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  1. Trailer Hitch
  2. etrailer
  3. 2 Inch Hitch
  4. Class III
  5. 5000 lbs GTW
  6. Concealed Cross Tube
etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
etrailer Installation
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etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"

Part Number: e97AR
In Stock
$195.68
Retail:$258.60
You Save: $62.92
Trailer Hitch

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etrailer Installation
We'll connect you with nearby partnered installers who know this exact setup.
This fully welded trailer hitch receiver bolts onto your vehicle's frame with no welding required. Matte black, powder coated steel is durable and corrosion resistant and creates a rugged look. Great Prices for the best trailer hitch from etrailer. etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2" part number e97AR can be ordered online at etrailer.com or call 1-800-940-8924 for expert service.
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  • Reviews (63)
  • Q & A (0)
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etrailer Trailer Hitch - e97AR

Highlights

  • Custom Fit for Your Vehicle: Mounts to existing attachment points
  • Standard 2" Receiver: Works with bike racks, cargo carriers, and Class III towing gear
  • Tows up to 5,000 lbs (GTW): Great for small campers, boats, or utility trailers
  • Holds up to 500 lbs (TW): Supports heavier racks or cargo platforms safely and securely
  • Bolt-On Install: Mounts directly to your frame with included hardware—no welding needed
  • Matte Black Finish: Powder coat over base coat resists rust and hides dirt and scuffs
Made in USA

Features to know about

Get More Out of Every Trip: Class III 2" Trailer Hitch Receiver

This hitch gives you the flexibility to tow a trailer or haul your favorite accessories. With a 5,000 lbs maximum gross trailer weight and a 500 lbs maximum tongue weight, it’s built for light to moderate towing—great for pulling small campers, boats, or utility trailers. When used with weight distribution, capacity increases to 6,000 lbs GTW and 600 lbs TW. The 2" x 2" receiver opening fits the most common bike racks and cargo carriers, so you can bring extra gear when you need it.

Built to Last Through Any Drive: Matte Black Powder Coat Over Protective Base Coat

The fully welded steel construction and matte black finish give this hitch strength and durability that hold up to the elements. The unique matte coating doesn’t just look rugged—it also hides dirt, scuffs, and dings better than glossy finishes. The powder coat sits over a protective base coat for superior rust resistance, so it’ll keep looking good even after years of use.

Side-by-side comparison of matte black carbide finish and glossy black finish on trailer hitch materials showing texture and reflectivity differences.

Close-up comparison of matte carbide-style powder coat and glossy black surface on trailer hitch metal showing texture contrast and durability benefits.

Quick DIY Install: Bolt-On Design With No Welding Required

Installing this hitch doesn’t require special tools or fabrication. It bolts directly onto the vehicle’s frame using the included hardware kit—no welding needed. The precision, robotic welds ensure everything lines up cleanly for a secure fit. You can get it done right in the driveway with basic hand tools and a little patience.

Specs

Receiver Specifications

  • Receiver opening: 2" x 2"
  • Rating: Class III

Weight and Capacity

  • Maximum gross trailer weight: 5,000 lbs
  • Maximum GTW when used with weight distribution: 6,000 lbs
  • Maximum tongue weight: 500 lbs
  • Maximum TW when used with weight distribution: 600 lbs

Warranty

  • Limited lifetime warranty

e97AR etrailer Class 3 Trailer Hitch Receiver - 2" - Matte Black Carbide

Installation Details E97AR Installation instructions

This Product Fits The Following Vehicles




Customer Satisfaction Score:

Ratings & Reviews

4.6

63 reviews
Review sort icon
This fully welded trailer hitch receiver bolts onto your vehicle's frame with no welding required. Matte black, powder coated steel is durable and corrosion resistant and creates a rugged look.

by:

I'm missing the threaded insert pieces to install

Jenny N. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Jenny N.

5/25/2023

Oftentimes the hardware will be in a small bag that is tucked inside the receiver opening of the hitch. I will have our Customer Service team reach out to you.



by:

Came in excellent shape, it arrived a day earlier than it was supposed to, overall this is the bomb



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IT WAS EASY TO INSTALL AND WORKED GREAT



by:

i m so happy my vehicles are 25 and 30 years old both ecievers rusted away to nothin so glad to have new curt recivers.b well all



by:

The hitch itself looks great. It was missing hardware that I had to purchase so I could finish the install.

Katrina D. profile picture

Katrina D.

10/30/2023

It is possible that the hardware is inside the hitch receiver tube. Please check and let me know if you are still unable to find it. I have sent your information over to our customer service department.



by:

Bought it for my 2001 Cherokee, and it went in with no problem (direct/perfect fit)



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Robert profile picture

Robert

8/5/2025

I love my Hitch,bits been great, easy to acquire through e trailer and smooth to install and Im very satisfied.



by:

Fit was perfect, easy to install, solid and high quality finish. I live in Michigan where the salt we spread in the winter attack’s everything, except the hitch. No corrosion whatsoever, not even at the edge or bolt holes. Extremely satisfied



by:

Vary fast shipping and correct part



by:

When you visit a place or person and walk in the front door of their house, the first impression of the place, tells the story. Got home, saw the packaging, at my front walkway A+. I knew than what I was dealing with. First class product from a Company with standards on how to stay on top of their A game for repeat business. Believe me when I say the packaging is superb that I am not press to open it until this weekend, when i have the time to mount it. Summary ; Not a [online]



by:

Smart purchase! I can easily put the garbage and recycling cannisters on the hitch.



by:

Fit perfectly! The only thing time consuming was removeing the old reciever hardware so I could install the new ones.



by:

Solid hitch, reasonable price, easy installation. No complaints



by:

Holes didn’t quite line up, needed some grinding, and I thought it could use some additional fasteners.

Jenny N. profile picture

Jenny N.

11/1/2022

It sounds like that the side brackets were knocked out of alignment which is why the bolt holes are not lining up. This can happen while in transit to our facility or to you. We do have a great FAQ that provides ways to move the brackets back into alignment so the hitch can be installed.



by:

Great fit for Jeep Cherokee XJ. My older model didn’t have nutcerts on driver side and e trailer sent more hardware asap. Great company. Great customer service. Best customer service experience I think I’ve ever had.



by:

Just has not so great installation instructions! At least in my case of my vehicle (2001 jeep xj) other than that it is Good quality, the welds seem good and strong. It lined up great with the holes in my frame and the install went smoothly. (After watching the install video that is). The diagram in the instructions was just a bit confusing due to the fact that it had certain hardware being installed on the wrong sides. A simple misprint and easily remedied by watching the install video.



by:

Easy to order, shipped very fast and attached easily. Glad I used Etrailer

Glenn profile picture

Glenn

3/26/2024

Don’t use it much, but I did have a few heavy loads, woodworking equipment one time and a pallet of cement another, and had no problems at all.



by:

The matt black finish was just what I needed, looks good.

Robert B. profile picture

Robert B.

7/20/2023

This hitch has worked fine and the finish still looks good as when it was purchased...good product.



by:

Fit,finish and instructions were excellent. With air lift shocks I safely hauled mt '65 comet home over 300 miles. At home I used the Jeep in 4WD to reposition an 8x12 shed on a 2 axle car trailer.(8000#) The multiple mounts assured me I would not create frame damage from rough use.

Indian J. profile picture

Indian J.

11/8/2024

terrific-all the above AND pull engines using game crane.



by:

1996 Jeep Cherakee Sport needed type D hardware. Great customer service, they made sure I had the hardware I needed, and it was a perfect fit. I'm 63 installed it laying on my back in the driveway by myself in just over an hour. highly recommend!



by:

Hitch fit perfectly on my 2001 Cherokee. I had to loosen the bumper at the bottom and push it back a little. There are only three existing threaded inserts on the passenger side, so I ended up being one nut short for a complete install. Not a big deal becasue 3 bolts is probably fine but I have OCD...., so. The wire tool supplied to install the bolts on the driver side is fanastic.



by:

The hitch is great, hardware solid. Only shame is UPS trashed the carton and the brand new hitch. Powder coating chipped and scraped off, gouge in the face of the receiver, basically looks like the Samsonite gorilla handled the package.



by:

American made good quality. All hardware included. Wire for feeding bolts and washers in frame worked great. I ran thin wires on the 3 remaining bolts through the frame to guide through the hitch as I jacked it up, so the bolts wouldn’t push into the frame. Ran a tap through the nut plate on the passenger side to clear the threads. On my 2001XJ. Shipping was fast. Recommended.

Gwendolyn Y. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Gwendolyn Y.

5/8/2025

Thanks for sharing your install experience with us, Robert! Using a jack for a hitch install is such a great idea.



by:

I was so happy that the hardware came with the hitch! Thank you also for the great customer support!


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See what our Experts say about this etrailer Trailer Hitch

  • Does Something Need to Be Put Between Hitch and Vehicle Frame
    Hey Ken, great question but I would just make sure the paint on the hitch is in decent shape and just bolt it up! If there are chips or exposed metal I would spray them with black spray paint to cover them.
    view full answer...
  • Recommended Hitch for a 2000 Jeep Cherokee Sport
    Thanks for the pictures Keith. The Curt item # 13084 hitch will indeed be easy to install on your 2000 Jeep Cherokee Sport. You'll definitely want to use a wire brush to clean out the existing weld nuts on your driver's side though. I'm sure they've accumulated some gunk and debris inside them over the last 26 years. The Curt item # 13084 is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. It has a 5,000 lbs towing capacity and a 500 lbs maximum tongue weight. It'll include all the necessary hardware...
    view full answer...
  • Recommended Parts to Tow a Small Trailer with a 2000 Jeep Cherokee
    I'd be happy to make some recommendations for you! To tow a small trailer with your 2000 Jeep Cherokee you need a hitch, wiring, and a ball mount. Here are my recommendations: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - # e97AR T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness - # 118354 B&W Tow & Stow 3-Ball Mount - # BWTS10048B I really like the etrailer hitch because it has a matte black powder coat that is more durable than the standard glossy powder coat, and it looks the part as well. The T-One wiring is the...
    view full answer...
  • 2001 Jeep Cherokee Trailer Hitch, Wiring, and Ball Mount Recommendations
    I recommend the following parts to get your 2001 Jeep Cherokee ready for towing a trailer: - etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e97AR - Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness # C55354 - Mounting Brackets # 18144 and # C57202 - Curt Towing Starter Kit # C45554 I really like the etrailer hitch because of the matte black finish that does a great job at hiding scratches from road debris, and then the mounting brackets allow you to keep the 4-Way next to your hitch receiver. The ball mount...
    view full answer...
  • 1999 Jeep Cherokee Trailer Hitch Recommendation
    I really like the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e97AR for your 1999 Jeep Cherokee because it has a hidden crosstube and a matte black finish. This note only helps it to blend in with any black trim on your Jeep, but it also does a great job at hiding any scratches that might happen from road debris.
    view full answer...
  • Will etrailer Trailer Hitch Fit 1996 Jeep Cherokee XJ Sport
    Yes it will. The etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e97AR is designed to fit all models of the 1996 Jeep Cherokee, including the Sport. This features a bolt-on installation and comes with a limited lifetime warranty. If you plan on towing and don't already have wiring you can use the Curt Tail Light Converter with 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector # C56175. This connects directly to your vehicle's wiring with the included quick-splice connectors. Once installed you will have a 4-way to power...
    view full answer...
  • What Hitch Will Fit On 2001 Jeep Cherokee Classic
    The Draw-Tite 36276 (no longer available) hitch you asked about is for the 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee. It will not fit your 2001 Jeep Cherokee Classic. Instead, you will want to use the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e97AR which has a 2" hitch receiver and matte black finish. For a complete towing kit, you can add the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness # 118354 and the etrailer Ball Mount Kit # 989900.
    view full answer...

Do you have a question about this Trailer Hitch?


Info for this part was:

Employee Lindsey S
Edited by:
Lindsey S
Employee Jameson C
Expert Research:
Jameson C
Employee Wilson B
Updated by:
Wilson B
Employee Justice A
Written by:
Justice A

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