How do I ID the strength of my hitch?
 

I've read about folk referring to hitches as having different strengths, series 1, 2, or 3 I believe. How do I identify which strength hitch I have and which of these is/are safe to use as a recovery point?

The only writing I found indicates that the "Max Gross TRLR Weight" in lbs is 3500 on the ball mount.

thanks for the help. If that isn't enough info, I'll be crawling under my xj this afternoon so please tell me what to look for.

s

My hitch is a class III and I know this to be a VERY stout hitch because it is bolted to the frame with 8 bolts. 4 on each frame rail. I have pulled another XJ with it that was buried to the frame, several times. You never want to use a regular ball type insert to pull another rig with when 4wheeling, though. Get yourself an insert that has a tow hook or "D" ring on it.

Depends on the size of the hitch. Class 2 are 1"x1", class 3 are 2"x2"...IIRC

X2 on what buck said, get a receiver w/ a d-ring. and when pulling or getting pulled, make sure the d-ring is on very tight, use a wrench on it. if that thing flies off, its gonna ruin someones day. take a couple pics of it for people to compare, i know mine if a reese class 3, and has 4 bolts on each side.

If it is a 2" reciever hitch then how is it attached to the Jeep? That will help determine the recovery strength of it.

do you see a brand name of any sort on it?

I'll even add photos to answer cherokee4meplz question below.
Thanks for the help. Part of me thinks it is OEM as I don't think the PO would have bought one. But, on the other hand, I can't find a wiring connector anywhere.

s

thats oem

Is that good or bad? Class III or not? Where the ____ is the wiring then?
s

it should be mounted sideways on the frint of your hitch. 7 wire connector.

get us a shot of the info tag lol

Class 3. What year is it? Bc my 2000 came with the wiring and bracket welded onto my hitch as finneys stated. You can wire it up easily though, take ya about 20 min. only cost about $12 for a new 4 prong wiring harness and kit.

I'd love to see a photo of where it is on another xj because I can't find the plug for the life of me.

s

ok well I have a very similar looking hitch with very similar max weights from what I can see by squinting at the first pics.
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c2...jan2109006.jpg
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c2...jan2109007.jpg
The maker of mine's website calls it a class 3 or III
http://www.sheltonhitch.com/proddeta...182&catId=1075

lokk at xj2010 hitch
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/showth...hlight=package