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strohtennis

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
I ordered the Trailer Tow Package thinking that I was getting a hitch. The tow package only includes the wiring for a trailer and an engine oil cooler. The purchase of a hitch and 7hrs of labor was extra.

I attached pictures of the hitch that the Jeep dealership installed today.
 

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#3 ·
Well, they say it's a Trailer Tow Prep Group (Engine Oil Cooler, Trailer Tow Wiring Harness).

How much did they charge you overall to install the hitch? I don't see the wiring plug on your photos, is it hidden under bumper?
 
#5 ·
Thanks for the pics... I knew it was just the wiring to the bumper that was included but I didn't know it took 7 hours?? to install a hitch...what is that about?

I also would like to know where is the wiring plug? and what size is the receiver (1 and 1/4 inch?)
 
#6 ·
Did they have to cut some sheet metal to make that curved opening? I was going to install a hitch myself after I bought a Patriot but not if it takes that long. What was the cost of the parts and labor?
 
Discussion starter · #9 · (Edited)
responses

The electrical connection for the hitch is all the way at the end of the bar as you can see in the picture. The part was 182.97. They did need to cut away at the rear panel to put it in. The opening for the hitch 1-1/4" square. I don't know if that is the way you measure it.

I also found out something interesting about the engine oil cooler which is part of the trailer prep group. The cooler is part of another piece--I think the air conditioning condensor--that is located in front of the radiator. The technician said the engine oil cooler is usually separate and we had to look it up on their computers to see where it was. Part 007-600 shows this.

The dealership couldn't give me a definitive answer on this--The engine oil cooler is what allows the towing capacity to go from 1000 to 2000. All the literature says is when it is properly equipped.

Hadn't really noticed the exhaust pan until you said something. Black probably would look better.
 

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#10 ·
sharp looking Patriot! congrats to you on your new Jeep!

I do not like the fact they had to cut away to install! After market tow packages sell between $75 - $150. Should only take 1 hour to install. I'm thinking they charged you extra because they had to cut. I'm guessing custom orders won't have this done.
 
#11 ·
Stroh,

When you say, they had to cut away at the rear panel,...exactly how much did they cut from the rear panel? and is there any other major alteration they had to make? ....not sure I want them cutting away anything on my new Patriot....
 
Discussion starter · #12 ·
rear panel cut out

The bottom panel used to go straight across. You should be able to see in the pics what was cut out. You don't have an opening for the hitch if you don't cut something out in the back. Your hitch can't attach to the exhaust.
 
#13 · (Edited)
strohtennis said:
The bottom panel used to go straight across. You should be able to see in the pics what was cut out. You don't have an opening for the hitch if you don't cut something out in the back. Your hitch can't attach to the exhaust.
Click to expand...
Oh, I see....that clears it up for me...thanks....Can you tell us what the tow hitch cost you in total and what you plan on towing with your Patriot?
 
Discussion starter · #14 ·
cost

It costs 350 with labor. I plan on adding a bike rack so we can attach all 4 of our bikes on the back. I rent an industrial air compressor sometimes which needs to be towed. We're planning a trip across the country camping in a couple of years from now. I will probably rent something we can tow behind us just to keep extra stuff in. The Patriot doesn't have that much cargo space if you have passengers in the back.
 
#15 ·
Other then the engine oil coolor and the wire harness, does anyone know if ordering the Tow Group package from factory if the factory installs other items. I'm thinking they install a bigger radiator, heavy duty struts & alternator.
 
#17 ·
superdave said:
you get that stuff with the FDII package
Click to expand...
Ok well my dilemma here is I found the Patriot of my dreams. It doesn't have a tow package though. I can get the engine oil coolor and the wire harness from dealership for $175 + tax without install.

So you think that just installing the engine oil cooler and the wire harness will do the trick? Or am I in need of the heavy duty items for safe reliable tows that won't stress the trans as much?
 
#18 ·
im not sure if the upgraded alternator will make any differance in towing. The bigger radiator may make a differance if your towing at the max and alot of uphill. You may be able to counter this with an upgraded radiator fan. Personally, I'd wait and see if it runs hot when towing before I upgraded a fan. I doubt the upgraded rear suspension will make much of a differance either. That was for off roading durability. The towing capacity has alot to do with the size and wieght of the vehicle, rather than just the amount of wieght it can tow. Smaller vehicles can become unstable when towing really heavy trailers. So I would think you would be OK towing within the max rated capacity without FDII.
 
#19 ·
$350 with labor, then there is no way they charged you for 7 hours labor.

Pretty much all Jeeps have to get the bumper cut out for a Mopar hitch, the only exception that comes to mind is the Wrangler. They usually come with a bezel to cover the opening, for the MK its a rubber strip but the MK is fairly easy. You dont have to remove the bumper to cut it out or install the hitch like you do on the WK and XK. I have only done one so far, on a Compass, but that customer didnt want the trailer wiring or cooler since they are only using it for a hitch mounted bike carrier. The hitch itself includint cutting the bumper was pretty easy. I cut it with a very sharp razor knife, just be patient and make several light cuts along the template until you are through. You will only mess it up if you try to cut it in one shot.
 
#20 ·
I agree $350 with 7 hours of labor does not seem excessive in my personnal opinion, however, this is more than I was expecting to pay for this. Can you take some more pics of the hitch, and include a part number if possible. I am interested in this model and think that the fact that the bumber is trimmed like this makes it ideal and less obtrusive. I have ordered the trailer tow prep group, but plan on simply using the hitch for a cargo tray- one of those trays that people place in their hitches to haul a deer, or a large cooler on the beach, and maybe a bike rack if I get the urge.
 
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