Install and Removal of Both the Draw-Tite and Curt Front Hitch on a 2016 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

Question:

I am interested in your FRONT hitch products for the Jeep Wrangler. My question is, if someone might need to remove a front hitch, say on a leased vehicle, might the handle nuts of the Draw-Tite hitch be an easier technology than the Curt hitch when removing the hitch from the Jeep? Heres where I am going with this question. The CURT product features leader/fish wire technology to pass carriage bolts through the frame. It seems to me that such an approach would necessitate keeping the bolt in the frame, attached to its nut, even after a front hitch might be removed, to prevent rattling of the bolt. Meanwhile, if I have this correct, the handle nut approach of the Draw-Tite product, used to effect the same connections of its front hitch to the sides of the vehicle might allow complete removal of the hardware, in addition to the hitch, should a decision be made to remove the front hitch. I am aware that if I want to place the air dam back on this vehicle after front hitch installation that I would need to make cut outs in it. On a leased vehicle I would simply buy a brand new air dam and install it in place of the one I made cut outs in, prior to returning the vehicle to the lessor. I also know that one might want to trim the ends off a handle nut after an install for fit and finish reasons, but I cant image such cutting of the handle nuts handle length a tad would prevent the non carriage bolt it tightens on to from being unscrewed, as the frame would prevent movement of the handle nut while the head of the bolt is loosened. This is all hypothetical at this point. I don't own a Wrangler. Im just thinking of getting one for, in part, front hitch capable attachment of a home snow plow. Does my logic sound about right?

asked by: Russ

Expert Reply:

After comparing the two front hitches we have available for the 2016 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, I agree with you and recommend the Draw-Tite Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver # 65069 over the Curt Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver # 31432.

The Draw-Tite hitch hardware and handle nut design will be an easier process when removing the hitch from the frame of the Jeep. Removing the handle nuts will be faster than trying to fish out the carriage bolt from the frame when removing the Curt hitch.

Another advantage the Draw-Tite has over the Curt hitch is the Draw-Tite hitch has a higher vertical load rating of 500 lbs over Curt's 350 lbs vertical load rating. Also, the Draw-Tite is more cost effective than the Curt hitch.

expert reply by: Jared P