Aftermarket Hitches- brand, quality, etc

[JamesNewJeep]

My Patriot did not come equipped with any tow hitch. I want to get one though, for things like bikes, cargo rack, etc. Has anyone found a reasonable aftermarket one? Are all created equal?

I know I am not set up for heavy duty towing. I do figure on the heaviest thing I may tow being a snow mobile, or small fishing boat. I just assume buy the class III hitch. I saw class II and class III hitches at autozone for $130(both the same price). The brand was REESE. Anyone know about this brand? Also, is there much modification needed? I did see a brand online that required to make holes bigger in order to mount it.

Thanks in advance for any help.

http://www.google.com/products/catal...022&sa=title#p

[cdrift]

I have the drawtite hitch and it works great and was a really easy install. You can install it yourself and you don't have to drill anything bigger, and it fits without cutting a half circle like the mopar hitch.

[JamesNewJeep]

Originally Posted by cdrift

it fits without cutting a half circle like the mopar hitch.

Yeah, I saw that there needed to be section of the bumper cut in one set of instructions, but they implied it was only on the compass... I would prefer not to cut a hole in my bumper(except to add tow hooks).

[JoeBecker]

Originally Posted by JamesNewJeep

Yeah, I saw that there needed to be section of the bumper cut in one set of instructions, but they implied it was only on the compass... I would prefer not to cut a hole in my bumper(except to add tow hooks).

No cutting required for the drawtite except for the Compass Rallye (has a lower bumper fascia)

Several of the "manufacturer" brands are actually all the same. They just still use the individual brand names due to recognition.

[poppi]

If you look at the PDF installation instructions provided with any of the aftermarket 2" receiver hitches, you'll see that they apply to four or more model numbers. That's because they are all so similar that they use the exact installation procedure (except Curtis). I purchased a Hidden Hitch based on pricing after I found out the instructions also applied to Reese, Hidden Hitch, Draw-Tite and U-Haul. Take your pick, the 2 inchers are all about the same with the exception of Curtis, which is typically more expensive and a more involved installation.

[Broccoli Iglesias]

Originally Posted by cdrift

I have the drawtite hitch and it works great and was a really easy install. You can install it yourself and you don't have to drill anything bigger, and it fits without cutting a half circle like the mopar hitch.

i bought the same one. it will be here tomorrow. i will let you know how it works.

[harold]

Hayman Reese are huge in Australia....they have a good rep here

http://www.haymanreese.com.au/index.htm

[Dawson]

Reese is a leader in hitches, surprised you haven't heard of them, "Reese Hitch"... Any that hang below the bumper reduce your departure angle - something to keep in mind.

[JamesNewJeep]

Originally Posted by Dawson

Reese is a leader in hitches, surprised you haven't heard of them, "Reese Hitch"... Any that hang below the bumper reduce your departure angle - something to keep in mind.

I have not heard of any hitches, never owned a vehicle that could use one reasonably. It's nice to know that I can pick one up at my local autozone for cheap.

As far as the departure angle thing- You make a good point I guess. It's not like we have much of a departure angle as it is! I guess I will cross that bridge when I get there. I won't be choosing and installing a hitch until spring.

Thanks everyone!

[Earthworm51]

Do you buy the Mopar Hitch and cut a notch in the plastic, so the hitch does not hang down below the rear fascia. How else do you put a receiver hitch on without it being below the rear fascia on the Patriot. I have not seen any that are notched from the factory, if so please let me know. Also where does the receiver hang down on the Reese Hitch, below the rear fascia, if not how are you going to use it . Thank you

[kojack]

i picked up a curt class 2. comes with the draw bar and everything. getting it installed this week. pics to come with the new goodies mounted.

[Earthworm51]

Great, can't wait to see your pictures.

[homac]

When it comes to the Patriot all the hitches are made by the same company with the exception of two:

Reese, Drawtite, Hidden Hitch and U-Haul
These 1 1/2" and 2" hitches for the Patriot are all exactly the same and made in the same plant

Curt
This is a heavy duty hitch - a forum member installed it and it has two extra reinforcements. Very difficult to install, otherwise a good hitch.

The last one is the Mopar made by Chrysler:

Mopar
This is the standard 1 1/2" hitch for the Patriot. It requires you cut into the Bumper which some do not like doing.

When it comes to departure angle some do like having a lower hitch as it is better to clip that than your exhaust pipe or bumper.

Lastly you must decide 2" or 1 1/2". Go 2" if you plan to load on bikes or other items that would press down directly onto the hitch. If you are using it for trailer pulling the 1 1/2" is excellent and lower profile.

Keep in mind the diameter has no bearing on what the hitch can tow. Either the 1 1/2" or 2" can pull up to 1600 kg (3500 lbs) which is far over what the Patriot can even move safely.

[RAKoon]

I got the 2" hitch by Hidden Hitch, but I can still see it. The difference between the Curt and the other 2" hitches is the Curt has an additional point to attach bolts and you have to 'fish' the end of the nut to attach it. Since they are all rated about the same and I am not going to do any real heavy duty towing, I went with the HH since it was only 2 bolts on each side. (I think the Curt is actually a 3rd bolt that you may also have to drill a hole for, it goes up into the bumper instead of through the existing holes)

I have the FDII and it was a pain drilling the tow hook out to accommodate the larger diameter bolts. If I had to do it again I'd get the smaller bolt with the correct rating. I had to have a friend drill the hole out in the tow hook at his shop and even after that it was tight to get the bolt into the hole.

These are pictures of it with a small aluminum utility trailer from Harbor Freight. I have not used it yet, just took a spin around the block and it seemed ok. I plan to make a top for it in the Spring and maybe have it so it can hold kayaks or something like that.

[mrmidnite2]

Originally Posted by homac

When it comes to the Patriot all the hitches are made by the same company with the exception of two:

Reese, Drawtite, Hidden Hitch and U-Haul
These 1 1/2" and 2" hitches for the Patriot are all exactly the same and made in the same plant

Curt
This is a heavy duty hitch - a forum member installed it and it has two extra reinforcements. Very difficult to install, otherwise a good hitch.

The last one is the Mopar made by Chrysler:

Mopar
This is the standard 1 1/2" hitch for the Patriot. It requires you cut into the Bumper which some do not like doing.

When it comes to departure angle some do like having a lower hitch as it is better to clip that than your exhaust pipe or bumper.

Lastly you must decide 2" or 1 1/2". Go 2" if you plan to load on bikes or other items that would press down directly onto the hitch. If you are using it for trailer pulling the 1 1/2" is excellent and lower profile.

Keep in mind the diameter has no bearing on what the hitch can tow. Either the 1 1/2" or 2" can pull up to 1600 kg (3500 lbs) which is far over what the Patriot can even move safely.

I bought my 2 inch hitch from Valley Industries..made in the USA...well made and NO drilling required, nor any need to cut the lower bumper cover either....
http://www.valley.us.com/ApplicationLookup.aspx


http://www.jeeppatriot.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27997 Post #10..