Universal Hitch for rear, Will it fit the front?

rescu2000 · **Posted:** Mon Jun 09, 2008 12:58 am

I have a universal hitch on the rear of the Liberty (2003) that is adjustable. It has two end pieces that slide inside of the center piece where the actual reese receiver is. The pieces are held together with bolts that go through the center piece and the sliding piece (both have several holes/bolts). The acutal width can be adjusted.

The hitch works fine, and is rated for either 5k or 6k pounds. It's a Reese brand from Wally World. It's ugly though and I am going to replace it with a solid tube bar type.

I was wondering if the adjustable hitch would fit up front. Has anyone tried this? I'll pull it off this week and try it, but I wanted to see if anyone else had tried befor going through the trouble.

I'm wanting the front hitch for a hitch-haul and maybe a removable winch setup.

Thanks,
Rescu2000

jsc7002 · **Posted:** Mon Jun 09, 2008 1:05 am

no I doubt that it will, Im sure you could slide it to the right length adn then have someone weld it there

corwyyn · **Posted:** Mon Jun 09, 2008 1:10 am

Haven't seen it done but it might be feasible provided you have the resources. You'll have to modify the mounting points rather drastically - the mount for the rear hitch consists of three bolts arranged in a line and the mounting plate is a long rectangular piece on each side. The mount for the front hitch is three bolts arranged in a triangular pattern and the mounting plate is much shorter and a bit wider to fit over all three holes. If you could fabricate some plates to match the front mount points you might have a chance but it'll take quite a bit of cutting, welding and just basic fabrication, and once it's done it will not fit back on the rear. There are a couple of people on the board who have done some small-quantity builds of the front hitches, you might see if one of them can provide some information on the front mount dimensions and such, or just see if you can get one built.

Good luck!

rescu2000 · **Posted:** Mon Jun 09, 2008 10:01 am

I did some looking under there this morning when I got off work. Besides the points that have already been mentioned, the installed hitch would sit too low also. Oh well, on to plan B.
Thanks
Rescu2000

Blue KJ in PA · **Posted:** Mon Jun 09, 2008 3:21 pm

Draw-Tite I bought long ago...

http://www.towingtown.com/catalog/p2538.html

Reese Multifit available now...

http://www.reeseprod.com/fitguides/details.asp?ProdID=65009&dlr=0
or... http://www.reeseprod.com/fitguides/details.asp?ProdID=65008&dlr=0

Or the Drawtite 65042/Reese 13542http://www.usa-trailer-hitches.com/products/Front_Mount_Receiver_Hitch,65042#

Instructions... http://www.usa-trailer-hitches.com/products/Front_Mount_Receiver_Hitch,65042#

jsc7002 · **Posted:** Mon Jun 09, 2008 6:23 pm

I dont think those multi-mounts will work on the KJ

but it doesnt really say what it does fit

Blue KJ in PA · **Posted:** Mon Jun 09, 2008 8:49 pm

The last one pictured...the Reese 13542...is the replacement for the Draw-tite 65042 (top one) that I bought years ago...so the Reese should work

Dje Ryu · **Posted:** Tue Jun 10, 2008 2:28 am

Somebody find out, PLEASE!

rescu2000 · **Posted:** Tue Jun 10, 2008 5:09 am

One thing that concerns me is how low the "replacement" ones hang. Look how the original (discontinued) one is flush with the mounts. The newer ones have several inches of drop. I'll just bite the bullet and get an ARB and a mounted winch...
Rescu2000

Universal Hitch for rear, Will it fit the front?

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