Does Curt Hitch for 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Replace Rear Bumper Beam

Updated 09/08/2026 | Published 09/01/2026

Question:

I need a hitch for my 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee L. The one your system recommends looks like it mounts under the factory plastic bumper/hitch cover??? I need it explained howctgat works since there is a steel bumper already there? Thanks

asked by: Al C

Helpful Expert Reply:

Hey Al, this is a great question but if you check out the attached picture you can see a Jeep Grand Cherokee L like your 2026 model with the Curt hitch # C96NR installed and the rear bumper cover removed so that you can see what it looks like once installed and how it all fits together. Basically the hitch replaces the rear bumper beam that you are referencing.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Installed Curt Hitch
(click to enlarge)

Al C.

9/3/2026

Sorry to be a bother, but a after install picture with bumper cover with and without plastic cover installed would be a huge help. I am still not getting the finished picture!

Jameson C.

9/3/2026

@AlC unfortunately I am not able to add additional pictures to this page which is super annoying but here's a link to the picture with the cover back installed: https://images.etrailer.com/static/images/pics/r/i/rid3289378_r1_1000.jpg

Al C.

9/3/2026

@JamesonC thank you that is the one photo that answered my question. Al Cross

Pieter M.

9/5/2026

@AlC I have the picturs you ask for but cant seem to ulpoad them. They original cover on the bumper fits nicely over the hitch. The install looks very clean

See All (6) Replies to Al C. ∨

Stan C.

9/4/2026

Yes, there is a steel structure under the bumper that is replaced by the hitch. Access to the hitch is hidden by the removal cover with 1/4 turn hardware already there.

Jameson C.

9/8/2026

@StanC thanks for helping confirm this!

Pieter M.

9/5/2026

Hi, Yes you replace the OEM steel bumper completely, and install the curt one instead, easy and clean. The bumper cover afterwards fits nicely and will hide the hitch system.