towing hitch for tj - Page 2

**AgentZed** · 01-11-2003, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Michele
the vehicle isn't rated to handle anything above what the Class II's are rated for.

That's true. But since Class III hitches are about the same price as Class II, why not get the heavier duty hitch? The only real difference between the two are that the Class III are made of heavier gauge steel and use heavier duty bolts to attach to the Jeep's frame.

It does not hurt to have a hitch that is rated for handling more weight than your Jeep should be pulling. While technically not necessary, the difference is considered by many of us to be a valuable extra safety margin.

Plus, as others have already pointed out, accessories for the 2" receiver are common, while ones for the 1.25" are not. The tiny amount of money you save getting a Class II hitch is not worth dealing with the smaller and less competitively priced selection of 1.25" receiver accessories. And if you need replacement or different parts for your towing setup while away from a big city, don't expect to have much luck finding 1.25" hitch parts in the local stores.

Michele · 01-12-2003, 12:04 PM

hmm, yes. I see your point regarding a 2" hitch.

I bought my hitch strictly for towing my boat (boat, motor, and trailer weigh approx. 1200lbs) but yeah, the original poster might have other needs for a hitch.

Uhdinator · 01-13-2003, 06:45 AM

I got my hitch on. Uhaul told me it was class II. Turns out it is actually class III with the 2" reciever. Got it on easily. Jeep Wiring harness was another story.
The directions say the wiring plug you hook into is in the passenger side rear up behind the tail light. It may be for some but not the Rubicon. So I looked up in the driver side rear and there it was. The directions said for 97-current TJ. Guess they changed some things around for 2003. Might just be Rubicon?
The harness just plugs right in. A few zip ties and attach a ground wire to the frame. It also came with a bracket you drill and bolt to the stock bumper that holds the end of the plug. I opted not to use it for now. Just zip tied along back side of the hitch.

ATJ03 · 01-13-2003, 04:57 PM

I found a class III with 2" receiver that bolts on to my 03 Rubicon and
fits tight/underneath/against the factory bumper .

Overkill ? Yes , but if needed it will not break .

OK-TJ · 01-13-2003, 05:29 PM

Where exactly is the wiring plug located behind the tail light? Anybody have any pics? I'm going to be doing this soon and would like to save some time if I can - thanks!

**AgentZed** · 01-13-2003, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by OK-TJ
Where exactly is the wiring plug located behind the tail light?

You access it from UNDERNEATH the Jeep. There is a plastic panel under the rear corner of the tub that you unclip and push aside. From there you can access the wiring to the taillight.

OK-TJ · 01-13-2003, 07:14 PM

Great - thanks! I'll take a look for it tomorrow!!

YellowX · 01-14-2003, 04:42 AM

If you lay on the ground on your back, and look up at behind the driver's side tail light (behind the body of course), you will see a black plastic/rubber shield. This is easily moved out of way and you will see a connector.
When I bought my hitch, I also bought the draw-tite wiring harness. This included a T-connector that went in the connector you see on the stock harness. Simple as pull the stock connector apart, and put the new connector in between. If you want I'll take some pics of what mine looks like. Let me know.

OK-TJ · 01-14-2003, 06:22 AM

Thanks again - I bought the draw tite hitch as well with the wiring 'T' connector - it's on it's way to me now (hate waiting for shipping!) - If it is not too hard for you to post a pic of the wiring that would be great! Thanks!

YellowX · 01-14-2003, 06:37 AM

Sure!
No time tonite (skiing). But tomorrow should be fine. I'll post them here.

I have the draw-tite class III, and it bolted up with no problems and no drilling.

fashionbiff · 01-14-2003, 07:08 AM

I have the class two drawtite on my jeep and a class three on my ranger which is dropped 4/5 and I hardly ever drag that and have failed to hit my jeep on anything yet bit if nothing else its more protection for the gas tank !!! Check around some of the muffler shops and stuff too, I got mine for under 100 out the door. bolts right up except for the bottom bolt over the exhaust

ibjeepin · 01-14-2003, 04:03 PM

if you are interested in a hitch for your wrangler i have one for sale. it is the factory one that came on my TJ. it is in perfect shape and never used. if you only need it for the hitch type basket it would be perfect for that. ill take $50 for it and of course it bolts right up, with no drilling. i needed a class 3 to tow my seadoos, they weigh 1700 lbs, so i obviously needed a larger hitch.

OK-TJ · 01-14-2003, 07:42 PM

Thanks 'Yellow X' for the pic offer - always easier to do if you can see a pic first! Thanks again!

**Jerry Bransford** · 01-14-2003, 09:06 PM

Way up near the top of this thread was a comment that a bolt-on hitch that hangs under the bumper will hang up and drag on the mildest terrain when you offroad. Just a gentle reminder that those of you who want to offroad your TJ should keep that in mind when buying a tow hitch.

There are several combination bumper-hitches like the Rock Bumper made by Olympic that offer a good 2" receiver hitch opening positioned at bumper height... thus not ruining your departure angle which means it won't drag on the terrain when you're offroading.

YellowX · 01-15-2003, 07:45 PM

Ok, I've got some pics and a WHOLE lot of salt in my eyes/hair/nose/etc... heh heh heh
First one shows the plastic cover in place.
Plastic Cover
Remember, this is the driver's side rear.
Second one shows the cover that needs to be removed.
Plastic Cover 2
Last one shows the stock connectors and the Draw-Tite connector.
Draw-Tite T Connector
Simply disconnect the stock connectors and connect the hitch harness in the middle. No splicing or anything.

HTH!
Fred