Install a hitch on your 1999-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ
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- Опубликовано: 14 окт 2024
- If your 1999 - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee (WJ) didn't come with a hitch, here is a quick video on how to install an aftermarket one that has the OEM look. It is pretty easy to do and it can be done in an hour or two with minimal tools.
Please 👍 the video if you enjoyed it or learned something, and comments are always appreciated!
Remember - I have no special skills, tools or training. If I can do it... So can you!
Great video. I just bought a 2004 WJ Limited without an OEM receiver. Found one in a U-pull-it yard and your video had me pulling it and the wiring harness in about 30 minutes. Even got the bezel off the bumper cover by cutting through the plastic rivets. I would have taken the bumper cover complete but it had been badly scraped in an accident. Total cost? $53. Now to install it...
Glad to have helped. Sounds like you got quite the score from the salvage yard! All the yards near me take the wheels off the vehicles and then put the vehicles in the rows with a fork lift. Usually damages the receiver and all the ones at the time I was looking were munched 👎
Thanks for watching, and for the like!
@@eXperimentalJeep Could you give us the Reese part number for this hitch? Thanks!
EXCELLENT DUDE! LOVE THE WJ HOW-TOS!
Glad to have helped! Although it's been a minute since my last video, I have several more in the works... Stay tuned!
Thanks for watching, and for the like!
eTrailer.com has a couple of hitches that will fit the 1999-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee (WJ). ALL models are one-piece. Be aware that to do the job properly, you'll need a torque wrench to seat the 5 bolts correctly. The CURT hitch I attached directs you to seat the bolts to 75 foot pounds, BUT, you'll need to review your own brand's instructions for the correct ft lbs. Also, some bumper covers do NOT have to be trimmed. Dry fit your bumper cover BEFORE you go making unnecessary trimming. In most cases you will NOT have to remove the bumper cover as the one-piece systems fit perfectly around and below the bumper cover. Some bolts will ALREADY be attached to the frame, mainly to attach the gas tank skid. Those bolts are re-used to attach the hitch.
All good points!
At the moment, I don't have a torque wrench as it was in a Jeep that was stolen. However, the bolts ends stick out past the nuts when cinched against the metal and I used a breaker bar to finish the cinching. I imagine I'm pretty darn close to the manufactures recommended spec. I'll borrow a torque wrench before I actually tow anything with it.
The hitch I chose was in 3 pieces, and I chose that specifically because it was easier for me to install by myself. If you have a garage full of tools, it may be a better route to get the one piece design - but I don't even have a floor jack of my own... apartment life ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Its always a good idea to cut small and then enlarge as needed. The hitch I chose does require trimming because it sits in the OEM location. I trimmed less than the instructions said to, and the look and fit is good enough that I chose to not even use the included detail molding.
Thanks for the feedback and thanks for watching!
@@eXperimentalJeep A floor jack can fit in a closet of an apartment easily.
The skid shroud holds up the tank? I thought there were straps that did that. I was hoping to get rid of the skid shroud. Good video. Need to install a hitch on my 2004 GC, it came without one.
Great video! For the Reese hitch, did you have to remove those crossbars that connect the rear of the gas tank skid plate to the frame? I have an OEM hitch that’s missing the replacement crossbars that connect directly to it, I’m wondering if you had to get rid of them for the Reese hitch and if you’ve had any issues/concerns operating without them?
Awesome video thanks for the reference
Glad to have helped you out. Thanks for watching... And the like!
Thank you for posting this! This is exactly what I have searching for. Additionally, I like the grille you have. Is it stock or is this a modification?
Thanks for the comment! Sorry for not responding sooner - That is actually the stock grill for the Limited trim of the WJ. I've seen others that have chrome accents around the intake slots, and I believe those are aftermarket. The silver air dam under the grill is what I like most - it looks like its aftermarket, but again, stock for the Limited trim. Thanks again!
Nice video very helpful I am trying to add a hitch to my wj it does not have factory tow package but I can not find the same one you have I would like to install that does not go under the bumper
I got my hitch from Amazon. I know there are several versions of them, including ones that go thru the bumper cover like the OE does and the one in the video. There are also others that just mount under the bumper cover. The hitch is REESE hitch, and I know they still sell it. Just plug in your year make and model for your Jeep and you'll find it there. I am sure you can find it at other brick and mortar stores as well, I just didn't go that route.
Good luck with your project, and thanks for watching!
Whats the part number of the wire harness you used? Cant find it anywhere, only 7 to 4 pin conversions and other nonsense
I used the factory harness that I removed from a donor Jeep in the salvage yard. I am not sure about what is available since using the factory harness is very easy - just plug it to the open port and go. I'd recommend a salvage yard, or if all else fails, eBay for a factory harness.
Good luck with your project and thanks for watching!
Can you provide a link to where you got the hitch?
12:38 why not to add final chord and install hitch bezel around drilled square hole? i think there are also a lot on junkyard. just for visual harmony =)) and better appearance
I chose not to because I think it looks cleaner without it. Even the factory ones are not color matched to the bumper, they are all black. I have it still and I can install it if I want - but I personally like the way it looks. I think it draws less attention to it by not having a large black plastic bezel around it. However, to each their own - I am sure some people prefer the look, and the bezel that comes with it would make it look more "factory", if that is the look you are going for.
Thanks for your comment, and for watching!
@@eXperimentalJeep agreed =) and thanks for the explanations!
Do you have a link of where you got your OEM hitch? Thanks
Actually... its not an OEM hitch. But I'll take that my install was good enough to look OEM as a compliment! I purchased it from Amazon (while it was on sale at the time) and it can be found here:
Reese 44716 Class III-IV Custom-Fit Hitch with 2" Square Receiver opening, includes Hitch Plug Cover. www.amazon.com/dp/B00NW8KEEE/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_5DxTEbYNJWHS5
If you really want an OEM hitch, they can be found in a local salvage yard. I bought this new for two reasons:
1) All the Receiver Hitches in the 3 salvage yards closest to me were smashed by the forklift operators,
2) This came with a plastic trim piece for my bumper - which, ironically, I did not end up using.
Whichever way you decide to go... good luck with your project and thanks for watching!
@@eXperimentalJeep thank you sir...good video to learn from
@@eXperimentalJeep installed mine a couple of weeks ago, came out good 👍 👌
Glad you got it on! Have fun and be safe!
Thanks for watching, and the like!
How did you install 7 pin wiring and brake controller?
I dont have the brake controler wired up - yet - but the 7 pin I just picked up from the salvage yard and plugged it right in - just that easy. The brake controler shouldnt be too dificult from what I have read, and If I find a need to install one, I'll definately do a video!
Thanks for watching, and for the like!
How many pounds can you tow now?
The Jeep WJ is rated at 5000 pounds for the I-6 and 6500 pounds for both V8 variants. The hitch I bought is a Class III and is rated for 5000 pounds with a 500 pound tongue weight. If you get a class 2, its only rated for 3500 pounds. Me, personally, I wont go more than 75% of what my towing capacity is rated at - so about 3700 pounds. I know I can tow more... but I generally play it safe, especially when I'm on the road and need to worry about other people.
Thanks for watching, and for the like!
Nice where did I order it from
I got mine on Amazon - but I chose one that was in 3 pieces because it would be easier to install on my own. You can get them at a salvage yard for a lot cheaper, but my salvage yards pick up the Jeeps from the back with a forklift and always crush the gas tanks and the hitches.
Good luck with your project and thanks for watching!
Or there's a safety recall and the dealer will install 1 for free
Except... They won't. I tried that route. They will replace a hitch that they consider to be damaged or not good enough to take a rear impact. They won't install one for free though. It's not like the recall for Jeep Liberty KJs where they will put one on for free. WJ you're on your own.
Thanks for the comment, and for watching!
Well I would have loved it if you would have showed us the tow bar on before you put the bumper back on. .what a rookie mistake. I give you a 3
If by Tow Bar, you mean this:
letstowthat.com/all-about-tow-bars/
Then I didn't show that because I don't use that.
If, rather, you meant this:
www.walmart.com/browse/auto-tires/trailer-hitches/draw-bars-and-ball-mounts/
Then I didn't show it because I hadn't gotten one yet.
I have one now, but its extra long, not standard, and will be used for a rear tire carrier. Also, most people don't tow all the time, only occasionally - I think it was best to show what it would look like a majority of the time. There are obviously people who tow all the time, but I guess us rookies will have to suffice with showing what it will look like for the majority of the rest of us, for a majority of the time.
As always, YMMV.
Thanks for the comment, and for watching!