Does Skid Shield Need to be Removed for Trailer Hitch Install on a 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Updated 05/17/2019 | Published 05/16/2019

Question:

hi, i bought the vehicle specific trailer hitch for 2002 jeep grand cherokee laredo and took it to the shop to be installed and the person there said it is 3 inches too short to reach up high enough to the factory hitch bolts where the skid cover is fastened to the jeep. im frustrated. why wont it fit? It is a reese hitch lll with a 2 inch receiver opening that says for 2002 jeep grand cherokee laredo. Does everybody take there skid cover off to install this hitch or something?

asked by: SRH

Expert Reply:

You shouldn't have to remove the heat shield when installing a Class III trailer hitch like the Draw-Tite # 75139 (which is a sister brand to Reese). I tried looking up a Reese trailer hitch for your 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee but I wasn't able to find anything. If you can let me know what the part number for your Reese trailer hitch is I can look into it further for you.

I have attached an installation video of the Draw-Tite on a 2003 Grand Cherokee as well as the written instructions which specify that the heat shield remains in place.

expert reply by: Jon G