Class 3 Hitch Upgrade

[IntegraRC]

Hi everyone,

I have a 2023 Rubicon Unlimited, factory with 33’s. I have the factory tow package, but I want to upgrade to a class 3 hitch. I’m looking to tow a trailer that’s around 3100 lbs, but I want to use a weight distributing hitch (tongue weight is nearly 350 lbs). From what I understand, the class 2 hitch I currently have isn’t rated to use a weight distributing hitch, hence the upgrade.

I see there’s a lot of class 3 hitches out there, but I can’t seem to find one that would accommodate the factory wiring plug. Does anyone know one that would work? Is there a factory class 3 hitch that I can buy, seeing how the later model years can be rated at 5000 lbs?

Thanks in advance!
Rob

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[YBABRAT]

Upgrade your axle to a 2024 on up before hitching with your class 3.

 

[IntegraRC]

Thanks for the response. I’m still sticking with the same 3500 lb limit. I just want to be able to use a WDH.

 

[LukeDagny]

What can't you use a WDH with your current set up? The last WDH I owned didn't care what hitch it was mounted.

 

[IntegraRC]

A class 2 hitch is not designed for the twisting forces a WDH would generate. It has to be a class 3 or higher.

Yes, there’s nothing preventing you from installing a WDH on a class 2 hitch, but it doesn’t mean it’s physically capable of the loads.

 

[LukeDagny]

Try eTrailer, they list multiple Class 3 hitches for my 2021 JLUR.

https://www.etrailer.com/hitch-2021_Jeep_Wrangler+Unlimited.htm

 

[Jeep Wick]

Hi everyone,

I have a 2023 Rubicon Unlimited, factory with 33’s. I have the factory tow package, but I want to upgrade to a class 3 hitch. I’m looking to tow a trailer that’s around 3100 lbs, but I want to use a weight distributing hitch (tongue weight is nearly 350 lbs). From what I understand, the class 2 hitch I currently have isn’t rated to use a weight distributing hitch, hence the upgrade.

I see there’s a lot of class 3 hitches out there, but I can’t seem to find one that would accommodate the factory wiring plug. Does anyone know one that would work? Is there a factory class 3 hitch that I can buy, seeing how the later model years can be rated at 5000 lbs?

Thanks in advance!
Rob

I put a Curt on mine. I had to get creative with the bolts and drilled a small hole for one side of the factory plug. It fits almost perfectly.

 

[WXman]

Look through eTrailer dot com and pay attention to how the "Class III" hitches are designed and welded. Then look at the OE factory hitch that comes on the JL Wrangler. There is zero difference in strength or construction that I can see.

Either Jeep is under-rating the factory hitch, or the aftermarket hitches are over-rated. One of the two. Because there is no difference. Actually, my factory hitch has more welds and more plates than a couple of the "Class III" hitches eTrailer sells. I don't get it........

 

[JeepinPete]

I put the Draw-Tite unit on mine. It was the highest load capacity when I bought it a few years back, but it does not play nice with the factory socket. The Curt unit pictured above looks much easier to work around FWIW.

 

[LukeDagny]

Look through eTrailer dot com and pay attention to how the "Class III" hitches are designed and welded. Then look at the OE factory hitch that comes on the JL Wrangler. There is zero difference in strength or construction that I can see.

Either Jeep is under-rating the factory hitch, or the aftermarket hitches are over-rated. One of the two. Because there is no difference. Actually, my factory hitch has more welds and more plates than a couple of the "Class III" hitches eTrailer sells. I don't get it........

I think, since our Jeeps are rated for 3500#, they rate the hitch for the same amount, even though it might be made to Class III specs.

Hypothetically, if somebody made a Class V hitch for my Jeep, and I installed one, my Jeep is not automatically rated Class V.

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