Have you ever felt like something was missing in your life? Chances are you don’t have a hitch kit, and yes this is the only answer.
If you’re planning on towing a trailer, boat, or tying a rope around your ex’s bumper and you need something to anchor it on then a hitch kit is a good idea.
You can even use a receiver to mount a bicycle rack for getting back in shape!
So lets take a look at the 3 best hitch kits for your Jeep JK:
1. Rugged Ridge Hitch Kit for Jeep Wrangler JK/JKU
The Rugged Ridge receiver hitch kit will fit Jeep Wranglers from 2007-2018. This is a 2 inch receiver with an easy bolt-on design.
The price is a steal for what you get, a solid properly welded unit.
This is rated for up to 3500 lbs. The build quality of this piece is backed by a 5-year limited warranty. All the wiring you’re going to need is included in the kit. It does not include a hitch pin or the hitch. This is only the receiver.
One thing we didn’t like is it doesn’t have the best instructions. The wiring is all OEM though, and they’re good quality. Jeeps are easy to work on, so following a youtube video is going to be a good guide for installation. Like the one below 🙂
2. TYGER Towing Hitch Kit for Jeep Wrangler JK/JKU
The Tyger Towing Combo receiver hitch kit is the most affordable option we looked at. It’s also the highest rated by customers.
One thing you might be curious about, is the actual hitch. Doesn’t it look remarkably similar to Rugged Ridge’s?
We’re not sure if they get it from the same manufacturer or what – but what matters is that this is more affordable, has a plug, and a solid wiring harness.
Tyger covers its parts with a warranty and when considering all things this is the best value buy we saw. There isn’t a reason to pay more for a hitch kit unless you’re looking for a ball mount to be included.
3. Rugged Ridge's Ball Mount Hitch Kit
The Rugged Ridge 5-piece hitch kit includes a ball mount for your trailer.
That’s the big difference between it and the one we reviewed above. Its receiver is also 2 inches.
So if you have a trailer or you want one in the future, buying the ball mount option makes sense. The install should take most about an hour.
What hitch class do I need for my Jeep Wrangler?
If you’re trying to use your Jeep Wrangler for towing or a bike rack the most common receiver size is going to be 2 inches. It is called a Class 3 hitch. What will this be able to haul? Read the specifications on your hitch but to fit the class 3 category it should be able to handle up to 6,000 lbs.
That means your bicycles, a jet ski, a small trailer, and even most boats are something a class 3 trailer will be able to handle load wise.
Why do the hitches look the same?
They’re trying to follow the OEM specifications, we get that. But the designs are so similar that we think they might all get it from the same place. So, that makes pricing super important.
If the quality is all going to be exactly the same then it’s the peripherals that add value. Customers are pleased with the quality of the actual hitches among all top brands.
Our advice is when it comes to aftermarket hitches, brand loyalty isn’t a thing. Get the best warranty, wiring harness in terms of quality, and price despite whoever makes it.
Should I get a tow package or hitch kit for my Jeep Wrangler?
If the prices on this list hasn’t helped you make up your mind on what the better deal is, we’ve got a couple points to help you make up your mind.
Firstly, do you need a tow package from day one? If you absolutely need one and you don’t want to bother with installing a kit yourself then yeah, we think you should probably get the tow package.
For most people, they don’t need it right away. Taking the trailer up on a trip isn’t life and death and they can wait for their kit to come first.
Secondly, do you like any of the aftermarket kits? Some owners are sticklers about everything being made by Jeep. If you’re not okay with adding something that isn’t “official” then getting the tow package is going to be the best option for you.
You can’t beat the price and quality of Tyger’s hitch kit. For a fraction of the price of what a towing package would cost, and an OEM wiring setup we think it’s the best deal of the bunch.
Whatever you choose we’re sure it’ll be a good decision because hitches are based on quality and reputation. All of these options are rated highly for a reason – they’ve been tested by the customers.
Let us know if you end up snagging one of these and how the install went!