The Best Jeep Wrangler Hitch for Bike, Cargo, and Trailer Rack 

Published by Bike Scientist on

Jeep Wrangler has a high towing capacity which makes it suitable for Class 3 Jeep Wrangler hitches. Adding a hitch would upgrade the capacity of your vehicle and would help you tow. You can use it to tow cargo carriers or install a bike rack to carry your bikes. We have recommended many hitch bike racks in our review of the best bike rack for a Jeep Wrangler.

You would come across many tow hitches at different prices with their installation mechanisms and pros and cons. This can be confusing so we have reviewed the top 5 hitches for Jeep Wrangler. This article will help you form a buying decision by weighing down the strengths and weaknesses of each trailer hitch.

Best Jeep Wrangler Hitches

BRANDMOPARTYGER AUTOCURTCURTDRAW-TITE
PRODUCTOEM Jeep WranglerTowing Combo1339213408 ‎Wrangler trailer hitch
Compatibility JLJK 2Dr & 4DrJLTJJK
YEAR2018-20232007-20182018-20221997-20062007-2023
PRICE$200$62$106$170$122
HITCH OPENING2”2”2”2”2”
CLASS23333
GROSS TRAILER WEIGHT3500 lb.3500 lb.3500 lb.4,000 lbs.12, 000 lbs.
WEIGHT IN POUNDS20 lb.12 lb.18 lb.32.5 lb.‎16.32 lb.
DRILLING No No No No No 
RATING 90%97%93%95%93%

OEM Jeep Wrangler Tow Hitch|Best fit Jeep Wrangler tow hitch

This hitch from Mopar is built exactly for the 2018-2023 Wrangler (JL). The benefit of OEM parts is that they look exactly like a part of the vehicle. They fit perfectly and easily and do not require you to make any modifications to the vehicle. This gives a high aesthetic value to the vehicle. 

So with this Class 2 hitch, you can tow up to 3500 pounds. You would not have to trim or drill into the bumper or fascia which would save you a lot of time and money. Most users like that this Jeep Wrangler tow hitch is very easily and quickly installed as compared to other hitches. 

It is also coated with a rust protectant which makes it highly durable and strong. So overall, it is a great option if you own the compatible Wrangler models. But compared to other hitches mentioned in this review, it is a bit expensive. But we still recommend it because the money is worth it. 

Buy 

TYGER Towing Combo|Most economical Jeep Wrangler hitch

If you are on a tight budget, you can invest only around $62 on a great hitch. At this price, you will get the complete towing combo including the hitch, hitch cover, and wiring harness. So considering that it works perfectly well for Wrangler and has high customer satisfaction it seems to be a great option. 

It is a Class 3 hitch with a 2-inch receiver opening. It would be suitable for you only if you own a 2007-2018 Wrangler JK. Now the model can be 2 or 4 doors, the Jeep Wrangler tow hitch would work great. But it is not compatible with the JL models. The hitch is durable thanks to the coating that resists corrosion. 

We love this Wrangler hitch because its installation is a piece of cake and would not require you to hire a professional. The instructions are very clear and the installation would take only 15-30 minutes. So if you are able to understand the procedure, you can save the installation cost as well making it the best and most economical pick for Jeep Wrangler. 

Buy 

Curt 13392 Jeep Wrangler Tow Hitch

This Jeep Wrangler hitch is another option to go for the JL models. It is a versatile Class 3 tow hitch with a 2-inch receiver that can be used in multiple ways. You can use it to install a hitch bike rack, a cargo carrier, or a tow hook, and would even work with a ball mount. 

This hitch is sturdy and of very good quality. So you would feel like using a premium quality accessory and that too at a reasonable price. Installation is simple because there is no need to modify the exhaust or do extra drilling to enlarge the holes. Also, taking out the bolts is easy however, the part where you insert the hitch requires force. 

This is not as simple as using a hammer so you might need to get it installed. Also, you might need a hitch extender with this hitch, especially with a bike rack. So purchasing it would cost you a further $50. But once installed it works great for 2018-2022 JL models of Wrangler. 

Buy

Curt 13408 Jeep Wrangler Trailer Hitch

Both Curt Wrangler hitch mentioned in this review have performed great as stated by most customers. These hitches are built for specific models so they fit in perfectly and do not look odd or a separate part when installed on the vehicle. Curt 13408 is also a Class 3 hitch with a 2-inch receiver. 

This trailer is easier to install as compared to the Curt hitch mentioned above, but it costs more. Also, the comparison does not seem accurate because they are designed for different Wrangler models. You can use this Jeep Wrangler tow hitch for the second-generation Jeep Wrangler (TJ) 1997–2006 models which would not have to be modified.

Unlike Curt 13392 there is no need to beat the hitch with a hammer for installation because it slides up without a problem. Moreover, the hitch is powder coated and would not rust. The best part is that this hitch does not hang low so there is enough ground clearance for adding a tow unit or bike rack. 

Buy

Draw-Tite‎ 76104 Jeep Wrangler Hitch

The Draw-Tite‎ 76104 Jeep Wrangler tow hitch is also a good quality option for your vehicle. It works with the 2007-2023 JK Wrangler so we recommend it for the latest models. This hitch is easy to install and it can be bought at a reasonable price. Like the products mentioned above, Draw-Tite‎ 76104 also has a high percentage of satisfied customers. 

If you do not want to remove the rear-mounted spare tire, you should look for a hitch that is extended outwards to easily install a bike rack or other towing equipment. With Draw-Tite‎ 76104 you would not have any problem because it extends 1.5 inches from the bumper and yet does not hinder access to the tailgate. 

Other than that, the receiver is attached at a 180-degree position rather than 90 degrees. This is a good design idea because the receivers positioned at 90 degrees accumulate dirt and rainwater and this leads to rust. A receptacle mount for the plug of trailer lights is also welded to the structure. 

Buy 

Jeep Wrangler Tow Capacity

What is the tow capacity of a Jeep Wrangler?

The towing capacity of most Jeep Wrangler models varies from 1000 lbs. to 3500 lbs. 

2023 Jeep Wrangler tow capacity

The towing capacity differs with different models and vehicle designs. The towing capacity of the 2023 Wrangler Sport Altitude, Sport RHD, Sahara, Sahara Altitude, High Altitude, and Rubicon 392 is 3,500 pounds. These models are available only in 4-door versions however, Willys, Willys Sport, Sport S, Freedom, and Rubicon are available in both 2 and 4-door versions. The 2-door versions have a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds while the 4-door versions can tow a maximum of 3,500 pounds. 

2022 Jeep Wrangler tow capacity

The towing capacity of the 2022 Jeep Wrangler is the same as the 2023 models. You can tow up to 2000 pounds with 2-door Jeep Wranglers and up to 3500 pounds with 4-door Jeep Wranglers. 

2020 Jeep Wrangler tow capacity

All 2020 Wrangler models with 2 doors have a towing capacity of 2000 pounds and all 4-door models tow up to 3500 pounds. 

2018 Jeep Wrangler tow capacity

The towing capacity of the 2018 Jeep Wrangler models varies from 2000 lbs. to 3500 lbs.

2015 Jeep Wrangler tow capacity

Depending on the design, the towing capacity of the 2015 Jeep Wrangler models varies from 2000 lbs. to 3500 lbs. The 2-door models have a towing capacity of 2000 lbs. while the 4-door models have a towing capacity of 3500 lbs.

2013 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited tow capacity

The towing capacity of 2013 Wrangler Unlimited models varies is either 2,000 lbs. or 3,500 lbs. depending on the build of the vehicle.  

2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited tow capacity

The 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited has a towing capacity of 2000 to 3500 lbs.

2011 Jeep Wrangler tow capacity

The towing capacity of the 2011 Jeep Wrangler depends on the different models. It varies from 1000 pounds to 3500 pounds. The different models along with their towing capacity are mentioned in the table below. 

2011 Jeep Wrangler models Towing Capacity 
Sport1,000 lbs
Unlimited Sport1,000 lbs
Sahara1,000 lbs
Unlimited Sahara1,000 lbs
70th Anniversary1,000 lbs
Unlimited 70th Anniversary1,000 lbs
Rubicon2,000 lbs
Unlimited Sport RHD3,500 lbs
Unlimited Rubicon3,500 lbs

2008 Jeep Wrangler tow capacity

The towing capacity of the 2008 Jeep Wrangler varies from 1000-3500 lbs.

2008 Jeep Wrangler models Towing Capacity 
X1,000 lbs
Sahara1,000 lbs
Unlimited Sahara1,000 lbs
Rubicon2,000 lbs
Unlimited X3,500 lbs
Unlimited Rubicon3,500 lbs

2007 Jeep Wrangler tow capacity

The towing capacity of the 2007 Jeep Wrangler is the same as the 2008 model. 

How To Install a Hitch On A Jeep Wrangler?

Tools required to install a Jeep Wrangler hitch receiver

  1. Safety glasses and drill if the holes do not align. 
  2. Nuts and bolts if they do not come with the Jeep Wrangler tow hitch. 
  3. Torque and socket wrench appropriate for the bolts.
  4. Exhaust Removal Pliers if the hitch is not compatible with it. 

Steps for Wrangler hitch installation

  1. The muffler has to be adjusted in a lower position if it is spaced 3 inches from the cross member.
  2. Raise the hitch to align it at the correct position. Once it is in the right position you can secure it with four bolts. 
  3. Lastly, tighten with the wrenches and raise the muffler back up. 

How much time is required to Install a hitch cargo carrier Jeep Wrangler?

It can take as less as 15 minutes if you have experience installing a hitch or if the wrangler hitch has a simpler installation procedure. Otherwise, it can take up to 45-50 minutes if the installation procedure is tricky for you.  

FAQs for trailer hitch for jeep wrangler

Where To Buy Jeep Wrangler 4 Wheel Drive Trailer Hitch?

The Tyger Auto towing combo is compatible with the 4-wheel drive. It is quite economical and works for 2007-2018 models. 

How Much For A Jeep Wrangler Trailer Hitch?

Jeep Wrangler hitch receivers are available at different prices depending on the brand and type of hitch. You can buy a hitch for your Wrangler at price ranging from $60-$200.

What Size Is The Trailer Hitch On A Jeep Wrangler?

Class 2 or 3 trailer hitches are usually used for Wrangler. These Jeep Wrangler tow hitches have receivers of 2-inch size. 

Where To Connect Trailer Hitch Jeep Wrangler Jk?

The trailer hitch is attached to the rear end of the Jeep Wrangler Jk. you may or may not need to lower the muffler for that. 

What Is The Measurement From The Hitch Pin To Tire On My Jeep Wrangler?

The spare tire is around 12 inches from the hitch pin. 

Jeep Wrangler How Much Tow Drop Hitch 2″?

A 10-11 inches drop from the hitch is good for better ground clearance. 

What Weight Distribution Hitch Do I Need Jeep Wrangler?

Many weight distribution hitches are available for use with Jeeps. You can buy the Andersen Hitch and tow heavier equipment without any worries. 

How To Remove A Trailer Hitch From A Jeep Wrangler?

Removing the hitch from Wrangler is quite simple. You just have to remove the bolts and pull the trailer down. 

Jeep Wrangler Hitch Wiring Harness How To Use?

The video below explains how to use the wiring harness on Jeep Wrangler. 

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Bike Scientist

S Chaudhry is the founder and the first writer for BikesRacks. He covers almost all the bike reviews after doing a lot of secondary and primary (hands on) research on the products. Apart from that he is the author of a number of how to do articles as well on the website. He is an avid road bike cyclists who is dealing in a lot of areas related to biking. Currently he has gained experience fixing bikes to retailing accessories related to them as well. His eventual goal is to build an authority site on cycling and also become a profession bike fitter.