Securing a Trailer Hitch Receiver to a 2008 Jeep Wrangler
Question:
Hello, I have a 2008 jeep wrangler 2 door. I have a reese 2 inch hitch receiver on my jeep. Its been on there for 8 years or so and I am sure the bolts are on there pretty good at this point. I am looking at a bike carrier. I realize many offer security options for securing the rack to the receiver. My question is: are there any ways to secure a receiver to a vehicle rather than just the 4 bolts? Thanks
asked by: Jeremiah
Expert Reply:
I do have a solution to help deter theft of the trailer hitch receiver that is installed on your 2008 Jeep Wrangler, but unfortunately there are no hitch receiver locks that have been made with the purpose of securing the hitch receiver to your Jeep.
The best way that I can think to help deter theft of someone trying to unbolt your trailer hitch receiver, like part # DT78MR, would be to use a cable lock. You can run the cable through the safety chain loops on your hitch receiver and around the underside of your Jeep's frame. What I recommend doing is using the Thule Cable Lock # TH538XT with a Thule bike rack. Thule has a One Key System Lock that you can purchase so that all of your locks will use the same key.
Since you have a Wrangler I recommend going with the Hitching Post Pro # TH934XTR because it measures 13-1/2" from the center of the hitch pin hole to the upright bar on the carrier. We have found that this is typically far enough to clear a spare tire as you can see in the attached video.
To add locks to this bike rack you just need the Snug-Tite # THSTL2 and another Cable Lock # TH538XT. You just need the 4-pack lock core set # TH450400 to use the same key for everything. If you have any bikes with an alternative or step-through frame then a bike adapter bar like part # TH538XT will help with rear clearance and the bike to ride level.
Please keep in mind that all of these security features are only theft deterrents. You are on the right track of mind that the more daunting you make your setup look, the more likely it will be left alone.
I have included some demonstration videos for you to review as well.
Products Referenced in This Question
Thule One-Key System Lock Cylinders - Qty 4
- Accessories and Parts
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Roof Bike Racks
- Roof Box
- Roof Rack
- Ski and Snowboard Racks
- Keys
- Lock Parts
- Lock Cores and Cylinders
- Thule
more information >
Thule Cable Lock w/ One Key System Lock - 6' Long
- Bike Locks
- Cable Locks
- Keyed Unique
- Steel
- 6 Feet Long
- Black
- Thule
more information >
Thule Hitching Post Pro Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Hanging Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Frame Mount
- Locks Not Included
- 4 Bikes
- Class 1
- Class 2
- Class 3
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Thule
more information >
Thule Bike Adapter Bar for Women's and Alternative Frame Bikes
- Accessories and Parts
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Spare Tire Bike Racks
- Trunk Bike Racks
- Adapter Bar
- Frame
- 16 - 31-1/2 Inch Long
- Thule
more information >
Thule Snug Tite Hitch Lock and Anti-Rattle Device
- Trailer Hitch Lock
- Rack Specific Locks
- Keyed Alike
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Threaded Pin
- For Thule Racks
- Thule
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 675 lbs TW
- 4500 lbs GTW
- 4500 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 675 lbs WD TW
- No Cross Tube
- Draw-Tite
more information >
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Instructions
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