Aftermarket Hitches- brand, quality, etc

[milkman]

I installed my Curt class III last weekend. The two Bolts that go through the frame rail line up just fine. The 1 bolt hole that you have to drill out already has a piolit and it lined up. My overall impression is this: Product finish is nice. Built very sturdy. I like the vertical bolts at the end of the frame rails, they will help support tounge weight and that is all that I will have when I put a bike rack in. My only issue was that the spacing, it was about a 1/2" short. I had to make some spacers 3/16"s or 1/4" thick for both sides. I made them the same size as the frame rail but stopped them just short of the seam so they didn't make a hot spot. (I emailed Curt to ask them if this was a variance in Jeeps frame manufacturing or if they had some that were a little short, I didn't get a reply) The fit though is very nice it sits just a hair below the bumper cover. And with the curved tubing you see none of the tubing. Sorry the pictures didn't turn out well it's dark in the garage but at least you get some Idea.

[butch81385]

I remember my curt being a hair short, though not 1/2" total. Probably under a 1/8-1/4" total. Just put it up and ratcheted it in, and it all pulled together. Very good hitch, and I would recommend it!

Now milkman, when are you going to paint that hideous muffler black?!

[milkman]

I have to say it never even crossed my mind. But now that u bring it up why not Chrome? Are there some pics with the muffler painted? How long does the paint stay on?

[butch81385]

Plenty of pics and reasons here:
http://www.jeeppatriot.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2752

Pretty much it looks like the Pat is laying a giant silver egg... Painting it black hides it.

[milkman]

Ok fine, I'll do it.

[Vultite]

Milkman, when u installed your curt CIII hitch, did you have to drop the muffler to put it in?was it tuff to fit a torque wrench under there?

[joesjeeps]

Even though the instructions recommended it, I did not have to move the muffler when I installed my Curt. Took about 15 minutes by myself, but I didn't drill out the two "extra" holes. While I always use a torque wrench for stuff like cylinder heads, lug nuts, and spring u-bolts, I was comfortable installing this using a little educated armstrong feel to snug things up nice and tight. A torqued to specs installation is always better though, even if it's just for peace of mind.

[Vultite]

Originally Posted by joesjeeps

Even though the instructions recommended it, I did not have to move the muffler when I installed my Curt. Took about 15 minutes by myself, but I didn't drill out the two "extra" holes. While I always use a torque wrench for stuff like cylinder heads, lug nuts, and spring u-bolts, I was comfortable installing this using a little educated armstrong feel to snug things up nice and tight. A torqued to specs installation is always better though, even if it's just for peace of mind.

yea, I think the curt III is the way to roll, I'll probably drop the muffler just because it'll give me more room, and I'll drill the extra holes out because my goon friends like to jump on hitches and ****. besides, it'll give me a chance to paint the muffler without taping up the bottom of the jeep

[Broccoli Iglesias]

Originally Posted by Vultite

yea, I think the curt III is the way to roll, I'll probably drop the muffler just because it'll give me more room, and I'll drill the extra holes out because my goon friends like to jump on hitches and ****. besides, it'll give me a chance to paint the muffler without taping up the bottom of the jeep

just get the one that doesnt require you to drill any holes. why do the extra work? i got the one that didnt need any new holes, and it works great.

[milkman]

I didn't drop the muffler either. It looks pretty simple to drop though, just support the exhaust slide the rubber hangers over the barb are done. I didn't have my prybars at home when I did it though. You can also undo the plastic rivets on the bottom of the bumper cover and that will give you a little more access to push the hitch up in to place. And I didn't use a torque wrench I'm pretty comfortable with getting in the ballpark of 50-70 lbs I think was the approx spec.