trailer hitches

[IRSmart]

been thinking about throwing a hitch on the car. i know it can't really tow a lot (no engine cooler on yet, so only 1,000 lbs), but we have a small basket i can put on the back for trips. i like the one that chrysler makes for the car, because you cut out part of the lower air dam on the rear of the car to make it fit (see pic below). my buddy got one on his 09 patriot, and it was a breeze to install, but i didn't like how it just kind of hangs down, so i want to get one that looks a little more factory, more recessed. but does anyone know of any companies that make a hitch that doesn't just hang down, one that requires the rear bumper to be trimmed like the factory one? i'm just trying to save a few pennies if i can.

[tripplec]

Thats a Class II in that photo so they can squeeze it in. Mine is a Curt or Curtis CLASS III with balls. It fits great my buddy is in the business and put this on for me.

These are not just for towing. Throw a rope or chain to pull something from, keeps yahoo's from denting your rear end if they drive too close parking in a lot or just don't stop in time. (both happen alread to me and no damage) I have a platform that goes into the receiver since 1991 and use it on all my vehicles. Also I tow a trailer with it.

NOTE: That cooler has nothing to do with the transmission. Its and engine oil cooler. I'd save your money and use good oil and/or synthetic quality oil and you'll be fine. Somehow they think the engine will get too hot under load. This has more HP than my old 3.0L Carvan and I towed tons with it.

[IRSmart]

i understand that it is a class 2, but most of the ones that aftermarket companies make are designed so that you do not have to cut the bumper cover to install it, which i don't like. i like the look of the mopar one, just looking to see if anyone makes one cheaper.

i just called down to my parts department. with my employee price, i can get a hitch from $210 down to $160.60, but they're on backorder. i might just jump on it, i'll have to talk to the wifey and see what she thinks.

as far as the cooler goes, i installed that on my buddy's patriot as well. it re-directs the coolant to the car's oil filter, keeping it a little cooler. i want to get this at some point anyway just to help the car last a little longer. i've had it since january and it has 8,000 miles on it already

[IRSmart]

okay, i decided to go with the factory hitch. i just like how it's recessed into the bumper, whereas the drawtite hitch hangs down a little lower (hence the lack of cutting your bumper).

now, my question is about wiring. when i did the 09 patriot, there was a kit on etrailer.com that was a complete plug-n-play kit. you didn't have to drill inside the car at all like you do with the factory kit, and it was only $50. the problem is, these new cars have LEDs, so they have a new kit out that's a splice kit, and it's fairly universal (link). it specifically says "for use in 12V negative ground systems only." the system is basically a relay system, taking power from the battery, and sending wires up to each tail light to activate the relay, turning the lights on. my concern is with these new LED tail lights. do these new lights still have 12V running to them, because i know that LEDs can run off of a single volt. too much power and you'll blow them up.

have any of you 2011 guys put wiring harnesses on your cars?