[artmanr]

I want to install a tow hitch to my 2006 Commander 3.7, 4x4. I prefer to do it myself and don't want to remove the bumper cover and cut out anything. As long as the hitch is just below the bumper, I am happy and that will be fine for me.

I read the threads and saw some pics of the end result of an aftermarket install. But there are so many to choose from on the market. Some are short and look to mount on the bumper. Some are long and look to mount to the frame.

The only reason for this is to have a hitch mounted bike rack. I used to use the bike rack on the old Suburban and it's a good one. So I need one that will accept the 2x2 mount.

Any advice is appreciated....either how to install; which one to buy and where to buy.

AR

 

[robby]

Valley (U-Haul) will likely meet your expectations.
They install or you can carry out, no cutting required, just bolt on.
A 2" reciever will always be frame mounted.

Good luck,
Rob

 

[artmanr]

Thanks Rob. Do you know if I will have to remove the bumper cover or part of it? Also, I read somewhere that I may have to remove my tow hook from the frame (love the look of the hook!).

Art

 

[CommanderChaos]

etrailer.com has several. That's where I got mine for my 3.7L. Basically, like you saw 2 types.

First mounts to the frame using four bolts on the rear most member of the frame. Same four holes that the OEM hitch uses. REALLY simple. You have to drop the spare tire and pop out two rivet(reusable) and just bolt it up. (This is the one that I got) about $100

2nd type mounts to the frame on either side of the spare tire. I can't speak of how easy it is to install. $162

Downside to both is that they drop below the bumper and there mess up your departure angle. If I had to do it over I would by the OEM hitch and cut the bumper.

Gabe

 

[TYMAC]

There you go Gabe, sell him yours and buy the factory style. That way you both get what you need. The first session of my counseling program is free, after that it's $50 per session. ;-)

 

[robby]

I consider the slight loss in departure angle insignificant and evidently Jeep agrees.
The hitches on the XH (international version) have the reciever below the bumper and there is no provision for cutout.

Rob

 

[artmanr]

Departure angle is minor consideration (at least for me)

I don't really do any 4x4 and my Commander is my commuter vehicle. So departure angle isn't that important. And I doubt I would use the vehicle in that way....(I realize I am somewhat lame).

I will use this for just for a bike rack!

ONE MORE THING...

I have the 65th Anniversary Package on my 2006 JC. It has a chrome tow hook in the back. I don't think it's mounted anywhere near the center, but the instructions on the etrailer site say to remove the tow hook....permanently!

Anyone know if that applies to the 65th Anniv. edition Commander?

Thanks!!!

Art

 

[Smitty1970]

buy oem hitch and bezel, not much money and a whole lot better
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/05-0...ptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/06-0...ptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

 

[artmanr]

See...that's where my plan breaks down. The aesthetics are better, but I can't install it on my own. I'd have to pay at least $100 to someone. That brings the total cost to $280-$300. I'd like to DYI and for under $120. And if it is flush with the bottom of the bumper, I think that looks pretty good.

This way I have more money for the roof top cargo carrier that is on my list too!!!

 

[jeep5253]

See...that's where my plan breaks down. The aesthetics are better, but I can't install it on my own. I'd have to pay at least $100 to someone. That brings the total cost to $280-$300. I'd like to DYI and for under $120. And if it is flush with the bottom of the bumper, I think that looks pretty good.

This way I have more money for the roof top cargo carrier that is on my list too!!!

Why can't you install it yourself ? Here is a thread of the install with pics courtesy of member LanShark: http://www.jeepcommander.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1064&highlight=hitch+install&page=6

 

[Smitty1970]

If you can install one, you can install the other. It's very easy and the bezel comes with instructions for the bumper.

 

[artmanr]

So will I have to remove the hook? I love the hook....

 

[Smitty1970]

With the OEM hitch, no. The hitch is real short from side to side. It bolts up about a foot inside each rail. Here is a pic with my finger on the outer most bolt. The other side is the same. As you can see , your hook will be fine.

 

[robby]

Hey artmanr,
Tell me you took that photo when your Jeep was new.
No car/truck from Chicago looks like that underneath after 3 years unless you store it in the winter and only use it on dry summer days.

LOL
Rob

P.S. If you get the under bumper reciever you can then install a hook into the reciever when needed and.......if you want to get rid of the stock one, track me down.

 

[robby]

BTW artmanr,
I bet you will be able to leave the hook on w/aftermarket drawbar.

Rob

 

[artmanr]

I actually did not take the photo. I was google searching for anything on the tow hook/65th anniversary Commander. Nothing popped up. So I went to Google Images and searched that. LO AND BEHOLD....a photo of someone else's Jeep Commander 65th....from this very forum. Any taken in 2006 from Texas. So must have been new and clean.

Art

 

[artmanr]

While on this subject....how hard is removal of the two plastic rivets that hold on the bumper cover?

I am intrigued by the possibility of installing a factory hitch and bezel. Though it is more expensive than others. I think roughly $200 versus $100. Plus my time in removing the bumper cover and drilling/cutting etc.

Art

 

[GPintheMitten]

While on this subject....how hard is removal of the two plastic rivets that hold on the bumper cover?
Art

Did you check out the install link that Jeep5253 sent you?

Removal of plastic rivets is easy as pie. I removed several when I removed my front bumper. You can pry a wide flat screw driver under it and twist or you can buy a trim removal tool for $10 from any auto parts store. Here's some pics (not from back bumper but you should get the idea):

 

[CommanderChaos]

Update

It looks like you may lose your tow hook afterall. If you look at the tow hook instuctions that are attached you will notice a brace that goes from the tow hook to one of the holes that the OEM hitch uses. My aftermarket hitch uses the same hole.

Gabe

 

[jeep5253]

It looks like you may lose your tow hook afterall. If you look at the tow hook instuctions that are attached you will notice a brace that goes from the tow hook to one of the holes that the OEM hitch uses. My aftermarket hitch uses the same hole.
Gabe

You could probably just use a longer bolt.