Class 3 Hitch Recommendation?

[ShellNate7974]

Let me be the one to bring up a different factor with this query.
The factory hitch is bolted to the cross member connected to the end of each side of the frame. Many of the Class III hitches are attached directly to both sides of the frame, usually with Grade 8 bolts. In the event of a rear collision, there is a huge amount of difference in the protection of said vehicle that is hit in the rear.
I'm not sure if they still do but U-Haul used to provide a lifetime warranty for their hitches. I know a man who was rear ended & the hitch saved his bumper but the hitch was slightly bent. U-Haul warranted & replaced the hitch at no cost.
I know the option offered by U-Haul is a Class III only rated for 3,500 lbs but the impact protection to me would be worth be enough for me to want to upgrade.

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[Bryce919er]

I think when the 2024 JL refresh happened, two of the things they updated were the rear axle on Rubicon and the towing capacity on Rubicon, SEPARETLY, and a lot of media outlets assumed wrongly that the towing capacity was a product of the new axle. That's not the case.

And the end of the day, the full float axle has nothing to do with the bump in towing capacity.

https://media.stellantisnorthamerica.com/newsrelease.do?id=24783&mid=52

If the Jeep rolls off the line with a hitch & a 5,000 lb tow rating then the hitch is capable of 5,000 lb. Side note. Same hitch is used on all the other Wranglers too.

 

[WXman]

The Gladiator is almost 2 feet longer with a completely different rear suspension.

Also, you're saying Jeep set the Rubicons tow rating at 3500 for 6 years, just because? No.

https://media.stellantisnorthamerica.com/newsrelease.do?id=24783&mid=52

If the Jeep rolls off the line with a hitch & a 5,000 lb tow rating then the hitch is capable of 5,000 lb. Side note. Same hitch is used on all the other Wranglers too.

Seems whoever wrote that has some explaining to do then.

Of course Gladiator is 2 feet longer. Of course the rear suspension is different. Neither of those things negate the fact that WITHOUT the full float rear axle, it is still given 70% more payload and 53% more trailer towing capacity. This fact clearly indicates that the rear axle on 2018-2023 Rubicon Wranglers is NOT the reason the towing capacity was rated 3,500 lbs.

So, YES that's exactly what I'm saying. Jeep set the Rubicon tow rating at 3,500 for 6 years (actually longer) just because. The same vehicle was given a higher rating overseas during the same time. Other even smaller Jeeps (see 2002+ Jeep Liberty for example) were given higher ratings with weaker axles and shorter wheelbase for years. The former tow rating on JL was completely arbitrary.

The full float axle has nothing to do with it, poorly written press release or not.

 

[Apples491]

Seems whoever wrote that has some explaining to do then.

Of course Gladiator is 2 feet longer. Of course the rear suspension is different. Neither of those things negate the fact that WITHOUT the full float rear axle, it is still given 70% more payload and 53% more trailer towing capacity. This fact clearly indicates that the rear axle on 2018-2023 Rubicon Wranglers is NOT the reason the towing capacity was rated 3,500 lbs.

So, YES that's exactly what I'm saying. Jeep set the Rubicon tow rating at 3,500 for 6 years (actually longer) just because. The same vehicle was given a higher rating overseas during the same time. Other even smaller Jeeps (see 2002+ Jeep Liberty for example) were given higher ratings with weaker axles and shorter wheelbase for years. The former tow rating on JL was completely arbitrary.

The full float axle has nothing to do with it, poorly written press release or not.

Those things DO negate the fact that it doesn't/didn't have a full float rear axle. Tow rating is a calculation that takes into account vehicle length, suspension, frame strength, component strength, etc, to come to a maximum acceptable safe limit.

Those differences in the Gladiator allow it to tow a much larger load safely. Jeep needed to tweak the formula on the Wrangler to be able to increase the capacity. Stretching/reinforcing the frame or completely changing the suspension could have accomplished it but they did it by STRENGTHENING THE AXLE.

 

[Kerney]

For some stupid reason, the hitch included by Jeep is only a Class 2.
I have NO idea why. I had to triple check that myself.

Jeep has done a terrible job on marketing the tow rating, but to pass the SAE tow rating tests they HAD to use the OE hardware to certify the vehicle. I have also personally corresponded with someone involved with the program that said the OE hitch is rated for 5k. I specifically needed the 5k towing so I made sure.

Only the 24+ Rubicons (ice 4 and 6 cylinders) with the full float axle get the 5k tow rating. Also only the base tires got the rating, but I know there has been confusion over that.

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