Trailer Hitch and Wiring Recommendations for a 2008 Jeep Liberty with Full-Size Spare Tire

Question:

Hello! Instead of scowering the internet for hours I figured I would just ask you guys = I have a 2008 Jeep Liberty 3.7L 4x4 that has a full size, 30inch spare mounted in the stock spare tire location. The edge of the spare sits less than a half an inch from the edge of the rear bumper. The tire also sits below the rear bumper over an inch. I am wanting to get a hitch receiver for bikes, extra storage etc. but I dont know if any of them will fit with the oversized spare. Any suggestions? Thank you!

asked by: Corey

Expert Reply:

If the spare tire on your 2008 Jeep Liberty is a factory spare tire (or a factory tire size at least) then there are hitches that will fit it. Curt hitch # 13245 is a great option and several customers have indicated that it fits with the larger full-size spare tire. I have included a link to a video showing an example installation for you.

Curt also recommends the use of stabilization strap # 18050 when using this hitch for non-trailer loads (such as bike racks and cargo carriers) for their warranty requirements.

If you plan on doing some towing in the future I recommend etrailer ball mount kit # 989900. It comes with 2 ball mounts; one with a 3/4 inch rise or 2 inch drop and one with a 2-3/4 inch rise or 4 inch drop. It also includes a 1-7/8 inch ball, 2 inch ball, hitch pin with clip, and a storage bag.

If the ball mount kit does not have the right rise or drop to tow the trailer level, use the link I have included that explains how to measure to choose a ball mount to tow the trailer level.

And to add a 4-Way flat trailer connector to the rear of your 2008 Jeep Liberty I recommend # 118554. I have linked a video showing an example installation of this harness as well.