Trailer Hitch Recommendation for Non-Trailhawk 2018 Jeep Cherokee
Question:
The Draw-Tite # DT28MR will only fit Trailhawk models, as they have a different rear bumper. If you attempted to install it on a non-Trailhawk model the bumper would get in the way and prevent you from installing it. For a non-Trailhawk 2018 Jeep Cherokee, I'd recommend the Curt Class III hitch, part # C13172. When installed, the hitch will be mostly concealed behind the bumper with the only visible portions of the hitch being the square receiver tube and the safety chain hoops. The installation isn't too difficult, Curt says a professional should be able to complete the install in about an hour, or about twice that for a fairly handy novice. The hitch does not install using pre existing nuts welded into the frame, you'll use the included fish wire to feed the bolts up into the frame. It's a pretty slick arrangement that works really well. I'll link to a video that shows how to do this. If you'll be using the hitch for towing, you'll also need a trailer wiring harness like # 118605, a ball mount and pin and clip like # D-28 and # PC3 and a trailer ball like # 19261 for a 1-7/8 inch or # 63845 for a 2 inch ball. I'll link to install videos for the hitch and the trailer wiring harness.
asked by: John M
Expert Reply:
The Draw-Tite # DT28MR will only fit Trailhawk models, as they have a different rear bumper. If you attempted to install it on a non-Trailhawk model the bumper would get in the way and prevent you from installing it.
For a non-Trailhawk 2018 Jeep Cherokee, I'd recommend the Curt Class III hitch, part # C13172. When installed, the hitch will be mostly concealed behind the bumper with the only visible portions of the hitch being the square receiver tube and the safety chain hoops.
The installation isn't too difficult, Curt says a professional should be able to complete the install in about an hour, or about twice that for a fairly handy novice. The hitch does not install using pre existing nuts welded into the frame, you'll use the included fish wire to feed the bolts up into the frame. It's a pretty slick arrangement that works really well. I'll link to a video that shows how to do this.
If you'll be using the hitch for towing, you'll also need a trailer wiring harness like # 118605, a ball mount and pin and clip like # D-28 and # PC3 and a trailer ball like # 19260 for a 1-7/8 inch or # 63845 for a 2 inch ball.
I'll link to install videos for the hitch and the trailer wiring harness.
(click to enlarge)
Products Referenced in This Question
T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Powered Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
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1-7/8" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 2,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
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2" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 7,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-1/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1 Inch Diameter Shank
- 7500 lbs GTW
- Class III
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Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 750 lbs TW
- 5000 lbs GTW
- 6000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 750 lbs WD TW
- Concealed Cross Tube
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Curt Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 4" Rise, 6" Drop - 14-1/4" Long - 6,000 lbs
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- No Ball
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 6 Inch
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- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 6000 lbs GTW
- Long Shank
- CURT
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Product Page this Question was Asked From
Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class IV - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class IV
- 675 lbs TW
- 4500 lbs GTW
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on Trailer Hitch
John M.
8/7/2021
The Draw-Tite # DT28MR will only fit Trailhawk models, as they have a different rear bumper. If you attempted to install it on a non-Trailhawk model the bumper would get in the way and prevent you from installing it. For a non-Trailhawk 2018 Jeep Cherokee, I'd recommend the Curt Class III hitch, part # C13172. When installed, the hitch will be mostly concealed behind the bumper with the only visible portions of the hitch being the square receiver tube and the safety chain hoops. The installation isn't too difficult, Curt says a professional should be able to complete the install in about an hour, or about twice that for a fairly handy novice. The hitch does not install using pre existing nuts welded into the frame, you'll use the included fish wire to feed the bolts up into the frame. It's a pretty slick arrangement that works really well. I'll link to a video that shows how to do this. If you'll be using the hitch for towing, you'll also need a trailer wiring harness like # 118605, a ball mount and pin and clip like # D-28 and # PC3 and a trailer ball like # 19261 for a 1-7/8 inch or # 63845 for a 2 inch ball. I'll link to install videos for the hitch and the trailer wiring harness.