by a jeep dealer or some other shop for gonzo $$, those things aren't cheap. I would look around for one that someone might be selling, their pretty easy to install yourself too, the only PITA was inserting all the bolts through the inside of the frame without them falling out before I could tighten them.

For me a hitch was a must, at the time I was hauling a 21 foot Mastercraft. :eek: