Trailer Hitch Compatibility
#1
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Trailer Hitch Compatibility
I'm looking around for a class III hitch for my '87 XJ. I see lots of hitches for Grand Cherokees. Looking them up from the hitch manufacturers, it looks like they have different part numbers. Anyone know if Grands and XJ hitches can be swapped?
#3
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Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee(XJ)
Engine: 4.0L
You NEED a hitch for an 84-2001 Jeep Cherokee (XJ). NOT Grand Cherokee. Try a local junkyard for cheap. The hitches need "nut strips" though. It's a 1 inch metal strip with large nuts welded onto it. The hitch comes up from the bottom of the frame, the nut strips slide INTO the rear frame, and the bolts screw up into the nutstrips. The rear bumper needs to be removed to insert the nut-strips then re-attached.
Dealer might have the nut strips. Bolts can be found at any hardware store. Don't forget lock washers AND a trailer wiring module. The Jeep Cherokee needs to be converted to a 4 light system with a special module. There is a plug and play version that taps into the wiring harness behind the spare tire large trim. Last I looked, Amazon carried the module for 35 bux.
A few hours of messing around. Not too bad unless you live in the rust belt and your rear bumper won't un-bolt. Spray with PB Blaster a week or so before attempting.
Dealer might have the nut strips. Bolts can be found at any hardware store. Don't forget lock washers AND a trailer wiring module. The Jeep Cherokee needs to be converted to a 4 light system with a special module. There is a plug and play version that taps into the wiring harness behind the spare tire large trim. Last I looked, Amazon carried the module for 35 bux.
A few hours of messing around. Not too bad unless you live in the rust belt and your rear bumper won't un-bolt. Spray with PB Blaster a week or so before attempting.
#4
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Thanks for the replies. I'm surprised how many XJs didn't have hitches. I've been checking part-outs and haven't found one yet except for several Grands. I guess those are out though.
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Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L HO
Last edited by dmill89; 04-05-2015 at 05:51 PM.
#6
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Thanks Dmill89. Amazon has a good price for that. There's a big difference between CDN and US$ right now so trying to find something around here (20-25% depending on the day).
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#8
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Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 I-6
If you can't find a good used one at the junkyard, a new Curt hitch for the XJ will run around $130 (I've seen them on sale for less too, I paid about $50 for mine as a "scratch & dent" special with just a few marks on the finish) and include the necessary hardware: Amazon.com: Curt Manufacturing 13084 Class III Receiver: CURT: Automotive
#9
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Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0l
I put one of these on last year. It was $99 with shipping included.. Quality Reese piece..
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/re...model/cherokee
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/re...model/cherokee
#11
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Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L HO
I put one of these on last year. It was $99 with shipping included.. Quality Reese piece..
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/re...model/cherokee
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/re...model/cherokee
#12
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Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0l
Not sure what (or how much) you plan on pulling behind your Jeep, but I can tell you this one will safely handle whatever your Jeep XJ is rated to tow.
Also, that picture is not at all an accurate representation of the actual hitch. It does in fact have 4 bolt holes per side for mounting.
I have dealt with and had MANY different hitches. This one is a great buy for the money and installing it first hand, I will say it is more well built than you may think.
Seeing it in person, I would venture to guess it is pretty well underrated. I have no skin in the game, just thought I would share a good buy.
Here is a link to the hitch on the Reese website and an accurate picture. Looks pretty darn similar to the Curt unit.
http://www.reeseprod.com/products/tr...yPd3hFXaP3tHu8
Also, that picture is not at all an accurate representation of the actual hitch. It does in fact have 4 bolt holes per side for mounting.
I have dealt with and had MANY different hitches. This one is a great buy for the money and installing it first hand, I will say it is more well built than you may think.
Seeing it in person, I would venture to guess it is pretty well underrated. I have no skin in the game, just thought I would share a good buy.
Here is a link to the hitch on the Reese website and an accurate picture. Looks pretty darn similar to the Curt unit.
http://www.reeseprod.com/products/tr...yPd3hFXaP3tHu8
Last edited by 1arunem; 04-06-2015 at 06:25 PM.
#13
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Year: 1994
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 HO
Reese makes good hitches.
But my concern with this hitch is only 4? Mounting bolts.
Don't the nut strips for a hitch have 4 on each side?
But my concern with this hitch is only 4? Mounting bolts.
Don't the nut strips for a hitch have 4 on each side?
#14
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Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0l
See my post, Summit's picture is misleading and they have done themselves a disservice by posting a picture of an inferior hitch.
The actual hitch (see my link to Reese website) does in fact have 4 holes per side and I would guess it is probably as well made as the Curt unit (nothing against it at all).
Plus the safety chain hooks on the Reese unit look more stout than the ones on the Curt.
The actual hitch (see my link to Reese website) does in fact have 4 holes per side and I would guess it is probably as well made as the Curt unit (nothing against it at all).
Plus the safety chain hooks on the Reese unit look more stout than the ones on the Curt.
#15
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Thread Starter
See my post, Summit's picture is misleading and they have done themselves a disservice by posting a picture of an inferior hitch.
The actual hitch (see my link to Reese website) does in fact have 4 holes per side and I would guess it is probably as well made as the Curt unit (nothing against it at all).
Plus the safety chain hooks on the Reese unit look more stout than the ones on the Curt.
The actual hitch (see my link to Reese website) does in fact have 4 holes per side and I would guess it is probably as well made as the Curt unit (nothing against it at all).
Plus the safety chain hooks on the Reese unit look more stout than the ones on the Curt.