I'm going to need to install a rear mounted hitch with something around a 4,000 lb towing capacity, towing a car a down the east coast. I would appreciate any recommendations, thanks!!

 

uhaul hitches mount real close to the bumper(just like a factory one) and come with everything you need. if you can go to the JY and pull one off for cheaper

 

the ones off uhauls website are rated at a max weight of 3500 lbs. and there's one with a max distribution weight of 5500 lbs. I'm a little new to this so would the 3500 one be fine to pull a smaller 4 door family car with the dolley.

Also what does that max distribution weight mean exactly?

thanks for any help

 

If you want a low profile hitch and still very strong stick with "Hidden Hitch". very easy to install and very strong. Check it out on JCWhitney.com

 

hidden hitch and the Uhaul hitch mount the same-close to the bumper. see which one is cheaper. And i would see what uhaul hitch centers say, i have the 3500 1 1/4" hitch and my buddy has the 3500 2" hitch and they both mount really close to the bumper and are low profile. i know the stock one (2") is rated to 5000. but talk to uhaul about your needs and they will tell you which one to get and then start price shopping =]

 

I pulled a reese hitch out of the JY that i think is rated for 5000 lbs. and i got it for 25 bucks plus 10 bucks of paint and it looks brand new!

 

I've pulled my cars and even a mini van on my tow dolly with my ZJ's factory installed hitch. No problems what so ever. It's rated at 5,000 lbs.
Dan

 

DON'T buy one of the universal hitches!!! I have on on my XJ, they hang low enough to use as a step to access the roof rack. and they have very limited clearance at the shackles. also unless your running a modified exhaust you'll have to cut the last 3 inches off the tail pipe to clear the hitch.

 

so any level III hitch is rated at towing capacity of over 5,000 lbs?

I figured the jeep could tow the car no problem I'm just afraid of getting a hitch rated @ 3500 lbs where most cars weigh in about that much not including the weight of the dolley if that is even a factor in something like this.

 

Does your XJ have the factory trailer tow pkg? If not, I believe the max tow capacity is 3000lbs. The factory trailer tow pkg does not include a hitch, IIRC.

 

I got a used one from the local auto wreckers, great condition, and all the hardware super cheap ($20)

Can anyone tell me how on earth you get the bar with the built in nuts out though? I've taken off all the big bolts, which should've done it, but there's now one last small ROUNDED (!) screw/bolt that i don't understand. It seems to have a dimple in it, maybe once was a hex nut thing? Should be easy enough to drill out, but if there's an easier way.?.?.Once it's out I'll use plates and carriage bolts instead...

 

not a rivet? if so has to be drilled..

 

It could definitely be a rivet, but hard to tell - such a stupid place for one if so! That's why I was wondering if anyone else has dealt with this. i'll just drill the darn thing out.

"Does your XJ have the factory trailer tow pkg? If not, I believe the max tow capacity is 3000lbs. The factory trailer tow pkg does not include a hitch, IIRC."

How do you know if you have a factory tow pkg? What's the difference between an XJ with and without one? Thought it was just a matter of hitch, hardware, and heavier diff fluid. My XJ did not have a hitch originally and am now installing a 5000 lb rated one. Will I be running into troubles soon?

Thanks!

 

here is the factory manual for towing. Also you will have a tranny cooler from the factory if you have the package. I have never heard of the towing package WITHOUT the hitch. That seems like a waste of an option...

 

Since there are a number of different hitches (types, styles, brands, etc.), most mfgs don't install a hitch thus leaving the hitch choice up to the vehicle owner. Tow pkgs differ from mfg to mfg but some of the items, in a optional and at extra cost factory tow pkg are, larger engine, larger rad, extra coolers (engine oil and/or tranny), the automatic tranny itself, higher (numerically) rear diff/gear ratio, larger tires, larger brakes, heavier suspension, etc. Just because one puts a 5000lb or 10,000lb rated hitch on a vehicle, doesn't mean the vehicle will safely tow what the hitch is rated for. One can put a 5000lb rated hitch on a Toyota Corolla.......but can a Corolla tow 5000lbs......NOT.