Aftermarket Receiver Install on 2013 JK: Rugged Ridge
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Since we purchased our 2013 Wrangler used, as far as customizations go, we were at the mercy of whatever factory options the original purchaser opted for. Unfortunately, one item that we really needed was missing – a two-inch receiver.
Sure, we have a tow rig that can handle all of our heavy-duty hauling needs. But for toting around our bikes and motorcycle trailer, a ¾-ton truck is overkill. Besides, we often enjoy multiple outdoor activities on our ‘wheeling trips, and being able to attach a trailer and/or various receiver mounts is extremely helpful. We could have opted for a factory Mopar hitch from the dealer, but the price was extremely high compared to other aftermarket units.
We found a virtually identical two-inch receiver kit from Rugged Ridge that included a cargo basket and plug-and-play wiring harness for a fraction of what the dealer wanted for just the receiver! To fit it on our JK, we spent a little less than an hour in our driveway bolting it all in place.
You can look at the full install process here: http://www.drivingline.com/articles/rugged-ridge-jeep-wrangler-receiver-install/
![](http://cdn.drivingline.com/media/709876/001-jeep-wrangler-jk-rugged-ridge-hitch-kit-ii.jpg?quality=70&mode=pad&w=500)
Anyone have any thoughts?
Sure, we have a tow rig that can handle all of our heavy-duty hauling needs. But for toting around our bikes and motorcycle trailer, a ¾-ton truck is overkill. Besides, we often enjoy multiple outdoor activities on our ‘wheeling trips, and being able to attach a trailer and/or various receiver mounts is extremely helpful. We could have opted for a factory Mopar hitch from the dealer, but the price was extremely high compared to other aftermarket units.
We found a virtually identical two-inch receiver kit from Rugged Ridge that included a cargo basket and plug-and-play wiring harness for a fraction of what the dealer wanted for just the receiver! To fit it on our JK, we spent a little less than an hour in our driveway bolting it all in place.
You can look at the full install process here: http://www.drivingline.com/articles/rugged-ridge-jeep-wrangler-receiver-install/
![](http://cdn.drivingline.com/media/709876/001-jeep-wrangler-jk-rugged-ridge-hitch-kit-ii.jpg?quality=70&mode=pad&w=500)
Anyone have any thoughts?
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The rugged ridge brand had the separate nuts, correct? The Mopar receiver has them welded to the back side to where you just feed through the 4 bolts and it's done- 1 wrench.
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I'll pay 1/6 of the price for the exact same thing from Amazon, and I get a Jeep hitch brake light too in the price, and I'll use 3 wrenches, LOL.
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That's correct. The Rugged Ridge one does not have the nuts welded to the back as they do from the factory. Yes – you'll need two wrenches, but it's not a difficult install by any means.