Help!! Reece hitch on Jeep

[Ellie Mae]

I have never been so frustrated. Last year I won a 18' Grizzly Tracker, 9.9 Merc motor and EZ Loader trailer. I have a 98 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and have been trying for weeks to get a hitch and wiring setup. *sigh*<br />To make a long story short, I got the 'certified Mopar wiring harness' installed by the dealer, but they won't touch the hitch I installed (Reece class II) cuz it's not a 'certified Mopar hitch'. They say it isn't safe, won't be enough for the boat and trailer. <br />My question: How can I tell what size hitch I need? I thought the class II would be enough. I can't find the paper work for the trailer, but it's classified as Y11. The registration doesn't show the weight. And I can't find the weight of the 1860 Grizzly either. Anyone out there can help this poor girl?

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Help!! Reece hitch on Jeep

Grizzly Tracker 18' we are speaking of an aluminum boat right? Well as per http://www.trackerboats.com/boats/index.cfm?fuseaction=model&boat_id=60 that link your boat w/o motor weighs under 500 lbs. Okay so lets get greedy and consider boat, motor, equipment and trailer all total are still under 1500 lbs.<br /><br />Your hitch will be fine for the job. I think the dealer is just trying to make an extra buck on the deal.<br /><br />Go to an independant mechanic to have him check the hitch installation and shop around. It should be installed using grade 8 bolts. <br /><br />With a boat/motor/trailer of that light weight even the old standby bumper mounted balls should work.<br /><br />Sorry to say but I just think you are being jerked around.<br /><br />Bob

 

[Ellie Mae]

Re: Help!! Reece hitch on Jeep

thanks Bob, that's what I thought. I told the guy I wasn't towing the 'African Queen', just an aluminum boat. I checked out the boat weight, and yes, it's listed at 513 pounds. The other question I have is, on this hitch, the receiver part slides back and forth so it can be centered according to the vehicle it's being put on. Even with the bolts tightened (but not torqued) it still slides back and forth. That's because one part has slots and the other part has holes. Will that stop sliding when I torque the bolts down? And could this whole hitch be welded to the frame?

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Help!! Reece hitch on Jeep

Once everything is tighened you should be fine. DO NOT weld to the frame! Welding to a vehicle is not necessary. Now, if you are concerned with the hitch moving (sliding) then ask someone to weld a bead on the hitch itself after it is positioned and tight. Glad I could help and I would bet the African Queen (if she is still around) would be worth some big (Bogart) bucks. I think that would be an interesting boat to play with.<br /><br />Bob

 

[tinbird]

Re: Help!! Reece hitch on Jeep

Ellie Mae, Bob was 100% correct in both his replies. The Reese hitch is a good one and Class II is all that you would need.<br />It would appear that the dealer was trying to take advantage of a woman and I would suggest that you think twice about getting any work done at that dealership.<br />You should double check the towing GVW for your vehicle, which I'm sure will be just fine, but just to be safe. I've worked Traffic for more than 20 years with the RCMP and hitches normally aren't the concern as much as a vehicle pulling a heavier load and then over heating or damaging a transmission, and I would hate for that to happen to you, but talk with a reputable mechanic (one you can trust) to make sure that your radiator and transmission can handle the extra 'work'. Just my two cents, but have helped more than a few motorists broken down on the roadside (usually during their vacation).<br />Good luck and safe boating!<br /><br />Tinbird

 

[Baja2002]

Re: Help!! Reece hitch on Jeep

Ellie Mae do you have the towing package form Mopar on your Cherokee? If so you should have no problems towing that boat! I currently tow my 4300lb. boat with my Cherokee V-8, always make sure that O/D is off!!<br />Good luck

 

[hltenterprises]

Re: Help!! Reece hitch on Jeep

Ellie Mae<br /><br />Think hard about welding. Your truck has OBDII electronic one stray spike from welding or jump starting could fry the ECM/PCM ( computer $$$). If you think your dealer ripped you on the harness install imagine the rip from replaceing the computer. You can buy an after market cooler at any parts store. Good luck