Adding a receiver hitch

viper08man

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Aug 29, 2017
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54
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Kosciusko, MS, United States
I'm going to be adding a hitch to my TJ soon. I would like one that's build into the bumper but can't seem to find one that's rated to haul with it. The only one I find rated to haul is the Hitch setup that I can buy. If I have to ill buy that and just get a bumper that fits over the top. Whats everyone else using?
 
Bumper manufacturers were forced by lawyers to stop rating them for towing. Even bumpers that were once rated to tow no longer are. The reason is that it costs too much to have them tested to destruction and it costs too much for small bumper manufacturers for insurance for anything like that. Just go with a good quality bumper like from Dirt Worx and you'll be fine. I've been towing trailers for years on bumpers with integrated receiver hitches from Olympic and Dirt Worx for years without problem.
 
ARB's rear bumper is rated for towing, plus the hitch doesn't hang below the bumper.

IMG_3208 2.JPG
 
I've found a couple bumpers i like with the hitch built in but a good many don't have the safety chain hook ups on them. So my search will continue.
Sometimes "less is more". The JCR bumper on my XJ simply has a couple of holes in the bottom of the bumper through which I attach the chains/cables. You might be able to drill some holes in the one you like. There might be some touch up to do but it's a thought.
 
I've found a couple bumpers i like with the hitch built in but a good many don't have the safety chain hook ups on them. So my search will continue.
I just had the safety chain attachments welded to my Warn Rock Crawler Bumper. Took the guy about 15 minutes. The safety chain piece is 3/8” bar in an oval shape that I got through e-trailer.

If you do this, also get some rear bumper braces, I use poison spider. They were about 50 bucks. But you need that extra strength attachment to your frame to safely haul a trailer. This will open up your bumper options
 
I'm going to be adding a hitch to my TJ soon. I would like one that's build into the bumper but can't seem to find one that's rated to haul with it. The only one I find rated to haul is the Hitch setup that I can buy. If I have to ill buy that and just get a bumper that fits over the top. Whats everyone else using?

I made my own hitch. I drilled 2 holes in the rear frame, slipped bolts & large area washers into the frame & pulled them in with thin wire.
Next I cut a square hole in the stock bumper & drilled 2 holes in it. Then bought a piece of 2" ID tubing & welded 4 tabs on it to fit over the
holes in the bumper & frame. I now have a hitch through the bumper that is attached to both the frame & bumper.
 
I made my own hitch. I drilled 2 holes in the rear frame, slipped bolts & large area washers into the frame & pulled them in with thin wire.
Next I cut a square hole in the stock bumper & drilled 2 holes in it. Then bought a piece of 2" ID tubing & welded 4 tabs on it to fit over the
holes in the bumper & frame. I now have a hitch through the bumper that is attached to both the frame & bumper.
When you say frame, are you talking about the rear crossmember?
 
I'm going to be adding a hitch to my TJ soon. I would like one that's build into the bumper but can't seem to find one that's rated to haul with it. The only one I find rated to haul is the Hitch setup that I can buy. If I have to ill buy that and just get a bumper that fits over the top. Whats everyone else using?
I’ve got one of the Curt Class V tow hitches and all mounting hardware for a TJ up for sale on my local Craigslist. If you decide that is the best route for you, I’ll make you a killer deal
 
In my research I have found the bumpers that have safety chain mounts were rated for towing and the ones that don't aren't. I have a dirtworxs specifically for towing. I would suggest buying frame tie-ins if you are going to tow anything heavy,
But here is a link if you are interested.
http://www.thedirtworx.com/

Pretty happy with mine. Here is the one specifically I am referring to.

http://www.thedirtworx.com/gallery?lightbox=imagef5m

the diagonal mount does not come with it, but can be added for I believe 20 bucks it is for a HiLift mount.
 
Yep--the rear (frame) crossmember
May I suggest a further reinforcement for safety? I don’t know how much payload your towing. I’m sure we both know the TJ is limited to 2000lbs. My setup with a Warn Bumper has four bolts on either side through the crossmember and two underneath into the frame. Some frame braces will strengthen that kind of setup. It’s relatively cheap to do and gives peace of mind since that rear crossmember is pretty weak compared to the frame (even as welded to the frame).
 
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I just recently bought this home made bumper and added a receiver and D ring mounts. It's very stout. The receiver is welded front and back side
20180120_121232.jpg
 
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Keep in mind the importance of manufacturer ratings and endorsements. Any modifications or alterations a consumer does to an engineered product relieve the manufacturer of any liabilty that may be caused from such modifications. I work in construction and we have to have an engineer stamp/approve any changes made not matter how small they may seem. It is a litigators world, watch the morning news. Every other advertisement is for an ambulance chaser.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk
 
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Bringing this thread back to life.
My jeep has a barricade style rear bumper / tire carrier. It has a hitch on it but I’m not happy with it. It’s probably fine for towing light stuff, but what I use it for is a bike rack, which sounds like a no brainer…. But in reality, the bumper flexes too much, especially with 3-4 bikes on it. So I ordered a Curt tow hitch that will bolt to the frame but I’ll have to integrate the new hitch with the existing bumper. Anyone done this? I’m thinking I’ll just have to plasma cut the bumpers hitch out to “notch” the bumper for clearance. Here’s some pics.

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Bringing this thread back to life.
My jeep has a barricade style rear bumper / tire carrier. It has a hitch on it but I’m not happy with it. It’s probably fine for towing light stuff, but what I use it for is a bike rack, which sounds like a no brainer…. But in reality, the bumper flexes too much, especially with 3-4 bikes on it. So I ordered a Curt tow hitch that will bolt to the frame but I’ll have to integrate the new hitch with the existing bumper. Anyone done this? I’m thinking I’ll just have to plasma cut the bumpers hitch out to “notch” the bumper for clearance. Here’s some pics.

View attachment 323427

View attachment 323428
Send the Curt hitch back and buy some frame tie-ins. That will stabilize it.

https://shop.poisonspyder.com/Jeep-TJ-Rear-Bumper-Brace-Kit-p/14-61-710.htm
 
Are you saying these work with any bumper?
Yes, they use the same two bumper bolts that factory and aftermarket bumpers do as well as bolt to the frame.