Rugged Ridge Tow Hitch Receiver Installation Writeup

[TrailTorque]

Approx Install Time .50 mins. It took me (1) cigarette and .50 of a beer.

Rugged Ridge 2” Tow Hitch Receiver Features:

• Heavy Duty 2-Inch Receiver Hitch
• Designed to Match JL Towing Capacity
• Capable of 3,500 Pounds Towing Capacity
• With Tongue Weight of 350 Pounds
• One-Piece Welded Assembly
• Black Powder-Coat Finish
• Bolt-On Installation
• Five-Year Limited Warranty
• Fits 2018-2019 Jeep Wrangler JL Models

Tools required:

• 19mm Open End Box Wrench
• 18mm Standard Socket
• 3/8” Drive Ratchet
• Wife’s Yoga Mat

You will be provided in the kit the following:

• x1 2” Receiver Tow Hitch
• x1 Trailer Wiring Harness Bracket
• x4 Hex Bolts
• x6 Flat Washers
• x2 Lock Washers
• x2 Nylon Lock Nuts

++++++++++++++++++++++++

First, layout your kit and ensure all hardware required has been provided as shown below:

Next, locate the frame crossmember behind the rear bumber cover and identify the (4) holes on the crossmember you will be utilizing:

Next, you will need the following hardware and tools:

Hardware:

• x2 Hex Bolts
• x2 Lock Washers
• x2 Flat Washers
• x1 2” Receiver Tow Hitch

Tools:

• 18mm Standard Socket
• 3/8” Drive Ratchet

Should look like this (in this order) before inserting:

Next, hold the Receiver Hitch up to the crossmember align all holes and insert the (2) Hex Bolts mentioned above into the (2) center holes and begin threading by hand.

*NOTE: There are (2) welded Lock Nuts on the backside of the (2) center holes on the Receiver Hitch as shown below:

Once finger tight begin using your Ratchet. Tighten until snug but still allowing Receiver Hitch to move freely.

NOTE: There is grease in the (2) center welded Lock Nuts. Once snug use your finger to spread the grease on the excess threads:

Next, you will need the following hardware and tools:

Hardware:

• x2 Hex Bolts
• x4 Flat Washers
• x2 Nylon Lock Nuts
• x1 Trailer Wiring Harness Bracket

Tools:

• 19mm Open End Box Wrench
• 18mm Standard Socket
• 3/8” Drive Ratchet

Should look like this (in this order) before inserting into the (2) outer holes:

Next, insert the (2) Hex Bolts into the (2) outer holes. Should look like this (notice the addition of the (2) outer (far left/far right) Hex Bolts:

Once through, on the DRIVERS SIDE OUTER BOLT, slide the Trailer Wiring Harness Bracket onto the Bolt.

Then slide your remaining Flat Washers onto both Hex Bolts and hand thread your (2) Nylon Lock Nuts:

Tighten all down until firm (German tight) both the center and outer at this time:

And you’re all done!!

BIG shout out to @Northridge4x4 @Tech Tim for the kit at an unbeatable price! Thanks for supporting our community and forum!

Sponsored

 

[Mrgrumpy]

@MORTON how much was that kit and I'm assuming that does not come with the writing harness.

 

[TrailTorque]

@Mrgrumpy my total after using one of their forum discount codes was $69.46 shipped.

You do have the option of getting the harness as well for an additional charge. I plan on purchasing/dealing with that at a later point. More-so I just didn’t feel like messing with it, so I didn’t add the option haha

Here is the link where I purchased mine:

https://www.northridge4x4.com/part/towing-hitches/11580-11-rugged-ridge-2in-receiver-hitch

I used their forum discount code:

JLWRANGLERFORUMS

 

[Mrgrumpy]

@MORTON thank you good sir much appreciated.

 

[TrailTorque]

@Mrgrumpy

No problem man!

 

[Lombardocs]

@Mrgrumpy

No problem man!

Hey there, great breakdown on how to install. Thanks! Question, I know other brands, they require using a torque wrench. This does not? I plan on towing a camper trailer. I have 0 experience with towing. I assume Ill need a wiring harness as well?

 

[TrailTorque]

Hey there, great breakdown on how to install. Thanks! Question, I know other brands, they require using a torque wrench. This does not? I plan on towing a camper trailer. I have 0 experience with towing. I assume Ill need a wiring harness as well?

Great question!

I’ll cover your question in (2) parts:

PART 1:

According to the instructions there are no torque values on the (4) Hex Bolts that you use in the kit.

While the instructions do not mention torque values it does mention to check the tightness of the (4) Hex Bolts periodically. As you should do with ANY receiver hitch.

If I were to use this to haul a boat, I would probably torque to 15-20 ft lbs.

I purchased just the receiver. You can purchase them together or separately (Harness/Receiver). I believe the full kit (Harness/Receiver) runs $169 and you can use the code I listed for 10-15% off. In my case the 10-15% off covered shipping costs.

PART 2:

You will need the wiring harness as no matter where you are in the U.S., you'll have to make sure the trailer you're towing is equipped with:

• Taillights: The trailer needs operable taillights for basic road safety.
• License plate light: Make sure to clearly display your license plate with its own light.

There's also equipment that, aside from being common sense to have for safety, is also required in the vast majority of states:

• Safety chains: These chains, which cross over in the shape of an X to connect the trailer to the towing vehicle, help prevent separation if the hitch connection fails.
• Brake lights: Your trailer isn't transparent. The people behind you are already having enough trouble seeing around your trailer for stops ahead, so the trailer should have brake lights of its own to prevent a rear-end collision.
• Clearance lights: These might be required only if your trailer exceeds a certain width.
• Turn signals: If, for instance, your trailer blocks your vehicle's signal lights, it's good to have separate turn signal lights on the trailer.
• Reflectors: These are an invaluable precaution to keep your large trailer visible.

Most every state has more specific trailer requirements so check which state you’re in to see what their laws are regarding trailers.

Moral of the story, I still have to get the wiring harness but just didn’t feel like doing it right now haha.

I hope this helps!!

REFERENCE:

https://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto...owing/trailer/trailer-towing-regulations1.htm

 

[Mrgrumpy]

Hey there, great breakdown on how to install. Thanks! Question, I know other brands, they require using a torque wrench. This does not? I plan on towing a camper trailer. I have 0 experience with towing. I assume Ill need a wiring harness as well?

Side note to add on to what @MORTON just detailed perfectly. If you have never towed anything make sure your towing something that is appropriate in weight rating for your vehicle. Do not over load your vehicle because you will burn out the trans and possibly your engine from over work. Also if you plan on doing a lot of highway driving pay attention to your speed and the handling of the trailer. Many a new haulers get into accidents because they attempt to go faster speeds or take turns and bumps to hard causing the trailers to jack-knife and/or roll. Always consider a test haul to make sure your comfortable driving and can understand the handling before you get others involved in the vehicle for any potential situation. Not trying to be a Debby downer just being realistic from experience. Best of luck with your travels.

 

[Jondrew]

Nice write up. I installed a similar hitch a while ago. I also bought this trailer tow wiring kit. Not too hard to install except for the wire you need to run to the battery which was a bit of a PIA
https://www.etrailer.com/t1-2018_Jeep_JL+Wrangler+Unlimited.htm

 

[TrailTorque]

@Jondrew

Thanks for the link! I’ll have to check that harness out!

 

[MojoHanky]

@Mrgrumpy my total after using one of their forum discount codes was $69.46 shipped.

You do have the option of getting the harness as well for an additional charge. I plan on purchasing/dealing with that at a later point. More-so I just didn’t feel like messing with it, so I didn’t add the option haha

Here is the link where I purchased mine:

https://www.northridge4x4.com/part/towing-hitches/11580-11-rugged-ridge-2in-receiver-hitch

I used their forum discount code:

JLWRANGLERFORUMS

MORTON, thanks so much! I just used the code to order the hitch and a RR recovery strap (to trigger the free shipping) all for $79.98 shipped. You rock.

 

[TrailTorque]

MORTON, thanks so much! I just used the code to order the hitch and a RR recovery strap (to trigger the free shipping) all for $79.98 shipped. You rock.

No problem brother!! Glad I could help a member of the family!

@Northridge4x4 @Tech Tim great business, great people!!

 

[MojoHanky]

@MORTON thanks again man

Instructions were on point. I drank 0.5 extra beers than you did, and as happens five minutes into any car/Jeep project I take on, I also had to poop. I used RR's instructions to wipe, as yours rendered them otherwise useless.

 

[TrailTorque]

@MORTON thanks again man

Instructions were on point. I drank 0.5 extra beers than you did, and as happens five minutes into any car/Jeep project I take on, I also had to poop. I used RR's instructions to wipe, as yours rendered them otherwise useless.

Haha thanks broski! Lookin’ tight!!

 

[Sierra]

Approx Install Time .50 mins. It took me (1) cigarette and .50 of a beer.

Rugged Ridge 2” Tow Hitch Receiver Features:

• Heavy Duty 2-Inch Receiver Hitch
• Designed to Match JL Towing Capacity
• Capable of 3,500 Pounds Towing Capacity
• With Tongue Weight of 350 Pounds
• One-Piece Welded Assembly
• Black Powder-Coat Finish
• Bolt-On Installation
• Five-Year Limited Warranty
• Fits 2018-2019 Jeep Wrangler JL Models

Tools required:

• 19mm Open End Box Wrench
• 18mm Standard Socket
• 3/8” Drive Ratchet
• Wife’s Yoga Mat

You will be provided in the kit the following:

• x1 2” Receiver Tow Hitch
• x1 Trailer Wiring Harness Bracket
• x4 Hex Bolts
• x6 Flat Washers
• x2 Lock Washers
• x2 Nylon Lock Nuts

++++++++++++++++++++++++

First, layout your kit and ensure all hardware required has been provided as shown below:

Next, locate the frame crossmember behind the rear bumber cover and identify the (4) holes on the crossmember you will be utilizing:

Next, you will need the following hardware and tools:

Hardware:

• x2 Hex Bolts
• x2 Lock Washers
• x2 Flat Washers
• x1 2” Receiver Tow Hitch

Tools:

• 18mm Standard Socket
• 3/8” Drive Ratchet

Should look like this (in this order) before inserting:

Next, hold the Receiver Hitch up to the crossmember align all holes and insert the (2) Hex Bolts mentioned above into the (2) center holes and begin threading by hand.

*NOTE: There are (2) welded Lock Nuts on the backside of the (2) center holes on the Receiver Hitch as shown below:

Once finger tight begin using your Ratchet. Tighten until snug but still allowing Receiver Hitch to move freely.

NOTE: There is grease in the (2) center welded Lock Nuts. Once snug use your finger to spread the grease on the excess threads:

Next, you will need the following hardware and tools:

Hardware:

• x2 Hex Bolts
• x4 Flat Washers
• x2 Nylon Lock Nuts
• x1 Trailer Wiring Harness Bracket

Tools:

• 19mm Open End Box Wrench
• 18mm Standard Socket
• 3/8” Drive Ratchet

Should look like this (in this order) before inserting into the (2) outer holes:

Next, insert the (2) Hex Bolts into the (2) outer holes. Should look like this (notice the addition of the (2) outer (far left/far right) Hex Bolts:

Once through, on the DRIVERS SIDE OUTER BOLT, slide the Trailer Wiring Harness Bracket onto the Bolt.

Then slide your remaining Flat Washers onto both Hex Bolts and hand thread your (2) Nylon Lock Nuts:

Tighten all down until firm (German tight) both the center and outer at this time:

And you’re all done!!

BIG shout out to @Northridge4x4 @Tech Tim for the kit at an unbeatable price! Thanks for supporting our community and forum!

Great! Ordering one right now ,
Now I just need a wiring harness without the necessity to wire directly to the battery. It should be possible directly to a taillight.

Sponsored