2014 Jeep GC Towbar Question

[Macpower]

Hi all, we have just ordered a new 2014 GC and are waiting for it to arrive hopefully within the next month. We are getting the factory (Mopar?) tow bar installed as part of the deal. We already have a Hayman Reese WDH which we tow our 2011 18.57-6 OB Expanda with our current Mitsubishi Challenger which has a HR tow bar. We have had no issues with the current set up.

I have read that the factory Jeep towbar and HR WDH don't quite fit and that the corners need to be filed down. Can any Jeep owners clarify this for me? If this this the case, I will seriously look at cancelling factory tow bar and just getting a HR one fitted instead.

One other thing and I hope this isn't a silly question, but can you turn the WDH drop-shank upside down to give more clearance (to get up our driveway with the van on)? Our challenger gets it up the driveway with about a hairs clearance but I think the Jeep is going to be a bit lower, therefore dragging the shank on the ground.

This of course is just one thing to think about ...... next thing, roof racks, bike rack for roof, and where to put UHF and brake controller!!!! It's never ending....

Thanks in advance!

 

[DSP]

Howdy.... We have a 2014 GC and a Mopar tow bar. The Jayco dealer fitted a WDh for us and they did grind the corners down, did not cause any issues. The only thing I found out if you decide to put a Hayman Reese Towbar on the Jeep told us to be sure you use a good auto electrician to wire the plug as if you get it wrong it can be expensive.

Any how we have a Mopar with a Hayman Reese WDH and do not have any issues with it.

 

[DRW]

I have a Mopar bar, I don't have a WDH, but, I have spoken to heaps who do and its no real drama just some very slight grinding as you would expect as the Mopar bar is made in NZ lol they are a great bar though

 

[Macpower]

Thanks @DRW and @DSP for your responses. Food for thought I guess....

 

[crackacoldie]

It is pretty common for factory tow bars to require the WDH to be ground slightly in the corners, this does not change the rating or strength of the steel units. You can also turn the drop shank over with no issue.

 

[twscoot]

I have a mopar towbar and use a WDH.
I bought a new drop shank. And yes the corners need just a small amount of grinding. The grinding took all of 5 minutes with a standard 100mm grinder. Very very easy to do. If you can hold a grinder in your hands you can do the job.
A $3 pot of gloss enamel made it look like a bought one!
Cheers

 

[Macpower]

Thanks everyone for the replies. Maybe not such a biggie after all.

 

[Matty4]

It isn't a big issue at all.
I reckon you'd buzz off less than a few grams of steel from a solid piece that weighs probably 15-20kgs.
Also keep in mind that if you wish to add an aux LRA fuel tank, you can only fit one with the Mopar bar, it won't fit with the HR bar.

 

[Macpower]

Well after taking on board everyone's advice and talking to the dealer and a tow bar specialist, I have decided on the Hayman Reese tow bar so there will be no doubt the WDH will fit. Have also read that the shaft may need another hole drilled through it to so WDH doesn't hang too far out. Not sure how true that is but I just don't want to muck around with it seeing as there is another and seemingly easier option.

And @Matty4, we don't plan on adding aux fuel tank but thanks for the heads up anyway.

Thanks again for all the input.