Why Do Different Hitches Install in Different Ways on a 2005 Jeep Wrangler

Updated 11/22/2016 | Published 11/20/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

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$209.93

etrailer Ball Mount Kit for 2" Hitches - 7,500 lbs

(1381)

$91.74

Question:

Looking how different hitches attach - some have two holes on each side that go to the under side of the frame - others have one that goes to the underside and the other goes to the side. Why and which is better?

asked by: JohnSpeacht

Expert Reply:

One method is not really better than the other. There is just more than one way a hitch could be installed on the 2005 Jeep Wrangler. It would be slightly easier to install a hitch that mounts just to the bottoms of the frame rails, such as # 13408, since the mounting holes are a little easier to reach.

If you plan on doing some towing I recommend etrailer ball mount kit # 989900. It comes with 2 ball mounts; one with a 3/4 inch rise or 2 inch drop and one with a 2-3/4 inch rise or 4 inch drop. It also includes a 1-7/8 inch ball, 2 inch ball, hitch pin with clip, and a storage bag.

If the ball mount kit does not have the right rise or drop to tow the trailer level, use the link I have included that explains how to measure to choose a ball mount to tow the trailer level.

And for trailer wiring you can use # 118409 to add a 4-Way flat connector to the rear of the vehicle.

expert reply by: Michael H