what kind of tow mark is this ?

[pawntan]

Do you think this hitch receiver has been used for towing ?
I don't see a typical rust mark inside the hitch.
What are these two dots mark on the bottom edge ?
I'm about to buy this jeep. Preferably the one that has not been used for towing.

[01tundra]

Could have had either a hook or shackle mount in the receiver, not uncommon to see on a jeep.

[Heady]

Maybe a hitch mounted bike rack?

[klpoppe]

Looks like something has been in it. Looks like a dirt line about halfway down the tube.

[howlin4you]

We bought our Ram used and I too tried to look at the receiver to try and tell if it had been used for towing. I couldn't really tell by that alone but what I did notice is there was still dielectric grease on both the 7 pin and 4 pin plugs. I compared it to a new truck on the lot and the grease looked to be the exact same amount applied in the exact same places. Might be another thing you can look at.

[Vaquero]

Lots of aftermarket receiver ornaments out there.
Some with brake lights that utilize the 4 prong plug.

I don't see evidence of any heavy use on that receiver.

[pawntan]

Originally Posted by howlin4you

We bought our Ram used and I too tried to look at the receiver to try and tell if it had been used for towing. I couldn't really tell by that alone but what I did notice is there was still dielectric grease on both the 7 pin and 4 pin plugs. I compared it to a new truck on the lot and the grease looked to be the exact same amount applied in the exact same places. Might be another thing you can look at.

Good thinking. Would the dielectric grease thick enough such that it covers the pin ?

[howlin4you]

The grease looked like someone took a tube and ran a quick bead over the ends of the pins. It's hard to describe but again what caught my eye was it looked exactly like a new truck on the lot. This is of course highly un-scientific but it may be a good clue.

[Camper_bob]

I'm going to guess it's from some kind of vanity item in the receiver. You could also look at the chain loops. If the paint's chipped or scratched there, like towing safety chains had been repeatedly attached, that could indicate some towing activity too. But from the looks of the receiver tube, that thing has never seen an actual load.

ETA: Wear on the pin hole might be another indicator. Take all this together and it might paint a picture.

[pawntan]

Originally Posted by Camper_bob

I'm going to guess it's from some kind of vanity item in the receiver. You could also look at the chain loops. If the paint's chipped or scratched there, like towing safety chains had been repeatedly attached, that could indicate some towing activity too. But from the looks of the receiver tube, that thing has never seen an actual load.

ETA: Wear on the pin hole might be another indicator. Take all this together and it might paint a picture.

I'll check in the pin hole, thanks

[Crabman]

Look for evidence of a brake controller, holes under the dash etc. When I bought my truck used I could find no evidence a break controller was ever mounted so good chance it never towed a large trailer with brakes.