Not going to tow but...

[BuckeyeSRT]

I have a 2 inch receiver bike rack and my thoughts were just buy a hidden hitch or some other brand and install it myself. From the looks of things its not to hard with the 2011 GC so I am hoping the 2012 SRT will be bolt on as well.
Can anyone support me in that thought?

[lll2for3lll]

Put the bikes on the roof. Maybe???

[mjw930]

The factory package is only $300 and it may come with the cover so it's not seen. Seems like the best option IMHO. Oh, you get all the wiring too!

[VerbalKint]

^--- Agreed!! Hopefully it comes with a cover... I haven't seen or heard definitively.

[VerbalKint]

Actually.. maybe this helps.

From the SRT8 press realese. "At the rear, the SRT performance influence continues with a new liftgate spoiler that reduces drag and improves downforce. A unique one-piece rear fascia includes a separate air diffuser along with an available trailer receiver and access cover"

[BuckeyeSRT]

Roof is not an option. My order is in so I don't want to jeopardize my place in line (not sure it does or not).

[mjw930]

Roof is not an option. My order is in so I don't want to jeopardize my place in line (not sure it does or not).

You should be able to dealer install the factory parts. The aftermarket mounts under the bumper and wouldn't exactly maintain the "look" of the rear everyone here seems to be so concerned with :cool:

[SRTDogg]

Yeah I would buy a tow pkg no matter what, even if I had no plans to ever tow. All it takes is one time when you NEED it and you will wish you had it. Having U-Haul or some other aftermarket mount put on will kill your rear end look and off-road-ability (not that you might off-road your SRT8 though). I don't plan to tow on mine and don't have a boat right now, so I don't need it BUT I'm getting it just in case. It has a plastic piece that goes over it so that makes me happy... :)

[P-Dawger]

The factory package is only $300 and it may come with the cover so it's not seen. Seems like the best option IMHO. Oh, you get all the wiring too!

Yeah only $300 for an extra 100lbs of heft.....:cool:

How many bikes you hauling - quick release front wheel, fold the seats....yada yada yada....

Yeah I know - shut up about weight :p

[SRTDogg]

Not to mention rear spare tire and/or cooler carrier (for those whining about suddenly there being no spare tire even though there has NEVER been a spare tire for the LX or WK SRT8 platforms)... *shrug*

I'm not here to tell everyone to get a tow pkg. I'm just warning those who are on the fence. Trust me, you do NOT want to get an aftermarket tow pkg down the road...

[Scottina06]

are the oem tow packs bolted on or welded? I ordered the tow...just to have it....but now Im regretting if its welded.

[BuckeyeSRT]

I am going to gamble and shop an aftermarket hitch(or Mopar) after I get my GC. I am confident that I will be able to find one that will be hidden behind the little door in the bumper.

[jeep2011]

are the oem tow packs bolted on or welded? I ordered the tow...just to have it....but now Im regretting if its welded.

I believe it is welded as it is one with the unibody. I will check on mine tonight when I get home.

[SRTDogg]

I am going to gamble and shop an aftermarket hitch(or Mopar) after I get my GC. I am confident that I will be able to find one that will be hidden behind the little door in the bumper.

If you know NOW that you want one, why bother waiting?? Get it factory-installed. It will be cleaner, and will include the nice plastic cover. You won't get the cover or bumper cutout if you don't get the factory option..

[BuckeyeSRT]

You won't get the cover or bumper cutout if you don't get the factory option..
How do you know that?

[Scottina06]

I believe it is welded as it is one with the unibody. I will check on mine tonight when I get home.

Lordy children I hope not......Ill have to change my order

[mjw930]

are the oem tow packs bolted on or welded? I ordered the tow...just to have it....but now Im regretting if its welded.

I believe it is welded as it is one with the unibody. I will check on mine tonight when I get home.

Lordy children I hope not......Ill have to change my order

NO, it is not welded. The OEM, installed at the factory, receiver on my Overland is bolted in with 6 large bolts, 3 on each side (2 on the side and 1 on the bottom) so there's no need to change any orders...

[Milous]

are the oem tow packs bolted on or welded? I ordered the tow...just to have it....but now Im regretting if its welded.
The tow hitch is NOT welded on. It slides into the frame and secured with 6 bolts.

[P-Dawger]

NO, it is not welded. The OEM, installed at the factory, receiver on my Overland is bolted in with 6 large bolts, 3 on each side (2 on the side and 1 on the bottom) so there's no need to change any orders...


Aw jeeze, man those bolts look heavy :(

[SRTDogg]

They better be if they're toting up to 5000lbs!! :D I know what you're thinking though... Maybe you need to shed a few pounds now if you get the tow pkg.. :D :D :D

I'm just glad the SRT testing included performance testing with a tow pkg installed, and even trailering excercises.. Very well thought out this time around!! :D

[P-Dawger]

They better be if they're toting up to 5000lbs!! :D I know what you're thinking though... Maybe you need to shed a few pounds now if you get the tow pkg.. :D :D :D

I'm just glad the SRT testing included performance testing with a tow pkg installed, and even trailering excercises.. Very well thought out this time around!! :D

Sorry to be on the weight kick and I understand if adding a tow package - propogates the species(as in appeals to a wider market and keeps the Jeep SRT8 alive - great) all for it.

Again if I am towing anyting over say 3000 lbs - I would just get an F150 off of craigslist for $2500 and tow whatever I want.

I am sure some folks will tow a race car and trailer with this thing to the track, but why? Towing is tough on all components of a vehicle...even more so on one that is not specifically built for it.

[SRTDogg]

Just to save that weight, I might just actually remove my factory tow pkg now that I know I can (when I get my WK8 of course). Then I'll have it anytime I need it, and I don't have to put some junky U-Haul pkg on there. Now if the Mopar pkg is the same then that's good to know but too late for me, as I already ordered the tow pkg and it will likely be the same price...

[mjw930]

aw jeeze, man those bolts look heavy :(

:jump:

[QuickOne]

Sorry to be on the weight kick and I understand if adding a tow package - propogates the species(as in appeals to a wider market and keeps the Jeep SRT8 alive - great) all for it.

Again if I am towing anyting over say 3000 lbs - I would just get an F150 off of craigslist for $2500 and tow whatever I want.

I am sure some folks will tow a race car and trailer with this thing to the track, but why? Towing is tough on all components of a vehicle...even more so on one that is not specifically built for it.

It's more fun towing with the family or friends than grabbing a cheap F-150 that could be uncomfortable for a long haul, break down, leaving you stranded and of course, wouldn't have cooled seats. :rolleyes:
Plus, for some, who might be towing a $30K + boat or camper or car trailer, may also not want to rely on a craigslist junker as a safe tow vehicle.
In my situation, I tow my boat twice a year. Once up to the lake for the season and once back. Maybe once or twice bringing it elsewhere, but not much. That would blow having to buy/insure/maintain a tow vehicle just for the couple times towing.
The truck is more than capable than that and the engineers did more durability testing with a trailer than any of us would most likely put the Jeep through.
All this functionality and a couple pounds for only $300 is a good deal IMO.

[WRX-7]

It's more fun towing with the family or friends than grabbing a cheap F-150 that could be uncomfortable for a long haul, break down, leaving you stranded and of course, wouldn't have cooled seats. :rolleyes:
Plus, for some, who might be towing a $30K + boat or camper or car trailer, may also not want to rely on a craigslist junker as a safe tow vehicle.
In my situation, I tow my boat twice a year. Once up to the lake for the season and once back. Maybe once or twice bringing it elsewhere, but not much. That would blow having to buy/insure/maintain a tow vehicle just for the couple times towing.
The truck is more than capable than that and the engineers did more durability testing with a trailer than any of us would most likely put the Jeep through.
All this functionality and a couple pounds for only $300 is a good deal IMO.

Agreed 100%. Several years ago I towed my race car one time with an old regular cab truck. An unpleasant experience topped off with changing a fried starter while missing track time. It's not worth it IMO.
I look forward to dumping my WRX and Dakota for one vehicle that can haul my toys around and still be a fun daily driver. One less vehicle to store, insure, maintain, etc. makes a $50k SUV seem almost sensible. :p