Hello everyone, I have been searching this web site for a hitch solution for my SRT8. I just called Curt MFG. and they now make a bolt on class 1 Hitch for us.

Part # 11103 curtmfg.com

See attached Jpg

To get this attachment to fit I had to clean up the image,

can you post a pic after its installed?

it's about time!!! who's going to be the first?

i thought i posted a reply before, but i guess i forgot to actually click Submit.

check out this thread, scroll to the bottom you will see pics from protocav, he has this hitch installed...

http://www.cherokeesrt8.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1295&highlight=hitch

Hey guys,

Thought you might be interested in my hitch solution. I know the centre exhaust is a feature but I didn't actually like it so the hitch won over a centre exhaust.

Regards

Hey guys,

Thought you might be interested in my hitch solution. I know the centre exhaust is a feature but I didn't actually like it so the hitch won over a centre exhaust.

Regards

Nice install. Did you go with a Class IV receiver?

You know what else would look cool? Have the chrome tips protruding THROUGH the phony vents at the rear.....or are the hitch arms in the way?

Nice install. Did you go with a Class IV receiver?

You know what else would look cool? Have the chrome tips protruding THROUGH the phony vents at the rear.....or are the hitch arms in the way?i was thinking about something similar, kinda like the exhaust on a late model Camaro Z28 with those flat rectangular exhaust tips

this is perfect for a bike rack...thanks for the heads up!

I'm not sure what the class IV receiver actually is.

I can tell you the standard GC bar from Mopar sits to high to fit through the old Exhaust hole on the rear bumper. I used a bar from Hayman Reese (see pic below) which is there standard for a GC 2006.

The exhausts pipes where reworked to come through next to the hitch arms but could go through the phony vents but cutting them straight and perfect was an issue for the exhaust installer.

The trailer lights had to be wired into the rear lights of the car with electronic relays (The SRT8 front control module does not have any programming for trailer lights and its missing the two relays in the front box for the trailer as well) I measured the hitch arms and rear bumper against my old 2005 GC and they were identical so I recon I have made myself a 3500 KG Tow bar. (But I only need 1600 KG for the boat anyway.

Cheers

I'm not sure what the class IV receiver actually is.

I can tell you the standard GC bar from Mopar sits to high to fit through the old Exhaust hole on the rear bumper. I used a bar from Hayman Reese (see pic below) which is there standard for a GC 2006.

The exhausts pipes where reworked to come through next to the hitch arms but could go through the phony vents but cutting them straight and perfect was an issue for the exhaust installer.

The trailer lights had to be wired into the rear lights of the car with electronic relays (The SRT8 front control module does not have any programming for trailer lights and its missing the two relays in the front box for the trailer as well) I measured the hitch arms and rear bumper against my old 2005 GC and they were identical so I recon I have made myself a 3500 KG Tow bar. (But I only need 1600 KG for the boat anyway.

Cheers

Man...you got me confused here....page 274-284 n manual will give you towing info and class info.

link (scroll down) shows 4 and 7 pin that is factory oem and tucked up under bumper on left side. Was a simple plug and play for my trailer. Says 2005, but is same for 06 +.....I am wondering, since you refer to KG, are you located somewhere other than US, and do you have an export model or something that is wired differently?

http://wkjeeps.com/wk_towing.htm

I've often wondered why the tow rating for the GC SRT8 is less than the GC 5.7L. Is it because the only hitch that will fit the SRT8 is a Class 1/2? Or is it because there is some mechanical limitation inherent in the drivetrain? If, for instance, a Class IV hitch were to be installed on the SRT8 would the tow rating then be as great as the GC with a 5.7L?

For me, it really doesn't matter since the only thing I plan on hauling with my GC is A$$. I've got an 06 Durango Limited with the Hemi for the heavy stuff.:D

I've often wondered why the tow rating for the GC SRT8 is less than the GC 5.7L. Is it because the only hitch that will fit the SRT8 is a Class 1/2? Or is it because there is some mechanical limitation inherent in the drivetrain? If, for instance, a Class IV hitch were to be installed on the SRT8 would the tow rating then be as great as the GC with a 5.7L?well we know the motor has the right stuff, and the brakes too. my guess would be the suspension as the weakest link. from what i've heard on this site (don't have an SRT8... yet) the rear suspension is STIFF, and probably not designed for a large trailer weight

there is actually a really good article on trailer hitch weight ratings in this month's Truck Trend magazine. apparently most manufacturers quote you maximum capacity "when properly equipped" meaning with the addition of weight distributing hardware, which of course you would need to buy. the article said that even big trucks like the Suburban are limited to around 5000lbs without such hardware, and that most of those tow ratings are to entice buyers since they aren't independantly tested like HP is.

I've often wondered why the tow rating for the GC SRT8 is less than the GC 5.7L. Is it because the only hitch that will fit the SRT8 is a Class 1/2? Or is it because there is some mechanical limitation inherent in the drivetrain? If, for instance, a Class IV hitch were to be installed on the SRT8 would the tow rating then be as great as the GC with a 5.7L?

For me, it really doesn't matter since the only thing I plan on hauling with my GC is A$$. I've got an 06 Durango Limited with the Hemi for the heavy stuff.:D

Don't take this as gospel, but am about 95% positive in saying this. I recall from one of the Q&A sessions with the engineers, that when asked about the 3500 capacity their reply was about as follows. Time to bring vehicle to market, print specs etc., and that up to that point, 3500 lbs., was as "much as we have tested it to."

Yep - Export model (Australia) and not much support from the local dealers either. I think they were fearing the roth of Chrysler....

Cheers.

Can you please post some pics of your setup? I want to do the same thing here in the US but need to see how that hitch was installed. I found the Hayman Reese site, and there are Reese hitches sold in the US, but when I went to their site they don't look the hitch you have. Thanks!

Can you please post some pics of your setup? I want to do the same thing here in the US but need to see how that hitch was installed. I found the Hayman Reese site, and there are Reese hitches sold in the US, but when I went to their site they don't look the hitch you have. Thanks!

OK - will do. The process was basically 1) remote the dual exhaust rear assembly (unbolts under the rear seat), this drop out the tail pipes and rear mufflers. 2) Fit a standard Haymen reese bar for a 2006 GC 3) Fit a suitable tongue for an appropiate ball hieght 4) Refit and rework the tail pipes and tips for their new location 5) Wire in some electronic relays to the tail lights for the trailer lights (As I found out from this forum, it would appear,only the export models don't have whats required to make the 12 pin connector under the back of the car (near the spare wheel space) function.

Pictures coming soon. Cheers

Can you please post some pics of your setup? I want to do the same thing here in the US but need to see how that hitch was installed. I found the Hayman Reese site, and there are Reese hitches sold in the US, but when I went to their site they don't look the hitch you have. Thanks!

Here are the pics as requested. Cheers

I must say anyone can modify a car but not everybody can butcher one that well. Each to thier own.

I think the solution is brilliant. Anyone who owns an GC SRT8 is obviously a speed freak. The true speed freaks, like myself, carry that passion over to boats, motorcycles (multiple motorcycles), ATV's, and anything else that give your the rush that speed does, because the true speed freak needs his fix more so than the public highways and byways of America will allow. And in having all of these toys, you must get them to your destination, and that requires a trailer (or multiple trailers, in most of our cases). Therefore, why would D-C build us such a worthy car and call it a sport utility vehicle, but then eliminate the utility by denying us a trailer hitch?! It's blasphemy of the worst kind.

So all of you guys that just want to zoom around in your sporty GC's, have at it. But you'll find the rest of us zooming around, while pulling trailers full of go-fast equipment, so that when we get to whereever we're going, we can continue to go fast, usually even faster than we were going getting there (or at least with the feeling that we're actually going faster!!) Don't knock trailer hitches and go-fast equipment until you've tried it!

Happy New Year!!

Just thought I would show you what we did. It took a little work but came out okay - plus I have had it on there since the week we got the truck about 6 months ago. Be careful with the converter if you want to tow something heavy though! JCBJr

As promised in another thread, here are pictures of my hitch (Curt 11103). The only difference is I do not use the Curt supplied ball mount as it is too high for both of my trailers.

My boat, motor and trailer may be slightly more than 2000 pounds, but I think this will work fine.

714

715

716

717

718

Just thought I would show you what we did. It took a little work but came out okay - plus I have had it on there since the week we got the truck about 6 months ago. Be careful with the converter if you want to tow something heavy though! JCBJr

Your Hitch look great ! Did you tak your two back muflers off ? If so how does the SRT8 sound and go in doing so ?

Cheers

I think the solution is brilliant. Anyone who owns an GC SRT8 is obviously a speed freak. The true speed freaks, like myself, carry that passion over to boats, motorcycles (multiple motorcycles), ATV's, and anything else that give your the rush that speed does, because the true speed freak needs his fix more so than the public highways and byways of America will allow. And in having all of these toys, you must get them to your destination, and that requires a trailer (or multiple trailers, in most of our cases). Therefore, why would D-C build us such a worthy car and call it a sport utility vehicle, but then eliminate the utility by denying us a trailer hitch?! It's blasphemy of the worst kind.

So all of you guys that just want to zoom around in your sporty GC's, have at it. But you'll find the rest of us zooming around, while pulling trailers full of go-fast equipment, so that when we get to whereever we're going, we can continue to go fast, usually even faster than we were going getting there (or at least with the feeling that we're actually going faster!!) Don't knock trailer hitches and go-fast equipment until you've tried it!

Happy New Year!!

Well Said ! Cheers.....

SRT8inOZ, Your hitch idea is great,I have been looking all over the place for putting the hitch in the middle and moving the exhaust to bottom of the bumper, I see it can be done without cutiing the bumper, Is the picture of the part number the resse hitch correct. Later

Chris

Hey guys,

Thought you might be interested in my hitch solution. I know the centre exhaust is a feature but I didn't actually like it so the hitch won over a centre exhaust.

Regards


NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hey guys,

Thought you might be interested in my hitch solution. I know the centre exhaust is a feature but I didn't actually like it so the hitch won over a centre exhaust.

Regards

Did close to that same thing about a year ago. Except I made 2 cutout's in the vented part and got rid of the resonators

I wonder if this could really be what they say, if true could be the answer. As all can see I really don't know how to really post this. http://performance.drivewire.com/getparts/index.aspx?pdef=Trailer%20Hitch|Jeep|GRAND%20CHERO KEE%20(WK)|2006|SRT8|||||Towing%20Accessories

I wonder if this could really be what they say, if true could be the answer. As all can see I really don't know how to really post this. http://performance.drivewire.com/getparts/index.aspx?pdef=Trailer%20Hitch|Jeep|GRAND%20CHERO KEE%20(WK)|2006|SRT8|||||Towing%20Accessories

First I've heard of that, not sure if anybody has one installed.

I had my 2" hitch custom installed without moving the exhaust. I'll get my tow experience this summer with it. One will fit in there and with just cutting into the rear fascia a bit, but not excessive.

http://www.cherokeesrt8.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=121&cat=500&ppuser=713

SRT8inOZ, Your hitch idea is great,I have been looking all over the place for putting the hitch in the middle and moving the exhaust to bottom of the bumper, I see it can be done without cutiing the bumper, Is the picture of the part number the resse hitch correct. Later

Chris

Chris, The part number is a local Australian disty number. You could send an email to steve @ Vanquip and ask him. I'm aware of another he has done recently identical to mine. Vanquips URL is http://www.vanquip.com.au/contact.html

Cheers

First I've heard of that, not sure if anybody has one installed.

I had my 2" hitch custom installed without moving the exhaust. I'll get my tow experience this summer with it. One will fit in there and with just cutting into the rear fascia a bit, but not excessive.

http://www.cherokeesrt8.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=121&cat=500&ppuser=713

I don't know about the 2 ton tow bars........I have had 3 other cherokees (1999, 2002 Overland and 2005 5.7 Hemi) all with the 3500 tonne tow pack and I never had to worry....So when it came to the SRT8 beast I wouldn't settle for anything less.

Cheers

It's a Reese 33095 not meant for the SRT8. here is a pic. http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/NTESearch?storeId=6970&N=0&Ntk=All&Ntt=reese%2033095&Nty=1&D=reese%2033095&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Dx=mode+matchallpartial

It's a Reese 33095 not meant for the SRT8. here is a pic. http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/NTESearch?storeId=6970&N=0&Ntk=All&Ntt=reese%2033095&Nty=1&D=reese%2033095&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Dx=mode+matchallpartial
Hey SRT8inOZ, Is this what your hitch looks like in the web site picture that cmn1 posted?

chris

Hey SRT8inOZ, Is this what your hitch looks like in the web site picture that cmn1 posted?

chris

Chris, No thats not it......Mine is more like the Mopar Tow Hitch that just bolts on to the existing back cross member....I will see if I can find a hitch....If I'm slow in responding drop Steve a line @ Vanquip....

Cheers

Hey SRT8inOZ, Is this what your hitch looks like in the web site picture that cmn1 posted?

chris

Chris, Look at my pics on the 12-22-2006 in this thread (page 2). The middle pic shows the back side of the tow hitch bolting onto the read bar. I didn't use the Mopar Hitch (I actually bought one) because the receiver come out too high on the SRT8. The Haymen reece comes our just right but they both bolt on to the same cross member.

Cheers

I talked with Steve , He said that is a Australian part and he s thought I could not found it in the states. i gues i will keep searching the net.

Chris

I talked with Steve , He said that is a Australian part and he s thought I could not found it in the states. i gues i will keep searching the net.

Chris

Chris, Get steve to send you one !

Interestingly, the Owner's Manual says the SRT8 tows up to 3500 lbs. Road & Track mentioned that it can tow that with a custom hitch. Chrysler has no information on SRT8 towing nor have I been able to find anything other than the Class I mentioned. I love those exhaust tips, but they have to go. I'm looking @ re-routing the pipes, maybe without the resonators, and putting a standard Class III in it's place. Will let you know what happens.

Also, the 20" run flats are way too stiff for Pennsylvania roads and I'm looking to put on a less agressive tire/wheel combination.