Trailer hitch or bumper built in?
 

Want to get a trailer hitch for my JKU but then saw that some custom rear bumpers include built-in hitches. Does anyone have this setup? Are there any towing advantages/disadvantages? Is there a strength compromise between a hitch mounted to the frame of the vehicle v. Mounted on a bumper?

Thanks guys.

Integrated hitches often arent load rated. They're good for baskets and racks/carriers, but for towing the DOT will generally frown on that.

The LoD bumper mounted hitch for a 2012 is the same load rating as the factory hitch. You might check it out on their web site.

I would rather have a frame mounted hitch over a bumper mount. It will be stronger..

Yep I would agree 100% with this!

:beer:

It will depend on the specific bumper. Some are designed to use the stock receiver, others have it integrated into the bumper. I've seen many with it integrated that are rated to the max for the JK. The key is the towing capacity for the JK is so low, a bumper mounted hitch can be rated to the same. This isn't a F-250 with a 15k towing capacity. According to the 2012 manuals, the max ranges between 1000-3500 lbs and 100-350 lbs tongue weight. That's not a lot and easy to build that capability into a bumper.