Front receiver hitch

[DRS244]

I just purchased a 2005 Liberty for my daughter. I want to install a receiver hitch on the front to hold a surf rack. I know Curt mfg. makes one that supposedly fits but have heard negative comments. Which brings me to my question.

Has anyone installed a front hitch, and if so, can you provide any recommendations on what brand to buy and how difficult is it to install?

V/r,
Dave

 

[CzarKJ]

Welcome! I currently have one that I use as a tow point. It is moderately difficult since it involves "fishing" bolts through but it is not impossible as long as you have seen a wrench before. Having a extra set of hands would be a great help but I did it alone with a jack. It does decrease approach angle significantly. Sorry I can't seem to find a good picture. I used the CURT.

 

[DRS244]

CzarKJ,

Thanks for answering my question. I'm not worried about approach angle. I don't off road except for the beach to fish and the occasional field. In this case it's my daughters KJ and she just enjoys sitting by the water with a fishing pole. Looks like I'll get the Curt.

 

[towpro]

I have a flat carrier on back hitch, which I strap my fishing cart to. Than put rods in fishing cart holders

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[angelis_digital]

Is this hitch strong enough to hold a winch. WARN has a winch that mounts to your hitch.

 

[scottg]

i have a curt on mine, use it with a dring and tow strap as needed. No issues yet

 

[HoosierJeeper]

Is this hitch strong enough to hold a winch. WARN has a winch that mounts to your hitch.

I think so, I've wheeled with a KJ with that setup and it worked well.

 

[tjkj2002]

Is this hitch strong enough to hold a winch. WARN has a winch that mounts to your hitch.

They do make them but your only rated for what the hitch and pin is.So if you have a 8000lbs winch your safety rating using the hitch mount is only 5000lbs and not enough to safely extract a stuck KJ.

 

[angelis_digital]

They do make them but your only rated for what the hitch and pin is.So if you have a 8000lbs winch your safety rating using the hitch mount is only 5000lbs and not enough to safely extract a stuck KJ.

What to do? I only want to be able to mount a winch, but there are no bumpers or mounts right now.

 

[tjkj2002]

what to do? I only want to be able to mount a winch, but there are no bumpers or mounts right now.

arb....................................................

 

[HoosierJeeper]

Someone on here got in contact with Detour and they're still around despite the website.

 

[tommudd]

Hes mainly advertising on Fakebook right now

 

[angelis_digital]

I didn't think they had the arb still. I heard a rumor Detour was quits.

 

[tommudd]

I didn't think they had the arb still. I heard a rumor Detour was quits.

He moved to Maine now ( Detours )

 

[angelis_digital]

That's all I wanted was the Detour mount.

 

[angelis_digital]

I found him on facebook. I asked about the backbone going back into production or maybe in stock? He is. He just laser cut some steel.

 

[DRS244]

Towpro,

Nice picture. I've done the same for years and it definitely works. I just want to set up my daughters jeep the way it should be.

 

[fredri]

I started with a Curt front hitch & subsequently changed to an ARB bumper on my 2006 Jeep Liberty LTD. It was pricey, but it is designed for the Liberty & does not interfere with the airbag system. It will accommodate a small Warn winch, but I had a local fab shop design a receiver mount in the winch mounting opening to accommodate a receiver type winch that I can use front & rear. Love it...

 

[Ruby]

I use the curt front reciever with a winch mounted to a plate so it can attach to the front or rear. Winch is rated for 9,500 and I believe the curt hitch is rated 9,000 in a straight line pull. I believe libertys only weigh 4,000 to 4,500 so your good on the old double rule. I've used my winch a lot (which probably says something about my driving skills) and it's never failed me.

 

[tommudd]

I use the curt front reciever with a winch mounted to a plate so it can attach to the front or rear. Winch is rated for 9,500 and I believe the curt hitch is rated 9,000 in a straight line pull. I believe libertys only weigh 4,000 to 4,500 so your good on the old double rule. I've used my winch a lot (which probably says something about my driving skills) and it's never failed me.

They do make them but your only rated for what the hitch and pin is.So if you have a 8000lbs winch your safety rating using the hitch mount is only 5000lbs and not enough to safely extract a stuck KJ.

And yes I have seen them fail big time so you are just lucky so far