Trailer Hitch Recommendation for Non-Trailhawk 2018 Jeep Cherokee
Published 08/07/2021 >
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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.
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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.