Get Hitched: Selecting and Using a Trailer Hitch for Your Jeep
Originally published on Aug 2, 2023 | Updated on Aug 2, 2023
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I guess it’s no secret that Jeeps, particularly CJs and Wranglers, aren’t renowned for their high payload and towing capacities, but what else would you expect from a vehicle with a shorter wheelbase than a Volkswagen beetle and no standard trailer hitch offerings?
Jeeps are purpose-built rigs; however, that purpose typically isn’t towing. In fact, you’ve likely spotted more Motorhomes lugging around Jeeps than Jeeps towing trailers! Unfortunately, coil-sprung rear suspensions, predominantly four and six-cylinder powertrains, and short wheelbases don’t make for the most competent hauler. But that’s not to say a trailer hitch is worthless!
In this article, we cover everything to know about fitting your Jeep with a hitch, including hitch configurations, recommended uses (towing and alternatives), and a brief installation guide.
Hitch 101: Sizes, Classes, and Types
Let’s learn about the various components of a towing setup and the variables you may encounter when shopping for your Jeep’s hitch.
Hitch Receivers
The term “hitch” typically describes one of two components. First, let’s discuss hitch receivers, often shortened to hitches, which are the components that physically bolt to your Jeep’s frame or bumper.
Hitch receivers come in various configurations determined by your vehicle’s maximum towing capacity and the cargo you plan to tow. There are four standard receiver sizes, including 1-¼-inch, 2-inches, 2-½-inches, and 3-inches; however, due to your Jeep’s small size and low towing capacity, it’s rare to see anything larger than a 2-inch receiver, as 2-½ and 3-inch sizes are reserved for heavy-duty pickups.
Next, we have hitch receiver classes, which are typically ranked using sequential Roman numerals where Class I is rated lowest and Class V is highest. Considering Jeep Wranglers max out around 3,500 lbs, this falls just at the cusp of a Class II hitch’s capabilities, so we’d generally recommend a Class III receiver for those towing at or near this weight.
Check out the table below for more information on classes and receiver sizes!
Hitch Class | Receiver Size | Gross Trailer Weight |
Class I | 1-¼-inch | Up to 2,000 lbs. |
Class II | 1-¼-inch | Up to 3,500 lbs. |
Class III | 2-inch | Up to 8,000 lbs. |
Class IV | 2-inch | Up to 10,000 lbs. |
Class V | 2-½-inch | Up to 17,000 lbs. |
Ball Mounts
Next, we have ball mounts, which are essentially shanked brackets that tie the hitch ball to the receiver. Ball mounts feature a hole on one end to accept different size hitch balls and a shank on the other that matches the size of your Jeep’s hitch receiver, ensuring a snug fitment. Like hitch receivers, ball mounts vary in size and form factor.
Ball mounts come in several shank sizes to match your Jeep’s receiver, including 1-¼-inch, 2-inches, 2-½-inches, and 3-inches; once again, you likely won’t utilize anything larger than a 2-inch ball mount on a Jeep. Ball mounts also come with various-sized hitch ball holes, accepting all standard ball sizes, including 1-⅞-inch, 2-inch, and 2-5/16-inch.
Ball mounts also come in various form factors, including:
Standard
Drop
Adjustable
Multi Ball
Torsion
Pintle
Trailer Hitch Uses (Towing and Otherwise)
You may assume you can only use a hitch receiver to tow trailers, but that couldn't be further from the truth! Hitch receivers have numerous uses, ranging from conventional towing to expanding cargo space and housing hitch-mounted accessories! Let’s cover some of our favorites.
Towing
Of course, the first item on the list has to be towing. The primary purpose of any hitch setup is lugging a trailer, whether that be a small utility trailer for a trip to the landfill, a flat deck trailer with a couple of ATVs on top, a Featherlite camper, or a small off-road trailer housing your camping gear and tools.
Bolstering Exterior Storage
One of the most popular uses of a trailer hitch, aside from towing, is bolstering your Jeep’s storage space. Seeing that cargo space is rather limited, especially in a 2-door Wrangler or CJ, adding surface area to store camping gear, bikes, or tools certainly comes in handy. We carry a wide selection of hitch-mounted carriers and accessories, like the Lund Hitch Carrier, which provides 10 square feet and 500 pounds of additional cargo capacity!
Recovery Mounting Solutions
There’s no such thing as being too cautious when you’re out on the trail, and if that means mounting additional recovery shackles or a hitch-mounted rear winch, then so be it! We carry various hitch-mounted recovery accessories, like the Bestop HighRock 4x4 Hitch Mount D-Ring Shackle, fitting in any 2-inch hitch receiver and providing a sturdy, ¾-inch D-Ring shackle mount for recovery purposes.
Improving Cargo Access
For added convenience, it’s tough to beat the practicality of a premium hitch step, like the Lund Fold-Down Hitch Step. Hitch steps provide easy access to your Jeep’s rear cargo area or roof rack, eliminating the need to haphazardly climb and leap around your Jeep, especially with a lift kit or oversized tires installed.
Trailer Hitch Installation Guide
Installing a trailer hitch onto your Jeep isn’t a major undertaking; however, there are a few crucial steps to ensure a safe and thorough installation.
Selecting Your Hitch Receiver
Before beginning any teardown or bolting-on, you’ll need to select a hitch receiver that meets your needs and expectations. Using the information provided above, including receiver class ratings, receiver sizing, and ball mount sizing/design, determine which product best suits your needs; We’d recommend the Curt Class III Trailer Hitch or the Rugged Ridge Complete Trailer Hitch Kit.
Installing the Hitch Receiver
In most cases, installing the hitch receiver is as simple as bolting it onto your Jeep! Most kits feature convenient no-drill designs, requiring no drilling, trimming, or other modifications for installation. At the most, you may need to remove your Jeep’s rear bumper; in either case, expect installation to take 1-2 hours.
Wiring the Hitch Connector
You're not finished yet! Even after installing the hitch receiver, you’ll need to wire in a 4-pin trailer connector to power the trailer’s marker lights, license plate light, brake lights, and turn signals. Some hitch receivers, like the Rugged Ridge Complete Trailer Hitch Kit, include a simple, plug-and-play wiring harness for easy installation; however, if your preferred hitch does not, products like the Rugged Ridge Wiring Harness For Trailer Hitch make wiring a breeze!
As always, for any additional support, contact the experts! Our sales staff is available Monday–Saturday: 8 AM–11 PM ET and Sunday: 9 AM–10 PM ET to answer any product-related questions; for any order-related inquiries, contact our support staff Monday–Saturday: 8 AM–9 PM ET.
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