Reese 44650 Class 3 Trailer Hitch User Manual

1. Introduction

The Reese 44650 Class 3 Trailer Hitch is engineered for maximum strength and safety, designed to provide reliable towing performance. This custom-built hitch is compatible with specific Jeep Grand Cherokee models and features a durable powder-coated finish for corrosion resistance. This manual provides essential information for proper installation, safe operation, and maintenance to ensure a lifetime of trouble-free use.

Figure 1: Reese 44650 Class 3 Trailer Hitch, showcasing the main unit with its 2-inch square receiver.

2. Safety Information

• Always read and understand all instructions before installation and operation.
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including safety glasses and gloves, during installation.
• Ensure the vehicle is securely supported on a level surface before beginning any work.
• Never exceed the lowest weight rating of any component in your towing system (vehicle, hitch, ball mount, or trailer).
• Regularly inspect the hitch for any signs of damage, wear, or corrosion. Replace components as necessary.
• Proposition 65 Warning: This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

3. Vehicle Compatibility

The Reese 44650 Class 3 Trailer Hitch is designed for the following vehicles:

• 2011-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee
• 2022-2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee WK

Always verify the specific vehicle application and consult your vehicle's owner's manual for towing capacity and requirements.

4. Specifications

5. Installation

5.1 Pre-Installation Checks

1. Verify Hitch Compatibility: Ensure the Reese 44650 hitch is the correct model for your specific vehicle year and make. Refer to the vehicle application guide provided with the hitch.
2. Inspect Vehicle Frame: Thoroughly inspect the vehicle's frame and hitch attachment points for any damage, rust, or corrosion. The frame must be in suitable condition to support the hitch.
3. Check for Obstructions: Identify any components (e.g., exhaust, bumper fascia, spare tire) that may need to be temporarily removed or adjusted for hitch installation.
4. Organize Hardware: Lay out all bolts, nuts, and washers provided with the hitch. Ensure all components are present as per the parts list in the installation instructions. Use only Reese Towpower provided hardware.
5. Gather Tools: Have all necessary tools ready, including wrenches, sockets, torque wrench, safety glasses, and gloves.

5.2 Step-by-Step Installation

The following video provides a general overview of the installation process for a Reese Towpower receiver hitch. Always refer to the specific installation instructions included with your Reese 44650 hitch for detailed steps and vehicle-specific guidance.

1. Prepare Vehicle: If required by your specific vehicle's instructions, temporarily remove or lower the exhaust system, bumper fascia, or spare tire to gain access to the frame.
2. Position the Hitch: Carefully lift and position the hitch onto the vehicle's frame. It may be helpful to use jack stands or have a second person assist to hold the hitch in place. Ensure the hitch is level and all attachment points align.
3. Identify Attachment Holes: Reese hitches are designed to utilize existing vehicle frame holes whenever possible. If drilling is required, use the hitch as a template to mark the drill points. Before drilling, check for any wires or fuel lines inside the frame sections.
4. Secure the Hitch: Insert the appropriate bolts and fasteners through the hitch and vehicle frame. For hard-to-reach areas, a pull wire or reverse pull wire technique may be necessary to guide the bolts and spacers into position.
5. Tighten All Bolts: Hand-tighten all bolts evenly. Once snug, use a torque wrench to tighten all fasteners to the proper torque specifications as indicated in your specific installation instructions. Never use excessive torque or an impact wrench.
6. Reinstall Removed Parts: Reattach any vehicle components (exhaust, bumper fascia, spare tire) that were removed or lowered during installation.

5.3 Using a Pull Wire for Installation

For situations where direct access to the frame for bolt insertion is limited, a pull wire can be used. This involves attaching the bolt and spacer to a pull wire, feeding the wire through an access hole in the frame, and guiding the bolt into its correct position. For closed frames, a reverse pull wire technique may be necessary.

Figure 2: Close-up view of the 2-inch receiver opening, illustrating the robust construction.

6. Operation

Once the Reese 44650 Class 3 Trailer Hitch is correctly installed, it is ready for towing. Always ensure that your towing setup (trailer, ball mount, and vehicle) does not exceed the lowest rated component's capacity.

6.1 Understanding Hitch Classes and Weight Capacity

Trailer hitches are classified based on their weight-bearing capacity. The Reese 44650 is a Class 3 hitch, designed for moderate to heavy-duty towing. It is crucial to understand the Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) and Tongue Weight (TW) limits for your specific hitch, vehicle, and trailer.

6.2 Connecting a Trailer

1. Insert Ball Mount: Slide the appropriate ball mount (sold separately) into the 2-inch receiver tube. Secure it with a hitch pin and clip.
2. Attach Trailer: Carefully back your vehicle to align the hitch ball with the trailer coupler. Lower the trailer coupler onto the hitch ball and secure it according to the trailer manufacturer's instructions.
3. Connect Safety Chains: Cross the safety chains under the trailer tongue and attach them to the designated safety chain loops on the hitch. Ensure there is enough slack for turns but not so much that they drag on the ground.
4. Connect Trailer Wiring: Plug in the trailer's electrical connector to the vehicle's wiring harness (if applicable).
5. Test Lights and Brakes: Before driving, test all trailer lights (running, brake, turn signals) and trailer brakes to ensure they are functioning correctly.

7. Maintenance

• Regular Inspection: Periodically inspect the hitch for any signs of wear, damage, or corrosion. Pay close attention to welds, bolts, and the receiver tube.
• Clean and Lubricate: Keep the receiver tube clean and free of debris. Apply a light coat of grease or lubricant to the hitch ball and ball mount shank to prevent rust and ensure smooth operation.
• Corrosion Protection: The METALSHIELD protective coating helps resist rust. If the coating is chipped or damaged, clean the area and apply a rust-inhibiting paint to prevent further corrosion.
• Check Fasteners: Ensure all bolts and nuts remain tight. Re-torque to specifications if necessary, especially after the first few uses.
• Store Properly: When not in use, consider removing the ball mount and storing it in a dry place to protect it from the elements.

8. Troubleshooting

• Difficulty Inserting Ball Mount: Ensure the receiver tube is clean and free of debris. Check for any burrs or obstructions. A small amount of lubricant can help.
• Loose Hitch: If the hitch feels loose after installation, re-check all fasteners and torque them to the specified values. If the issue persists, inspect the vehicle frame for damage.
• Excessive Noise During Towing: Ensure the ball mount is properly seated and secured. Check for proper tongue weight distribution. Excessive noise can also indicate worn components in the trailer or hitch.
• Corrosion: If rust appears, clean the affected area thoroughly with a wire brush and apply a rust-inhibiting primer and paint. Regular cleaning and maintenance can prevent severe corrosion.

9. Warranty and Support

For warranty information, please refer to the documentation included with your product or visit the official Reese website. For technical support or assistance with your Reese 44650 Class 3 Trailer Hitch, please contact Reese customer service through their official website or the contact information provided in your product packaging.