After doing some research, I have found two trailer hitches that are actually designed for the SRT8. They are in the following link:
http://www.hitch-web.com/vhitch.asp?CLID=1&SM=SRT8+Wagon+4+Door&DR=4+Wheel+Drive&MD=Grand+Cherokee&C=&MK=Jeep&Y=2006&SMBBID=1438-209&YID=88&CID=5&MKID=29&DRID=3&MDID=667&OID=8&SMID=&cmdNext=Next&VID=32211&BPID=6

The problem is that these two hitches (which are identical) have a 2,000 lb capacity. I have corresponded with the sellers of the hitches and they are not aware of any that go to 3,500 pounds at this time. Most likely, this is due to the fact that it's tough to fit a 2" square receiver tube under the facia between the stock pipes. Apparently, a 1-1/4 square tube fits okay.

I may go to the seller of these hitches (they are close by) and have him take a look. At least for those that have minor towing needs, there is an off-the-shelf solution available.

It's unfortunate that Mopar parts really has let us down here. The vehicle has a 3,500 lb towing capacity, but they won't market a hitch to fit. That's just not right.

Good find!

sweet! thanks.

awsome! good research!

After doing some research, I have found two trailer hitches that are actually designed for the SRT8. They are in the following link:
http://www.hitch-web.com/vhitch.asp?CLID=1&SM=SRT8+Wagon+4+Door&DR=4+Wheel+Drive&MD=Grand+Cherokee&C=&MK=Jeep&Y=2006&SMBBID=1438-209&YID=88&CID=5&MKID=29&DRID=3&MDID=667&OID=8&SMID=&cmdNext=Next&VID=32211&BPID=6

The problem is that these two hitches (which are identical) have a 2,000 lb capacity. I have corresponded with the sellers of the hitches and they are not aware of any that go to 3,500 pounds at this time. Most likely, this is due to the fact that it's tough to fit a 2" square receiver tube under the facia between the stock pipes. Apparently, a 1-1/4 square tube fits okay.

I may go to the seller of these hitches (they are close by) and have him take a look. At least for those that have minor towing needs, there is an off-the-shelf solution available.

It's unfortunate that Mopar parts really has let us down here. The vehicle has a 3,500 lb towing capacity, but they won't market a hitch to fit. That's just not right.
The 2006 Commander/Grand Cherokee "Part# 82208228" is rated @ 3,500 lbs capacity and it is a 1.25" receiver style hitch.

The 2006 Commander/Grand Cherokee "Part# 82208228" is rated @ 3,500 lbs capacity and it is a 1.25" receiver style hitch.
You will find that this hitch is a no-go on the SRT8 due to the exhaust tip routing. There is not currently a Mopar-sourced hitch receiver that will fit the SRT8 GC.

You will find that this hitch is a no-go on the SRT8 due to the exhaust tip routing. There is not currently a Mopar-sourced hitch receiver that will fit the SRT8 GC.The Mopar #82208228 is the hitch I used to build my custom hitch for my GC SRT8. The original post was simply to make the point that 1.25" hitches can tow 3,500 lbs. if properly designed.

The Mopar #82208228 is the hitch I used to build my custom hitch for my GC SRT8. The original post was simply to make the point that 1.25" hitches can tow 3,500 lbs. if properly designed.

Understood. I apologize.

I would suppose the capacity is going to be purely a function of the design. Unfortunately, Mopar can't give us a plug-n-play item yet. Was there a lot of modification made to the stock item to get yours to work?

Good Find but the hitch mounting bothers me some. Look at the rear frame/bumper supports, stamped metal, not much support there. I believe this is the reason of not offering a higher towing capacity factory hitch? Engs didn't have any information at the Nats? A custom hitch would be better, maybe, check warranty concerns, this tranny oil runs hot without towing. I would add a bigger tranny cooler just in case or maybe a second one with its own cooling fan? Just a thought. MHO Gene

I think I am going to go ahead get one of those hitches.. I only have to pull 1 jetski and trailer.. so i wont be maxing out the hitch at all. I like this one because of the ease of install and no cutting of the bumper!

Question: I see 2 of them on there .. whats the reason for the one thats 100+ more than the other?.

-- Sal

Good Find but the hitch mounting bothers me some. Look at the rear frame/bumper supports, stamped metal, not much support there. I believe this is the reason of not offering a higher towing capacity factory hitch? Engs didn't have any information at the Nats? A custom hitch would be better, maybe, check warranty concerns, this tranny oil runs hot without towing. I would add a bigger tranny cooler just in case or maybe a second one with its own cooling fan? Just a thought. MHO Gene

These hitches mount in the same locations as the factory hitches. It appears that the factory does not want to deal with a separate part number knowing that, maybe, they will sell only 1,000 to 2,000 units. Since we've been left in the cold a bit here, we have to do what we have to do.

I don't think any of us bought these vehicles for towing. If you did, you pretty much made an expensive mistake and will need to find another vehicle to pull your RV or boat. For Jetskis, small camp trailers, motorcycles, and light utility trailers, I believe this will be fine.

I think I am going to go ahead get one of those hitches.. I only have to pull 1 jetski and trailer.. so i wont be maxing out the hitch at all. I like this one because of the ease of install and no cutting of the bumper!

Question: I see 2 of them on there .. whats the reason for the one thats 100+ more than the other?.

-- Sal

I was at this outfit today to see if they could make something for the SRT8. Their response was yes, but it would make more sense to do so if there was a trailer to pull. I don't have anything right now that I need to tow, so I'm not going to spend the bucks.

There is NO difference between the two units. The only difference is where they ship from. Order the less expensive item.

Yeah with those ratings would wouldn't want to tow more than a jetski or some motorbikes ...or you could use it to hold a spare tire mount. (I just ordered a used rim off ebay and a new front tire so thats where my mind is).
________
Bondage Webcam (http://www.girlcamfriend.com/webcam/fetish/bdsm/)

I guess it throws any chance of putting a mopar exhaust on out the window.

I guess it throws any chance of putting a mopar exhaust on out the window.
I'm not so sure about that. I think that if you look at the drawings, there may be enough room to get both to fit. Someone is going to have to try it.

The mopar exhaust has the same tips...they fit exactly the same its whats on the inside that is different

The mopar exhaust has the same tips...they fit exactly the same its whats on the inside that is different
The Corsa/Mopar exhaust system has a different routing of the resonators in the back, just in front of the rear bumper. That's where the clearance problems will be.

The support looks like it would be in the way of the resonators.
http://www.cherokeesrt8.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=217&d=1153244700http://www.hitch-web.com/hwimage.asp?tgs=3azyitz5626oqankw%2Fjz51867%2Enoj

The support looks like it would be in the way of the resonators.
http://www.cherokeesrt8.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=217&d=1153244700http://www.hitch-web.com/hwimage.asp?tgs=3azyitz5626oqankw%2Fjz51867%2Enoj

Yeah, I'd say you are right on that one. That center exhaust sure is pretty, but a total pain in the a**.

These hitches mount in the same locations as the factory hitches. It appears that the factory does not want to deal with a separate part number knowing that, maybe, they will sell only 1,000 to 2,000 units. Since we've been left in the cold a bit here, we have to do what we have to do.

I don't think any of us bought these vehicles for towing. If you did, you pretty much made an expensive mistake and will need to find another vehicle to pull your RV or boat. For Jetskis, small camp trailers, motorcycles, and light utility trailers, I believe this will be fine.


You are presumptuous and incorrect on 2 counts;

1. I bought mine with the full intention of towing. While it may be expensive to have a custom hitch made to my liking, this vehicle is rated to tow 3,500 pounds.

2. My purchase is in no way a mistake just because I will use it for towing. I fully intend to tow my 3,500 pound Wells Cargo 12' box trailer.

Please don't go imposing your thoughts and presumptions on the rest of us. I think we can all think for ourselves and make our own decisions.

You are presumptuous and incorrect on 2 counts;

1. I bought mine with the full intention of towing. While it may be expensive to have a custom hitch made to my liking, this vehicle is rated to tow 3,500 pounds.

2. My purchase is in no way a mistake just because I will use it for towing. I fully intend to tow my 3,500 pound Wells Cargo 12' box trailer.

Please don't go imposing your thoughts and presumptions on the rest of us. I think we can all think for ourselves and make our own decisions.

Ouch, that was really harsh. That's what's great about this country, as you can make all the decisions you want. That would include me making the decision to make the statement I did, and you being able to purchase your GC SRT8 to tow your trailer. Discussions are what these forums are for.

You are really reading between the lines too much. These drive trains are pretty stout, they'll tow the advertised 3,500 lbs. It's just going to be difficult (ie: a fabrication job) to get the hitch put together. Perhaps Mopar will come out with one that will work, who knows. If that happens, it will be a lot easier.

However, I would not be towing regularly with a vehicle with run flat tires and no spare. If I could carry a spare all the time, I would go for it. But it's not for me. Once again, that is a decision that you are entitled to make. No presumptions made.

Yeah, that was a bit harsh. My apologies. I guess the day had gotten to me more than I realized. I don't mean to make you feel bad, I just wanted to make the point that it's really not helpful to make assumptions about what others do or think based on what you believe. As far as reading between the lines, I don't see much ambiguity in what you had posted earlier. At any rate, sorry to be so snippy.

Hi All,

I got word from my hitch dealer that my Curt Mfg. hitch is in. Unfortunately don't have my truck yet or I would post pics. Hopefully my GCSRT8 is going to be built and delivered one of these days. I have a whole pile of parts in my house but no truck yet to install it on.

:) :( :D

However, I would not be towing regularly with a vehicle with run flat tires and no spare. If I could carry a spare all the time, I would go for it. But it's not for me. Once again, that is a decision that you are entitled to make. No presumptions made.

Would be super easy to mount a spare on the trailer for ur truck... that way everytime he were to tow his spare would be with him,

After having been in the tire business a while back, the biggest concern with any tire is proper inflation. For street tires, the #1 cause for tire failure, by a wide margin, is underinflation. Punctures are usually repairable if detected before the tire is run at speed underinflated for too long. Underinflation causes the sidewalls of the tire to flex excessively, generating abnormally high heat. That heat degrades the sidewall materials, and can lead to a catastophic failure of the sidewall, which is obvoiusly irrepairable, can can also lead to an accident.

Given that, if you maintain your tire pressures in accordance with the way the vehicle is being operated, you should have no worries about your tires, as long as they are properly rated for your vehicles' weight and speed. As your vehicle load increases, whether from towing a trailer or a heavy load in the vehicle, you should adjust your tire pressures accordingly. Same for the tires on the trailer. Remember, the required pressures can be, and in most cases are, different for the front tires versus the rears.

Tire pressure monitoring systems are great for vehicles used for towing, as long as the static tire pressures are set properly for the load they will be carrying. Monitoring the pressure of an overloaded/underinflated tire won't help you prevent that tire from failing.

Having said all that, the GC SRT8 should have no problems whatsover with towing a trailer up to it's rated 3500 pounds. Also, I would highly recommend trailer brakes for any trailer that weighs 50% or more than the vehicle towing it. Electirc brakes are really nice in that you can use a timer-style controller and fine tune the brakes for varying trailer loads. That's what I've used towing all my race bikes around the country.

After having been in the tire business a while back, the biggest concern with any tire is proper inflation. For street tires, the #1 cause for tire failure, by a wide margin, is underinflation. Punctures are usually repairable if detected before the tire is run at speed underinflated for too long. Underinflation causes the sidewalls of the tire to flex excessively, generating abnormally high heat. That heat degrades the sidewall materials, and can lead to a catastophic failure of the sidewall, which is obvoiusly irrepairable, can can also lead to an accident.

Given that, if you maintain your tire pressures in accordance with the way the vehicle is being operated, you should have no worries about your tires, as long as they are properly rated for your vehicles' weight and speed. As your vehicle load increases, whether from towing a trailer or a heavy load in the vehicle, you should adjust your tire pressures accordingly. Same for the tires on the trailer. Remember, the required pressures can be, and in most cases are, different for the front tires versus the rears.

Tire pressure monitoring systems are great for vehicles used for towing, as long as the static tire pressures are set properly for the load they will be carrying. Monitoring the pressure of an overloaded/underinflated tire won't help you prevent that tire from failing.

Having said all that, the GC SRT8 should have no problems whatsover with towing a trailer up to it's rated 3500 pounds. Also, I would highly recommend trailer brakes for any trailer that weighs 50% or more than the vehicle towing it. Electirc brakes are really nice in that you can use a timer-style controller and fine tune the brakes for varying trailer loads. That's what I've used towing all my race bikes around the country.


Trailer brakes with brembos??......maybe if your pulling a bus around. A trailer loaded at 2500 pounds and a SRT8, you hardly even know its back there. The truck pulls fine and definitely stops fine. So if your in the mountains and pulling a bus around I'd maybe consider setting your truck up for electric brakes, but if not in that situation. MOTOR ON

Trailer brakes with brembos??......maybe if your pulling a bus around. A trailer loaded at 2500 pounds and a SRT8, you hardly even know its back there. The truck pulls fine and definitely stops fine. So if your in the mountains and pulling a bus around I'd maybe consider setting your truck up for electric brakes, but if not in that situation. MOTOR ON


Trailer brakes with Brembos is Absolutily In! I don't knwo what you're smoking, but 2500 pounds is enough to fry your fade to nothing down some hills!
Perhaps you haven't been down some hills lately with these brakes. There's nothing wrong with the brakes, but another 2500 lbs' can make the difference for a driver not knowing about fade, especially in inclement weather.

Any extra braking is a GOOD THING!

i have this hitch installed. i bought it from the link on the first page, and got it early last week. it installs very easily, and is completely hidden under the fascia. i am impressed with this unit, and can't wait to tow with it. since i will only be towing a small trailer with 2 dirtbikes on it, i felt that it was perfect.

i have this hitch installed. i bought it from the link on the first page, and got it early last week. it installs very easily, and is completely hidden under the fascia. i am impressed with this unit, and can't wait to tow with it. since i will only be towing a small trailer with 2 dirtbikes on it, i felt that it was perfect.protocav, are you a member of the G35 sites also? your SN looks familiar

i have this hitch installed. i bought it from the link on the first page, and got it early last week. it installs very easily, and is completely hidden under the fascia. i am impressed with this unit, and can't wait to tow with it. since i will only be towing a small trailer with 2 dirtbikes on it, i felt that it was perfect.


Could you please post details pics of it currently installed.

-- Sal

protocav, are you a member of the G35 sites also? your SN looks familiar

I had a G35 for about 3 years, and sold it to buy the Jeep.

I was always on g35driver.com and my350z.com


Attached is a pic of my G35 with the HRE's.



I will post a pic of the hitch when my camera and my Jeep are in the same place.

I had a G35 for about 3 years, and sold it to buy the Jeep.
Attached is a pic of my G35 with the HRE's.

G looks sweet with the HREs... i love that stepped polished lip. you SoCal guys always have cool industrial parks to take pics in lol. do you ever regret switching to the Jeep? [/offtopic - send a PM]

when the time comes that i get my SRT8, i might have to bite the bullet and modify the back bumper slightly to allow me to use the GC hitch that's rated for 3500#

looking forward to pics of this Curt setup when you guys can get them

Anyone know if there is a 4 pin connector for trailer hook up reasons somewhere in the harness on the GCSRT8?

Crawl under the rear bumper and look to the right, it should be tucked up in there.

Does anyone with this hitch installed have any pics??

here are some photos. sorry about the delay. when the hitch extention is not installed, you really can't see the receiver at all.

it does sit kind of high, though, so depending on your trailer type, you may want to replace the extension that comes with it and put a straight one on it.

here are some photos. sorry about the delay. when the hitch extention is not installed, you really can't see the receiver at all.
couple of follow-up questions...

1. could you take a pic from the ground below the hitch/exhaust (trying to see if it would still clear an aftermarket exhaust like Mopar/Corsa)

2. have you had any issues with the heat from the exhaust toasting hitch wiring, etc?

3. are you able to secure the safety chains to their mounting loops on the sides of the hitch or do the exhaust tips get in the way?


this final question is for everybody... Jeep's 1.25" hitch receiver for GC/Commander is capable of 3500lbs... is there a particular reason that this design is only rated for 2000lbs?

(my DJ company owns a 6x10 Wells Cargo that weighs about 900lbs and it usually gets loaded with about 1500lbs of equipment)

couple of follow-up questions...

1. could you take a pic from the ground below the hitch/exhaust (trying to see if it would still clear an aftermarket exhaust like Mopar/Corsa)

2. have you had any issues with the heat from the exhaust toasting hitch wiring, etc?

3. are you able to secure the safety chains to their mounting loops on the sides of the hitch or do the exhaust tips get in the way?


this final question is for everybody... Jeep's 1.25" hitch receiver for GC/Commander is capable of 3500lbs... is there a particular reason that this design is only rated for 2000lbs?

(my DJ company owns a 6x10 Wells Cargo that weighs about 900lbs and it usually gets loaded with about 1500lbs of equipment)


wow, that's a lot of info. i am preparing to leave for SEMA right now so i am super busy. let me snap some more pics next week when i have the trailer off. i can get you some really detailed shots.

Chad

Flip the ball over on your reciever then your trailer wont look like a ramp for evil kinevil to hit. It will lower your tongue about 3 inches.

Would love to see those detailed pics of the underside.

Also really want to know if anyone has tried fitment with the Mopar/Corsa exhaust.

And slightly off topic, but how much louder is the Mopar exhaust?

I have the Curt 11103 hitch. From observation, I doubt this would work with the Corsa. I do not know for sure.

I will try and get some detailed pictures this weekend when we go pick up my son in-laws snow blower.

hey just something to think about. When you guys are talking about getting spare and stuff like that. You have to remember with AWD all four tires have to the been the same size. And that includes tire ware

tire rack has a good tech about this.... however i am not allowed to post URL's i guess... =/ hahaha
if you wanna search for it yourself: "Matching Tires on Four-Wheel Drive and All-Wheel Drive Vehicles"

So really a spare doesn't do THAT much for you.

but at the same time take it for what it's worth

I have been running with that hitch for almost a year and I tow a 3200lbs boat at 100mph with and no issues, I have a friend that has one with the corsa exhast and nether of them touch each other ever.

I have been running with that hitch for almost a year and I tow a 3200lbs boat at 100mph with and no issues, I have a friend that has one with the corsa exhast and nether of them touch each other ever.
You tow a boat with the 11103????????:eek:

You tow a boat with the 11103????????:eek:

He can't be talking about the Curt hitch. Its only a 1 1/4", so towing 3200lbs would be crazy.

He can't be talking about the Curt hitch. Its only a 1 1/4", so towing 3200lbs would be crazy.

That's what I was thinking. Some people are that crazy though........

Yes i have the curt 11103 hitch!!!!!!! I have a friend that is a mechanical engenering major and we tested an extra stinger that comes with the 11103 and put it in a hydrolic press. It was tested in many differt ways and the least amout of weight that we applied to get damage to it was just over 6000 lbs. If you look at the mounting for the hitch on the jeep it doesn't look like much, but it is stronger than it looks.

I have towed my boat also with this hitch with no problems(2000#). I also reinforced with metal stock. Where the hitch mates with the frame so that the hitch is flush with the frame instead of resting on the welds of the bolts.
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w26/cmn1srt8/boat.jpg

I also reinforced with metal stock. Where the hitch mates with the frame so that the hitch is flush with the frame instead of resting on the welds of the bolts.

Do you have any pics of that? ( Clear ones :D :D )


-- Sal

Do you have any pics of that? ( Clear ones :D :D )


-- Sal
No but if you get some metal about a 1/4" or (2) 1/8" metal by 6-7" and cut out 1" half moons where the threaded studs are and place them behind the hitch and tightend back down you should be good. This make the hitch flush with the frame instead of resting on the welds.
I am out of town but can get you pics over the weekend.

No but if you get some metal about a 1/4" or (2) 1/8" metal by 6-7" and cut out 1" half moons where the threaded studs are and place them behind the hitch and tightend back down you should be good. This make the hitch flush with the frame instead of resting on the welds.
I am out of town but can get you pics over the weekend.


I think i know what your talking about.. but with my sun burn .. i really dont want to lay on the ground lol. If u dont mind.. the pics would be very helpful.

-- Sal

I think i know what your talking about.. but with my sun burn .. i really dont want to lay on the ground lol. If u dont mind.. the pics would be very helpful.

-- Sal
Give me til Sunday

Here are pics of the hitch I installed. Its a stock Jeep Grand Cherokee hitch which was $118. I mounted it using bolts included and then welded the hitch to the frame for extra assurance. (didn't like the bolt install) I now have a Magnaflow cat-back and it fits fine. Only had to cut out a very small section of the bumper with a roto-zip. Looks pretty clean in my opinion and would definitely to 3500lbs. Sure I had to cut the bumper but it still looks pretty clean in my opinion

I have a friend that has one with the corsa exhast and nether of them touch each other ever.

Could you get pictures of that? This is the exhaust and hitch I want.

Hi guys. I'm based in South Africa and had this made for my SRT8. Main bracket fits onto the body itself. It's also fully removable.
Cost about $1000.
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f231/docrip/tow1.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f231/docrip/tow-1.jpg

looks pretty cool. Any more pics? It looks like your exhaust is now hanging really low, but might just be the angle of the pictures.

Do you have any pics of that? ( Clear ones :D :D )


-- Sal
I'm making new ones that will got the length of the hitch mount. They are the gray spacers.
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w26/cmn1srt8/IMG_0914.jpg

does it have something to do with trailer hitch lock (http://www.rigsecure.com)? :habbobuggs:

I purchased my SRT8 with the MOPAR catalog parts necessary to tow. I received the hitch and the "adapter kit" MOPAR recommended. I picked up the vehicle after the install to see that the dealership removed teh two resonators and placed one big one in the rear with 2 pipes coming out of it. The tips were facing down making it look like walrus from Star Wars. The pipes were lower4ed and uneven, what a ****ty install job and the beautiful growl sound went away. I was pissed to say the least. I could nto get over the fact of the look. So, I take the removed parts to a place called Buckys. Buckys does custom work. They saw the newly installed hitch (MOPAR rated to 3500 towing lbs.) and they saw the install of the crappy MOPAR "adapter kit". I told them what I envisioned, they measured, and decided that there was plenty of room to have the towing hitch installed AND keep the stock resonators installed. Now I have what appears to be an OEM SRT8 with stock exhaust and tips with a towing package installed by the dealership. There is plenty of room for all of this. I spoke with the Service Manager at the Jeep dealership adn he was embarrassed when I brought it in to show him the re-work. I got a full refund on the un-necessary adapter kit and performance is back. So, knowing that the MOPAR towing hitch is rated to 3500 lbs. and it can fit with the stock exhaust, why would anyone want to go to anything else? I could understand if you wanted to tow over 3500 lbs. but boats in the 20 ft range are only about 1900 -2100 lbs. Why do anything different like loveable chick did and make your ride look like a walrus adn go from a dual exhaust to a single exhaust system?

I purchased my SRT8 with the MOPAR catalog parts necessary to tow. I received the hitch and the "adapter kit" MOPAR recommended. I picked up the vehicle after the install to see that the dealership removed teh two resonators and placed one big one in the rear with 2 pipes coming out of it. The tips were facing down making it look like walrus from Star Wars. The pipes were lower4ed and uneven, what a ****ty install job and the beautiful growl sound went away. I was pissed to say the least. I could nto get over the fact of the look. So, I take the removed parts to a place called Buckys. Buckys does custom work. They saw the newly installed hitch (MOPAR rated to 3500 towing lbs.) and they saw the install of the crappy MOPAR "adapter kit". I told them what I envisioned, they measured, and decided that there was plenty of room to have the towing hitch installed AND keep the stock resonators installed. Now I have what appears to be an OEM SRT8 with stock exhaust and tips with a towing package installed by the dealership. There is plenty of room for all of this. I spoke with the Service Manager at the Jeep dealership adn he was embarrassed when I brought it in to show him the re-work. I got a full refund on the un-necessary adapter kit and performance is back. So, knowing that the MOPAR towing hitch is rated to 3500 lbs. and it can fit with the stock exhaust, why would anyone want to go to anything else? I could understand if you wanted to tow over 3500 lbs. but boats in the 20 ft range are only about 1900 -2100 lbs. Why do anything different like loveable chick did and make your ride look like a walrus adn go from a dual exhaust to a single exhaust system?

Did you see how old this thread is? I have all ready gone the Mopar route with the Mopar aftermarket exhaust.

http://www.cherokeesrt8.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13159