Best bumper for weight distribution hitch?
JK Super Freak
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,695
Likes: 3
From: Texas
The stock hitch is mounted to a cross bar that connects to the frame rails. That cross bar is what I am not happy with. It can take a down load pretty well but it's geometry doesn't prevent twisting when using weight dist hitch. I already have been towing. Trailer is level. Ball height with weight dist hitch is good. JKU is stock configuration. I just thought there would be a replacement bumper with a built in receiver that may be stronger in torsion compared to stock. The towing issue at least for a JKU is not wheel base. After all, the liberty is rated for 5000 pounds. The issue as I understand it is regulations in the US because the top does not protect the occupants in a crash. JKU gas powered in other countries is rated for higher towing capacity than the US.
If you read your manual, Jeep/Chrysler recommends the use of a weight distribution setup with heavier loads. I would leave my class IV in place and use a distribution hitch. Just make sure you get one with the proper rating, tongue weight plus cargo stowed behind the rear axle weight, or it won't be pleasant.
JK Super Freak
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,695
Likes: 3
From: Texas
This is so frustrating. The jeep liberty is rated for towing 5000 pounds. Lets look at specs:
Wheelbase: JKU=116". Liberty = 106"
Width: JKU = 73.9". Liberty = 73.1"
Weight: JKU = 4340. Liberty = 3985
So now tell me why the Liberty is rated for 5000 and the JKU is 3500? It is NOT because the wheelbase, width, or weight.
Last edited by zstairlessone; Feb 2, 2013 at 04:28 PM.
JK Super Freak
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,320
Likes: 0
From: WI
Per the original question. I used to use the stock hitch with a reese weight distribution hitch and the bolts at the cross member were always getting loose due to the bending forces.
I upgraded to a different bumper that has the centerline of the receiver directly in line with the thru bolts that attache the back of the bumper. After this change I no longer have the loosening problems.
So in my opinion the rear connection of the bolted components o the jeep can be improved with a quality after market bumper.
I upgraded to a different bumper that has the centerline of the receiver directly in line with the thru bolts that attache the back of the bumper. After this change I no longer have the loosening problems.
So in my opinion the rear connection of the bolted components o the jeep can be improved with a quality after market bumper.
JK Super Freak
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,695
Likes: 3
From: Texas
Per the original question. I used to use the stock hitch with a reese weight distribution hitch and the bolts at the cross member were always getting loose due to the bending forces.
I upgraded to a different bumper that has the centerline of the receiver directly in line with the thru bolts that attache the back of the bumper. After this change I no longer have the loosening problems.
So in my opinion the rear connection of the bolted components o the jeep can be improved with a quality after market bumper.
I upgraded to a different bumper that has the centerline of the receiver directly in line with the thru bolts that attache the back of the bumper. After this change I no longer have the loosening problems.
So in my opinion the rear connection of the bolted components o the jeep can be improved with a quality after market bumper.
Thread Starter
JK Junkie
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 3,499
Likes: 162
From: brick, nj
Per the original question. I used to use the stock hitch with a reese weight distribution hitch and the bolts at the cross member were always getting loose due to the bending forces.
I upgraded to a different bumper that has the centerline of the receiver directly in line with the thru bolts that attache the back of the bumper. After this change I no longer have the loosening problems.
So in my opinion the rear connection of the bolted components o the jeep can be improved with a quality after market bumper.
I upgraded to a different bumper that has the centerline of the receiver directly in line with the thru bolts that attache the back of the bumper. After this change I no longer have the loosening problems.
So in my opinion the rear connection of the bolted components o the jeep can be improved with a quality after market bumper.