Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here XJ (84-01)
All OEM related XJ specific tech. Examples, no start, general maintenance or anything that's stock.

school me on hitches

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 28, 2008 | 04:27 PM
  #1  
muddeprived's Avatar
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,883
Likes: 6
From: W-PA
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default school me on hitches

I never towed anything, nor had a hitch on any of my vehicles. I am going to be getting one to use as a rear tow point and also use with my Hitch Rack that i had for my tj. The tj had a bumper with 2" receiver.

What class should i get? I won't be hauling more than 500 or so pounds. Mostly around the 200-300 range.

I was unable to get a factory hitch from a junkyard so i have to buy new. Which would you guys recommend? I'm looking to save some dollars so it doesn't have to be fancy. 4wd hardware has a Curt Round Tubular Hitch:
http://www.4wd.com/productdetails.aspx?partID=4081

I was thinking that but wondering if there were any cheaper ones anywhere?
Reply
Old Jul 28, 2008 | 04:29 PM
  #2  
muddeprived's Avatar
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,883
Likes: 6
From: W-PA
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

I found this on JCWhitney. It's free shipping plus free drop hitch. Won't need it but cool to get free stuff. I'm just wondering if JCW will get it here in time for Aug 23 trip. It does say ships within 3 days.

http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/I...36276011757100
Reply
Old Jul 28, 2008 | 05:11 PM
  #3  
okcjeeper's Avatar
::CF Administrator::
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 10,039
Likes: 16
From: Okc area
Year: 1991
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 I6
Default

I dunno mine is a factory hitch, main thing is making sure the mounting brackets line up with the jeep frame or you will have to modify it..the first one looks like it would the second I don't think it will...
Reply
Old Jul 28, 2008 | 05:17 PM
  #4  
XJ Stryker's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 7,661
Likes: 15
From: Smiths Station, Al
Year: 87
Model: Wagoneer
Engine: 4.0 I6
Default

I would shoot for a class 3 hitch. What you are hauling is not the important part if it is only 500lbs. What is important is that it is a recovery point. And a class 3 hitch is the minimum in my opinion for a recovery point. IIRC it will support 7500lbs+

I bought mine off a classified post on a forum for 75 shipped. Good luck getting it much cheaper.

I personally looked and looked a JY and i never found one that was worth my time to pull off. But if you do look at JY you may find a hitch with a gas tank skid also. That would be a awesome find if you plan on wheelin.
Reply
Old Jul 28, 2008 | 08:32 PM
  #5  
COSXJFAN's Avatar
Do you hear banjos?
Premium Member
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 9,644
Likes: 6
Model: Cherokee
Default

Sorry Mudd, I thought this thread's title had a typo in it!! I was gonna school you on something completely different!!LOL!! Just kidding, I'm immature...and couldn't resist!! Later!!
Reply
Old Jul 28, 2008 | 08:35 PM
  #6  
okcjeeper's Avatar
::CF Administrator::
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 10,039
Likes: 16
From: Okc area
Year: 1991
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 I6
Default

Another place to look is Summit great prices and shipping is cheap..Also craigslist and local shops..I think Reese is a pretty solid hitch as well..Like XJstryker said just get a Class III hitch..
Reply
Old Jul 28, 2008 | 08:35 PM
  #7  
XJ Stryker's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 7,661
Likes: 15
From: Smiths Station, Al
Year: 87
Model: Wagoneer
Engine: 4.0 I6
Default

ha ha... COS OH yeah and MUDD it took me about 3 months to find me a decent hitch with a decent price. So SEARCH SEARCH SEARCH. When i finally found one the guy only wanted 25 bucks for it but it cost me 50 extra to ship it.
Reply
Old Jul 28, 2008 | 08:48 PM
  #8  
muddeprived's Avatar
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,883
Likes: 6
From: W-PA
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Originally Posted by COSXJFAN
Sorry Mudd, I thought this thread's title had a typo in it!! I was gonna school you on something completely different!!LOL!! Just kidding, I'm immature...and couldn't resist!! Later!!


I decided to go with JCwhitney and got their hitch for $127. It's good enough for what i need it for, plus free shipping. I saved about $40 by not going with 4wd and i'm gonna use that saved money for a d-ring hitch mount there instead.
Reply
Old Jul 28, 2008 | 08:51 PM
  #9  
XJ Stryker's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 7,661
Likes: 15
From: Smiths Station, Al
Year: 87
Model: Wagoneer
Engine: 4.0 I6
Default

Originally Posted by muddeprived


I decided to go with JCwhitney and got their hitch for $127. It's good enough for what i need it for, plus free shipping. I saved about $40 by not going with 4wd and i'm gonna use that saved money for a d-ring hitch mount there instead.

I got my D-ring from gerr which is a sponsor on this thread. check out our vendors
Reply
Old Jul 29, 2008 | 04:47 PM
  #10  
dabeast727's Avatar
Seasoned Member
 
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 491
Likes: 3
From: raleigh, nc
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L HO
Default

Originally Posted by muddeprived
I never towed anything, nor had a hitch on any of my vehicles. I am going to be getting one to use as a rear tow point and also use with my Hitch Rack that i had for my tj. The tj had a bumper with 2" receiver.

What class should i get? I won't be hauling more than 500 or so pounds. Mostly around the 200-300 range.

I was unable to get a factory hitch from a junkyard so i have to buy new. Which would you guys recommend? I'm looking to save some dollars so it doesn't have to be fancy. 4wd hardware has a Curt Round Tubular Hitch:
http://www.4wd.com/productdetails.aspx?partID=4081

I was thinking that but wondering if there were any cheaper ones anywhere?
That curt is very similar to what i have, i like it a lot, never gave me any problems. Tows my boat and jet skis well and makes a fine tow point. I will say its gonna hurt your departure angle
Reply
Old Jul 29, 2008 | 05:43 PM
  #11  
BlueXJ's Avatar
Renix Super Guru
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 24,653
Likes: 19
From: In yourz postez fissin jurr spelinzs
Year: 1990XJ/1989MJ
Model: Comanche
Engine: 4.0L Renix
Default

Let us know how it goes Mudd. You may want to do a write-up for the tech section. I would use nutserts instead of the fish the nut through the frame type of attachment point. Those use a washer which does not spread the weight of recovery out far enough IMHO.
Reply
Old Jul 29, 2008 | 06:25 PM
  #12  
whowey's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,237
Likes: 3
From: Northern Illinois
Year: 90
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Originally Posted by COSXJFAN
Sorry Mudd, I thought this thread's title had a typo in it!! I was gonna school you on something completely different!!LOL!! Just kidding, I'm immature...and couldn't resist!! Later!!


I read exactly the same thing the first few times I saw the title.
Reply
Old Jul 29, 2008 | 06:28 PM
  #13  
whowey's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,237
Likes: 3
From: Northern Illinois
Year: 90
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Originally Posted by BlueXJ
Let us know how it goes Mudd. You may want to do a write-up for the tech section. I would use nutserts instead of the fish the nut through the frame type of attachment point. Those use a washer which does not spread the weight of recovery out far enough IMHO.
I made my own nutzert/washer/support piece..

I took a piece of 1-1/2" wide, 3/16" thick flat stock. Drilled the holes and welded the nuts in place. I used black oxide nuts to try and avoid suspect welds from welding on galvanized nuts.
Reply
Old Jul 29, 2008 | 09:12 PM
  #14  
BlueXJ's Avatar
Renix Super Guru
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 24,653
Likes: 19
From: In yourz postez fissin jurr spelinzs
Year: 1990XJ/1989MJ
Model: Comanche
Engine: 4.0L Renix
Default

Excellent I commend you sir.
Reply
Old Jul 29, 2008 | 09:39 PM
  #15  
okcjeeper's Avatar
::CF Administrator::
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 10,039
Likes: 16
From: Okc area
Year: 1991
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 I6
Default

I need to learn how to weld...
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:45 PM.