Spare Tire & Tow Hitches

[AZHellaYellaGirl]

Hi all,

My '21 Unlimited that I recently purchased came with a Tow Hitch already installed, but no wiring harness (because why not LOL).

I tried attaching a standard hitch ball to my tow hitch to determine if I need a new one in addition to the wiring harness, and I quickly realized that a standard length ball arm does not fit under the spare.

My tire size is 255/70R18 All–Terrain Tires on 18" rims and I do not have a lift of any type. These are the tires and rims that she came with, I have not changed them out at all.

Would a drop hitch be too low to the ground? In your experience, would it be better/easier to get an extended length ball mount instead?

The most common things I will be towing is either my 1500 pound "baby" bass aluminum fishing boat on a trailer or my husband's kayak trailer with a 150 pound kayak on top.

Thanks so much...tried to find info in the forums about this topic, but didn't find much that would be helpful on my tire size.

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[Heimkehr]

I tried attaching a standard hitch ball to my tow hitch to determine if I need a new one in addition to the wiring harness, and I quickly realized that a standard length ball arm does not fit under the spare.

Maybe it's the phrasing, but there's oodles of space under my spare tire for an adjustable ball hitch.

 

[MaybeRubi]

And with the height adjustability pictured above, you have the ability to use different trailers with differing heights (and still have them flat).

 

[2024-JLUR-X]

My suggestion!

 

[Wabujitsu]

Hi all,

My '21 Unlimited that I recently purchased came with a Tow Hitch already installed, but no wiring harness (because why not LOL).

I tried attaching a standard hitch ball to my tow hitch to determine if I need a new one in addition to the wiring harness, and I quickly realized that a standard length ball arm does not fit under the spare.

My tire size is 255/70R18 All–Terrain Tires on 18" rims and I do not have a lift of any type. These are the tires and rims that she came with, I have not changed them out at all.

Would a drop hitch be too low to the ground? In your experience, would it be better/easier to get an extended length ball mount instead?

The most common things I will be towing is either my 1500 pound "baby" bass aluminum fishing boat on a trailer or my husband's kayak trailer with a 150 pound kayak on top.

Thanks so much...tried to find info in the forums about this topic, but didn't find much that would be helpful on my tire size.

Ma’am, I’m thinking an extended-length ball hitch arm would suffice. This one is approximately $49: https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitch-Ball-Mount/Hidden-Hitch/80232.html

 

[Vinman]

Ma’am, I’m thinking an extended-length ball hitch arm would suffice. This one is approximately $49: https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitch-Ball-Mount/Hidden-Hitch/80232.html

I’ve been towing trailers for a few decades now and no way would I run a hitch extension like that on a Wrangler. It will put a tremendous amount of rotational stress on the hitch.

 

[Wabujitsu]

I’ve been towing trailers for a few decades now and no way would I run a hitch extension like that on a Wrangler. It will put a tremendous amount of rotational stress on the hitch.

Vince, even with the relatively low weights she stated in her post?

 

[LukeDagny]

What brand hitch do you have? My '21 JLUR came with a towing package. I use this 2" drop, 2" ball in my hitch without trouble

 

[Jeep Wick]

Hi all,

My '21 Unlimited that I recently purchased came with a Tow Hitch already installed, but no wiring harness (because why not LOL).

I tried attaching a standard hitch ball to my tow hitch to determine if I need a new one in addition to the wiring harness, and I quickly realized that a standard length ball arm does not fit under the spare.

My tire size is 255/70R18 All–Terrain Tires on 18" rims and I do not have a lift of any type. These are the tires and rims that she came with, I have not changed them out at all.

Would a drop hitch be too low to the ground? In your experience, would it be better/easier to get an extended length ball mount instead?

The most common things I will be towing is either my 1500 pound "baby" bass aluminum fishing boat on a trailer or my husband's kayak trailer with a 150 pound kayak on top.

Thanks so much...tried to find info in the forums about this topic, but didn't find much that would be helpful on my tire size.

I've cleared Rubicon tires without trouble. You will want at least a couple inches of drop, which should allow you to clear easily. Measure what you're towing and compare with your hitch height.

Vince, even with the relatively low weights she stated in her post?

You halve the rating on a 12" extension. From Curt mfg-

 

[Wabujitsu]

I've cleared Rubicon tires without trouble. You will want at least a couple inches of drop, which should allow you to clear easily. Measure what you're towing and compare with your hitch height.


You halve the rating on a 12" extension. From Curt mfg-

Wick, it’s always a good day when I learn something new. Thank you!

 

[Grayhound]

I've towed with jeeps quite a bit.

In my experience in trend to buy a hitch for each trailer. Once I get the trailer level I find it took a drop hitch to accomplish proper leveling of the trailer.

I like what @Heimkehr suggested. It will keep you from having to buy multiple hitches like i have.

Clearing the tire had not ever been an issue with the trailer set up right

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