How To Use Front Cargo Rack With Aftermarket Front Bumper On 2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

Updated 01/27/2021 | Published 01/24/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Draw-Tite Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"

(97)

$154.34

17x46 Curt Cargo Carrier for 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Steel - 500 lbs

(1102)

$178.59

Curt Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"

(62)

$179.89

Advantage SportsRack Hitch Extender for 2" Trailer Hitches - 11" Long

(51)

$69.27

Lockable Lid for Carpod Hitch Mounted Cargo Carrier

(12)

$99.19

23x47 Carpod Walled Cargo Carrier for 2" Hitches - Steel - 4" Rise - Folding - 450 lbs

(95)

$368.25

Question:

I have a new 2021 Rubicon coming in the next few weeks and was looking for a front hitch for surf fishing basket to hold cooler/rods, etc. I am also trying to fire out what custom bumper and/or grill cover to go on the front side and a little worried about compatibility with a front hitch. Thoughts on what hitch / product youd recommend as a front receiver? Think the bumper I chose is very relevant to this decision - do you agree?

asked by: Steve H

Expert Reply:

For a front hitch receiver for your 2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, I recommend the Draw-Tite # 65079. I confirmed that this will in fact work on your vehicle. This front hitch receiver has the higher weight capacity compared to the Curt front hitch receiver that is also a fit for your vehicle. The Curt # C31086 has a gross trailer weight rating of 3,500lbs and tongue weight of 350lbs, whereas the Draw-tite # 65079 has a gross trailer weight of 5,000lbs and tongue weight of 500lbs. This will be a noticeable difference when trying to use a snow plow or back a heavy trailer in, so the Draw-Tite will be the better option.

The Draw-Tite will likely require slight modification/trimming to the front plastic rock guard (as would the Curt). Aside, from the plastic trimming, this is a very simple installation process that will require no drilling or welding. I am attaching an installation video showing this whole installation process on a similar Jeep Wrangler.

As for the front cargo/cooler carrier, I highly recommend the Curt Cargo Carrier # C18145. This has dimensions of 48" long, 20" wide, and 6" tall. The distance from the center of hitch pin hole to carrier is 7-1/4". If you want a deeper basket-type carrier, the Carpod Walled Cargo Carrier # M2205 will be an excellent choice; this folds down when not in use. The dimensions are 48-3/4" long, 24" wide, and 22" tall. The distance from the center of hitch pin hole to carrier is 14" when folded down, and 12" when folded up. You may also want to look into a lockable lid for the Carpod # M2205, such as the Lockable Lid # M2201 and Padlock # ML4140LH.

In regard to your concern about an aftermarket bumper causing issues with the front hitch, this will likely not be an issue as long as the bumper doesn't block the hitch access. I am attaching a photo of the Draw-Tite # 65079 installed in combination with an aftermarket bumper. Now, if you wish to install an aftermarket bumper along with a cargo rack in the front, you may or may not need a hitch extender such as the # HE6000, which extends hitch by 5-3/4", 8-1/4" or 8-1/2", and 11". You will need to measure the distance from the hitch pin hole to the front of the aftermarket bumper and compare that to the clearance that the cargo racks offer, to determine if you will need this extender or not.

I have attached several helpful videos for these products.