Bolt-on Receiver Hitch

Modern bolt-on receiver hitch project. The project below shows the steps to fabricate a simple bolt-on receiver hitch that allows the CJ owner all modern conveniences which a 2" receiver hitch affords but at the same time maintains the original configuration of the tow bar. The receiver hitch can be installed and removed by 4 hex nuts.

While there is nothing revolutionary about a 2" receiver hitch, finding an easy way to securely attach it to the jeep tow bar without modifications to the jeep took a bit of fabrication. This hitch set-up allowed me to attach a bumper carrier to my jeep on my last hunting trip. I was able to keep the rear seat in the jeep and still had plenty of room for carrying camping supplies, deer, coolers, trash cans or anything else that either would not fit in the jeep or which may have been too messy to put in the jeep.

Step 1. Obtain a piece of stock steel 3" x 12" x 3/8" thick. Also obtain a 2" x 6" long standard receiver tube with locking pin and key. The steel stock runs about $5 and the receiver tube can be found for between $13 and $20.

Step 2. Place the steel below the tow bar even with the rear outside edge of the bar. Center the steel stock on the center of the bar. With a marking crayon, scribe the 4 center most holes in the tow bar onto the steel stock for later drilling.

Step 3. Drill out the 4 marks you just scribed onto the stock steel. First with a pilot bit and then with a 5/8" bit. Use oil to lubricate the bit so you don't burn the bit.

Step 4. Obtain 4 2" x 5/8" grade 8 bolts. Cut the hex head off two of the bolts so that only the threaded portion remains. Unfortunately the two center bolt holes in the two bar conflict with a 2" receiver mounted below and will not allow the use of a standard bolt and nut assembly for the two center holes. It will be necesary to weld the two center bolts to the bar as the 2" receiver tube would interfere with the bolt heads. Simply insert the remaining threaded portion of the bolt into stock steel plate and then weld around the bolt and attach it to the steel plate. At this point, you have the steel plate with two 5/8" threaded rods protruding from one side.

Step 5. Test fit the steel stock to the two bar by inserting to two protruding threads from below. Make sure the other two bolts will insert into the two outer holes. If one or more of the holes do not line up, use a grinder or dremel to relocate the hole in the stock steel plate.

Step 6. Now remove the steel plate from the two bar. You are now ready to weld the 2"x6" receiver tube to the plate steel. Simple center the tube on the steel plate on the side without the threaded rods which you previously welded. Now weld away and attach the tube to the plate with 4 secure welds. Make sure you get good weld penetration for strength. Also, weld in short passes only so that you do not warp the steel plate. Allow to cool between passes.

Step 7. Paint the plate, receiver and bolts with black enamel spray paint. Allow to dry and bolt up.

Step 8. Test that the welds hold and enjoy your new receiver hitch. You are now ready to attach at your pleasure bumper carriers, bike racks, canoe racks, ball hitches, tow hooks, and other implements. You may find that level towing a trailer may require you to use a 4" step up hitch to raise the trailer tongue to the correct level. If you are ready to take your jeep to a classic car show, simply unbolt the receiver hitch by removing 4 nuts and you are back to your stock tow bar.

Enter supporting content here