Do Factory Tow Hooks have to be Removed to Install a Trailer Hitch on a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Question:
I was planning to ge the Drawtite hitch for my 2018 Grand Cherokee but noticed something I did not think about earlier. This Laredo model has the front and rear tow hooks. The rear one sits on the left side and uses the left bolts that the hitch would use. At first I did not think it would matter but also the tow hook frame is a L shape that most likely wont allow the left side frame to bolt correctly. Have you seen this before and I would assume you would see it in the Altitude and High Altitude and Trailhawk trim models. Please advise.
asked by: Russ K
Expert Reply:
On models of the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee that have the rear tow hook(s) the tow hook(s) will have to be permanently removed to install Draw-Tite trailer hitch # 75699. This is also the case for Curt hitch # C13182. But while you are giving up a tow hook you are gaining a sweet trailer hitch!
If you plan on doing some towing 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.
If your Jeep did not come with a factory trailer connector/tow package then you can add a 4-Way trailer wiring harness # 118727. If you need a 7-Way and brake controller then you would next install # ETBC7. For a brake controller I recommend the P2 # 90885 because it is easy to set up and use and it's reliable. I have included some links that show and explain the ETBC7 installation.
Products Referenced in This Question
T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Powered Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
more information >
Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 4 Axles
- LED Display
- Up to 360 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
etrailer Ball Mount Kit for 2" Hitches - 7,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- 1-7/8 Inch Ball
- 2 Inch Ball
- Two Balls
- Steel Ball
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 2 Inch
- Drop - 4 Inch
- Rise - 1 Inch
- Rise - 3 Inch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 7500 lbs GTW
- Class III
- Ball Mount Kit
- etrailer
more information >
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 600 lbs TW
- 6000 lbs GTW
- 7500 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 750 lbs WD TW
- Visible Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Installation Kits
- etrailer
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
- 500 lbs TW
- 5000 lbs GTW
- 7500 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 750 lbs WD TW
- Concealed Cross Tube
- Draw-Tite
more information >
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