Recommended Trailer Hitch Receiver for 2018 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited JK and JL Models

Question

Question:

Thanks for the insight. As a follow up question, if I were to get a JK receiver with a JK intended wiring harness would the harness be compatible with a JL and be able to be sistered off one of the taillights? Thanks

asked by: Fred

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

All of the JL Wrangler Unlimited hitches we carry will work on the JK Wrangler Unlimited models, but there are some JK model hitches that are not compatible with the JL Wranglers based on fit guide from the manufacturer because they have a shorter receiver. The bolt mounting holes are in the exact same location.

Unless you are doing rock crawling, I recommend getting the longer receiver like the # e98856 or Curt # C13392 which will allow more accessories such as bike racks and cargo carriers to extend past the spare tire.

expert reply by: Jason S

1

Fred

8/23/2018

Thanks for the insight. As a follow up question, if I were to get a JK receiver with a JK intended wiring harness would the harness be compatible with a JL and be able to be sistered off one of the taillights? Thanks

Reply

Jason S.

8/23/2018

The trailer hitch receiver would be able to connect with either model, but the wiring is different between the two models. The JL requires connection behind each tail light and a power wire to protect the vehicle electronics by protecting the wiring harness from overloading the electrical system. For that application, I recommend the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector # 118786. You can alternatively use the Curt # C56407. The JK models have less electronics and can simply use wiring harness # 118416 or # C55124 which connects only behind the driver's side tail light. With either option you may want a mounting bracket like # 18144.

Reply

Answer 1

From a previous customer we spoke with we found that on the Ram Promasters like your 2018 model the distance from the bottom of the hitch opening to the bottom of the door when swung out measures right at 9-1/4 inches. That means that the SportRack…

view full answer...

Answer 2

Yes! The SportRack Ridge Swing 4 Bike Rack - 2" Hitches - Swinging Item #SR2415 will clear the spare tire on your 2012 Toyota RAV4. It will fit provided that the vehicle has a 2 inch trailer hitch receiver such as the #e98864. I have included a…

view full answer...

Answer 3

You'd have to remove the Class II hitch on your 2016 Jeep Wrangler and install a Class III like the etrailer hitch part #e98856 so that you could isntall the SportRack Ridge Swing bike rack part #SR2415.

view full answer...

Answer 4

The Thule Apex swinging bike carrier #TH9027XT would fit if your 2011 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited had the stock small spare tire at the back, just like in the video I have linked. But since you have the larger 18 inch tire it will not fit. Even with the…

view full answer...

Answer 5

The best potential solution we'd have to allow you to use the Sportrack Ridge Swing bike rack #SR2415 that you referenced will be a trailer hitch that sticks out further so you could potentially have the clearance needed which for that you'd…

view full answer...

Answer 6

Due to the fact that the rear door swings to the right and the spare tire will also require some clearance, the best way to get the rear door to open for more than a few inches would be to use a swinging bike rack. I know, they're not…

view full answer...

Answer 7

We have not yet had the change to test the SportRack Ridge Swing #SR2415 on a 2006 Ford E-150 Van however, I am happy to help you figure out if you have rear door clearance. The SportRack Ridge Swing 4 Bike Rack #SR2415 has 36" between the hitch…

view full answer...

Answer 8

To determine if the back door(s) of your E350 will still open with the SportRack Ridge Swing #SR2415 installed, measure the distance from the top inside of the hitch opening to the bottom of the rear door of your van. If this distance is greater than…

view full answer...

Answer 9

The rear mounted spare tire on your 2014 Wrangler does pose a problem with clearance. As you can see in our installation video for the Curt Hitch part #13432 on a 2013 Wrangler, the distance from the center of the hitch pin hole to the outside edge…

view full answer...

Answer 10

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

view full answer...

Answer 11

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

view full answer...

Answer 12

Class I and Class II hitches both have a 1-1/4 inch receiver opening. The difference is that a Class I hitch has a lower tongue weight rating, usually 200 pounds and a lower towing rating, usually 2,000 pounds. A Class II hitch usually has a tongue…

view full answer...