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Post by aslondon on Apr 14, 2005 10:29:02 GMT -5
Just got a Lt Khaki 05 with the 6 speed. Traded my 03 Grd Cherokee and don't miss it. I want to put a hitch on the unlimited and there are several on the market - some round tube, some square, reese, hidden hitch,etc - any thoughts or suggestions.
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Post by nwquadriders on Apr 14, 2005 15:17:56 GMT -5
I've got the Draw-Tite square tube 2" Class III hitch on mine. Fit right up, no drilling, etc... I also got their plug in 4-wire wiring harness. Easy install on both. Did it all in about an hour. (most of that was fumbling around looking for the right sized wrenches).
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Post by scrambler81 on Apr 14, 2005 17:47:21 GMT -5
I used a HiddenHitch round tube 2" hitch. The hitch also fits a standard Wrangler, so the inside holes don't match up. I had to drill one hole on each side, but the whole installation took less than an hour. I like it, but I don't imagine it's any better or worse than any other brand hitch.
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Post by jmorrisjr on Apr 15, 2005 13:03:41 GMT -5
I put a Draw-Tite round tube class III on mine. Did not have to drill anything for the install.
Jack
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Post by treeofliberty on Apr 15, 2005 21:41:09 GMT -5
I have the KOZ Offroad rear bumper sitting on the floor of my garage, waiting to be installed tomorrow. It was $249 and came with integrated hitch and D-ring tabs. The thing feels like it was pulled off a Bradley fighting vehicle. And I don't lose any more departure angle.
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Post by aslondon on Apr 15, 2005 22:57:32 GMT -5
thanks for all of the great info. I was speaking to the people at Hidden Hitch and from what they described, my 05 is different than even the 04 limited and the holes are not what they told me. I have to send them some digital pics to confirm. I'll probably go with the drawtite round tube hitch. Does it sit pretty close up under the bumper?
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Ridge
Trail Guide
Posts: 176
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Post by Ridge on Apr 16, 2005 1:16:47 GMT -5
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Post by nwquadriders on Apr 16, 2005 11:07:36 GMT -5
thanks for all of the great info. I was speaking to the people at Hidden Hitch and from what they described, my 05 is different than even the 04 limited and the holes are not what they told me. I have to send them some digital pics to confirm. I'll probably go with the drawtite round tube hitch. Does it sit pretty close up under the bumper? Here's how close up the square tube sits. I'm sure the round tube is similar. You don't lose much departure angle with this set-up. If anything you'll hit it just before your gas tank takes a hit.  |
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Post by treeofliberty on Apr 17, 2005 8:37:48 GMT -5
How many bolts were used to tie that rear bumper to the frame? From the pictures, it didn't look like that many. I installed the KOZ Offroad bumper on my Unlimited yesterday. It had 12 1/2-inch and 2 5/8-inch bolts. It's not DOT approved, but it is rated for 10,000 pounds of "recovery". |
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Post by aslondon on Apr 18, 2005 18:31:24 GMT -5
This is such a great resource. Again, thank you all for the time you took to respond. I finally overanalyzed this enough and ordered the Hidden Hitch round tube hitch. Price was right and I'll have to drill one hole on each side  I'll take a pic next week after I get finished. Al |
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Post by scrambler81 on Apr 19, 2005 18:54:05 GMT -5
It's easy. I'm the worst tech on the planet, and I had no trouble. I'll tell you what, the little spring thingies they give you for threading the bolts through the frame are a great idea!
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Post by aslondon on Apr 25, 2005 10:47:38 GMT -5
Well the Hidden Hitch was just what I was looking for. Installation was EZ After I took it all apart when I realized I used the wrong size backing plates in the wrong places and was 2 short! Once I read the directions it was perfectly clear. Spent more time fishing the incorrect parts back out of the frame than actually assembling it correctly. Go Figure.
Thanks for all your kind help
Al
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Post by carabaoray on Apr 29, 2005 2:10:46 GMT -5
Don't buy a hitch, get a new rear bumper with intergrated hitch.
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Post by scrambler81 on Apr 29, 2005 17:51:22 GMT -5
You'll find that most Wrangler bumpers are rated for 1,500-2,000 lbs. The Unlimited is rated to pull 3,500 lbs. Why waste the capacity? A good bumper will also cost a heck of a lot more than a hitch.
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Post by aslondon on Apr 29, 2005 22:18:57 GMT -5
I just didn't see the need for a new bumper just to get a hitch. Besides, I get more capacity and only spent $99. Just seemd to make more sense. I'm not into it for "style" just function which is what the jeep is about anyhow. Remember in the best (most efficient) designs, form follows function - not the other way around.
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I'll take a pic next week after I get finished.