Hitch

[marianol]

What model do you have? My Rubicon looks different than that...most likely due to the steel bumpers...?

Doesn't look like those two bolts are doing anything at all.

Hi @se7en I have a JLU Sahara with regular bumpers (non-steel) and yes at first sight it looks that they are not doing anything.
But if you look at the pic to the back of the Jeep, near the ruler, they are indeed holding a piece metal there, which as @Craigb says may well be the bumper beam.

Based on that I believe the Hitch will need to have clearance to sandwich that when bolted on. Thoughts?

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[se7en]

I looked under mine. I have what appears to be a spacer plate with 2 bolts attaching it...or something. I say it's a spacer because I can't tell what, if anything, it is attached to. Plus, it's off center, as in its using the last two bolt holes in the location where the hitch goes, not the center two. That plate has to come out, otherwise there is absolutely no room for the hitch to mount!!

 

[marianol]

Looks like we are in trouble.. There should be a way around it.
@Craigb have you look under yours??

(crap.. that sounded wrong for some reason )

 

[Craigb]

Looks like we are in trouble.. There should be a way around it.
@Craigb have you look under yours??

(crap.. that sounded wrong for some reason )

I will look at mine tomorrow or Thursday I should have the hitch tomorrow and I went ahead and ordered the factory 7/4 pin harness. I will let you know how it goes and take some pictures while I’m doing it. Also I’ll let you know if the older Mopar hitch for the JK mounts up OK.

 

[se7en]

Also I’ll let you know if the older Mopar hitch for the JK mounts up OK.

Thanks for keeping us updated. I'm watching this closely. Oh, and I saw a video where someone already mounted a JK hitch up and it fit perfectly...BUT, the rear bumper was off as they were installing an aftermarket one. Essentially, all that did was ensure the bolt holes and width of the beam matched up. It didn't take into consideration the possible clearance issue with the stock bumpers. Still, I'm thinking the plate on mine is there as a simple spacer.

 

[Craigb]

Thanks for keeping us updated. I'm watching this closely. Oh, and I saw a video where someone already mounted a JK hitch up and it fit perfectly...BUT, the rear bumper was off as they were installing an aftermarket one. Essentially, all that did was ensure the bolt holes and width of the beam matched up. It didn't take into consideration the possible clearance issue with the stock bumpers. Still, I'm thinking the plate on mine is there as a simple spacer.

 

[Craigb]

I will find out for sure the next day or two. It may just be a metal plate for support in the trailer hitch receiver will replace it.

 

[se7en]

I will find out for sure the next day or two. It may just be a metal plate for support in the trailer hitch receiver will replace it.

That's what I'm thinking/hoping.

 

[Craigb]

Okay I got the 68251844AB hitch in today with no hardware. I’m thinking I can reuse the two bolts that are already there. I think that the hitch can be installed and then put the plate or bracket right over it. I will put it on tomorrow if I can get the other 2 bolts.

I also got the factory 7/4 pin harness, wow it goes from the battery all the way to the hitch. It has a module and a bunch of wire it looks to be worth the 200 dollars I paid for it. I would only install this if you have experience doing this type of thing. I’m a mechanic at a dealership with 24 years of wrenching experience.

 

[Craigb]

Here is the diagram of the route

 

[redracer]

@Craigb is there anything in those instructions about wiring in a trailer brake controller?

 

[Craigb]

@Craigb is there anything in those instructions about wiring in a trailer brake controller?

I don’t see anything in the instructions referring to a brake controller.

 

[se7en]

@Craigb - wow, that does seem a bit involoved. Definitely more than a JK, for sure. As you install it, please take notes and/or pics and let us know how it goes and any pitfalls to look out for, please. Your experience is invaluable for this!

 

[Craigb]

Well I got the mopar hitch receiver install. Here are some pictures The bumper support bracket just goes on the outside of the hitch and there’s plenty a room on the bumper because the holes are you elongated To get the bumper cover mounted right back where it should be.

 

[se7en]

Thanks for these.

Next.......the harness!

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