How to Install a Trailer Hitch on a 2017 Jeep Patriot

Installing a trailer hitch on a 2017 Jeep Patriot requires only a few tools, a Draw-Tite 76070 custom trailer hitch and about 30 minutes to complete the installation. Follow these basic steps to being hauling all kinds of hitch-mounted accessories with your Jeep Patriot today.

About the Draw-Tite 76070

The Draw-Tite 76070 is a class 3, bolt-on trailer hitch designed for the 2017 Jeep Patriot. The hitch has a max trailer weight of 4,500 lb. and max tongue weight of 675 lb. It’s great for hauling small and large loads like cargo carriers, bike racks and U-Haul trailers.

Tools needed:

  • Safety glasses
  • Flathead screwdriver
  • Ratchet with 11m socket
  • Marker
  • Torque wrench with 22mm long socket
  • Drill with ? drill bit (for optional tow hook)
  • Locking stability strap
  • Masking tape
  • Utility knife
  

2017 Jeep Patriot hitch installation Steps

1. Remove the body fasteners

Use the flathead screwdriver and wedge all six body fasteners out of the rear bumper.

2. Secure the exhaust

Use a stability strap or rope and tie the exhaust to a sturdy component under the body, such as a crossmember or frame rail.

3. Lower the exhaust

Use the exhaust pliers to pull the isolator rods from the rubber exhaust hangers. There is one hanger on the driver and passenger side. You may need to spray the exhaust hangers with soapy water to loosen the rods.

4. Remove the heat shield

The heat shield is above the exhaust secured by four nuts on body bolts. Use the 11mm socket to remove the nuts.

5. Position the hitch

Lift the hitch into position so the attachment points on the hitch brackets line up with the attachment holes on the frame. Loosely attach the hitch on the forwardmost hex bolt on both sides.

6. Mark the cutting points on the bumper

With the hitch loosely in place, mark the cutaway area on the bumper using the marker and masking tape and the hitch as a guide. The cutaway area should be as wide as the hitch and roughly 4 inches tall.

7. Cut out the hitch hole

Use the utility knife to remove the designated cutaway area. Once you have the area removed, lift the hitch into position and make sure it fits.

8. Attach and torque the hitch

Install the remaining hex bolts and loosely attach all conical washers and hex nuts. Using the torque wrench with the 22mm long socket, torque the hex nuts to 100 ft. lb. You should hear a clicking sound after reaching the correct amount of torque.

9. Return the heat shield

Place the heat shield in its original position and return the nuts to the body bolts. Use the 11mm socket to secure the nuts.

10. Raise the exhaust

Raise the exhaust by returning the isolator rods to the rubber exhaust hangers on each side of the vehicle.

11. Fasten the bumper

Return the body fasteners to the bumper. They can be reinstalled by hand.

Once installed, the hitch measure:

  • 6 in. from the pin hole to the end of the bumper 
  • 3 in. from the end of the receiver to the end of the bumper 
  • 15 in. from the ground to the top of the receiver

You should now have your Draw-Tite 76070 trailer hitch installed on your 2017 Jeep Patriot. Whatever vehicle you drive, we have a trailer hitch for you. We also make custom hitches. Don’t have the time to install yourself? Schedule a professional installation at uhaul.com and we’ll do the work.

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