[TheGirlfriendYJ]

installing a hitch...a quick question...

i just did a hitch install on my 00 WJ...came out looking great....now my mom wants one on her 04...

i can't seem to find any used hitches that come with the hardware...most of it is not a big deal cause you can get it at the hardware store...however....there are the support bars that go from the hitch to the gas tank...i called the jeep dealer and they said you can't buy those separate, they only come with the hitch...how bad is it if i install it and don't put those bars on??

they don't seem like the are a support for the hitch, but more for the gas tank support....i can probably fab up something to do the same type job if that is the case

a new hitch at the dealer is like $280...i can get one used for $70...so that is the delima...any ideas?

anyone know someone with those support bars?

 

[GRND93]

I'd have to see what you are talking about to give a good answer, but my first thought is not to leave the bars off. You can pick up a hitch much cheaper on the aftermarket, just call your local u-haul.

 

[TheGirlfriendYJ]

item #3 in this picture

click this:
http://www.wjjeeps.com/pdf/trailer_hitch_install.pdf

on page 2 of 5, there is an A and B...some WJs i guess don't have them...but when you put the hitch you drill and add them...they are flimsy and held on with cheap harware...they attach to the skid plate for the tank, so i don't think they support the hitch....if the tank didn't need the support to begin with, why does it once the hitch is on? what do you guys think?

UHAUL/aftermarket hitches suck...they hang down...this will look OEM when i am done and be recessed into the bumper cover

 

[GRND93]

from what you described you should be ok without them. I have an aftermarket hitch (not uhaul) on my ZJ and it tucks up nicely. The only thing you can actually see is the reciever.

 

[Skimore11]

Alright now you got me thinking. I did my hitch a while back and did not use both braces. I don't remember why but my wife was watching and I am sure each step of the instructions was analyzed. I have had no problems with weekly use of a bike rack and ocasional use to tow.