Can You Put A Hitch On A Jeep Cherokee?

Jeeps are one of the most versatile vehicles on the road, but what if you need to tow something?

Can you put a hitch on a Jeep Cherokee?

In this blog post, we’ll give you the basics of putting a hitch on your Jeep Cherokee and how to use it safely.

Can You Put A Hitch On A Jeep Cherokee?

Yes, with a few exceptions, you can put a hitch on a Jeep Cherokee.

There are a few different types of hitches, so be sure to consult with your local dealer or mechanic to find the right hitch for your Jeep Cherokee model and year.

But in general, you should be able to find a hitch that will fit your Jeep Cherokee.

If you’re going to be doing any serious towing with your Jeep Cherokee, then you’ll need to upgrade the suspension and brakes.

The factory suspension and brakes on a Jeep Cherokee are designed for light towing, not heavy duty towing.

How to Put A Hitch on A Jeep Cherokee?

You’ll need to remove the rear bumper on your Jeep Cherokee to install a hitch. This is not a difficult task, but you will need a few tools.

Once the bumper is removed, attaching the hitch is a fairly straightforward process. Follow the below steps to safely install a hitch on your Jeep Cherokee.

Step 1: Park Your Jeep Cherokee on a Level Surface

First things first, you’ll need to park your Jeep Cherokee on a level surface. This will make it easier to remove the bumper and install the hitch.

If you don’t have a level surface, then you can jack up the rear of your Jeep Cherokee to make it level.

Step 2: Remove the Rear Bumper

Next, you’ll need to remove the rear bumper. There are typically four bolts that hold the bumper on.

Two of these bolts will be located at the top of the bumper and two will be located at the bottom.

Use a socket wrench to remove these bolts and set the bumper aside.

Step 3: Raise Hitch into Position

It is now time to raise the hitch into position. If you have someone helping you, this will be much easier.

If not, then use a jack to raise the hitch into place. The hitch should line up with the holes where the bumper was attached.

Step 4:  Secure the Hitch to the Frame

Once the hitch is in place, it’s time to secure it to the frame. Use the bolts that came with your hitch kit to secure the hitch to the frame.

Make sure these bolts are tightened down securely. Also, keep in mind that you will need to re-attach the bumper at some point.

So, don’t overtighten these bolts and make it difficult to put the bumper back on.

Step 5: Reattach the Bumper

Now that the hitch is installed, you can re-attach the bumper. Line up the holes on the bumper with the bolts on the frame.

Use a socket wrench to tighten these bolts down. Once the bumper is back on, you’re all set!

Installing a hitch on your Jeep Cherokee is a fairly easy process. Just be sure to take your time and follow the above steps carefully.

How Much Does it Cost to Put a Hitch on A Jeep Cherokee?

The cost of putting a hitch on a Jeep Cherokee can vary depending on the type of hitch.

In general, you can expect to pay between $120 to $200 for a hitch installation on a Jeep Cherokee.

But the cost of the hitch itself will also vary depending on the type. A basic hitch can cost as little as $50, but a more heavy-duty hitch can cost upwards of $400.

Again, it’s important to consult with your local dealer or mechanic to find the right hitch for your Jeep Cherokee model and year.

They will be able to give you a more accurate estimate for the cost of the hitch and installation.

Why You Might Want to Put a Hitch on Your Jeep Cherokee?

There are a number of reasons why you might want to put a hitch on your Jeep Cherokee. Below we will discuss some of the most popular reasons.

Towing a Trailer

If you’re planning on towing a trailer with your Jeep Cherokee, then you will need a hitch.

The factory suspension and brakes on a Jeep Cherokee are not designed for heavy towing.

So, if you’re going to be doing any serious towing, you’ll need to upgrade the suspension and brakes.

In addition, you’ll need a hitch that is rated for the weight of the trailer.

Hauling Cargo

Another reason to put a hitch on your Jeep Cherokee is for hauling cargo.

If you have a lot of gear to haul around, then a hitch mounted cargo carrier can be a great option.

These carriers attach to the hitch and provide a platform for hauling gear. This is a great way to free up space inside your Jeep Cherokee for passengers.

Bike Racks

Lastly, many people put a hitch on their Jeep Cherokee for bike racks. If you like to go camping or mountain biking, then a bike rack can be a great way to transport your bikes.

There are a number of different types of bike racks available. So, you’ll need to find one that is compatible with your Jeep Cherokee.

So, those are some of the most popular reasons for putting a hitch on a Jeep Cherokee.

Try to find a good hitch that will fit your needs, and be sure to follow the above steps carefully when installing it.

What Things To Consider When Using a Hitch on Your Jeep Cherokee?

There are a few things you need to keep in mind when using a hitch on your Jeep Cherokee.

Some of the things we will discuss below are of utmost importance.

Hitch Weight Rating

The first thing you need to consider is the hitch weight rating. This is the amount of weight the hitch is rated for.

You’ll need to find a hitch that is rated for the weight of your trailer.

If you’re not sure what the weight of your trailer is, you can always consult with a local dealer or mechanic.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating

Another important thing to consider is the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of your Jeep Cherokee.

The total weight of your vehicle includes the trailer, cargo and passengers.

You’ll need to make sure that your Jeep Cherokee’s GVWR is not exceeded when you’re hauling a trailer.

Tongue Weight

Another thing to consider is tongue weight. This is the amount of weight that is being put on the hitch itself.

The tongue weight of the trailer should be 10-15% of the total weight.

So, if your trailer weighs 2000 pounds, then the tongue weight should be between 200 and 300 pounds.

FAQs

Conclusion

Now you know the answer to the question, can you put a hitch on a Jeep Cherokee? The answer is yes, you can put a hitch on a Jeep Cherokee.

However, you need to make sure that you get the right hitch for your Jeep Cherokee.