Best Setup for RV Flat Tow

[Dcmtfam]

I kinda like the custom look and the self fabrication. It gives me something to talk about amongst my fellow jeepers. I think it cost me less than $100 bucks for the whole set up for the tow bracket. I think the cool tech light wiring harness was $139.

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[Luco]

I hear ya ... My posts were aimed at those wanting to flat tow their JL and no more....

I flat tow with a Rock Hard Bumper. I also mounted a winch on it. I personally like the look. Looks a lot better than a base plate under the front OEM number. I have had both and will take the Rock Hard Bumper every day.

 

[rs680]

this will be my first time flat towing. I went with a LOD full width Bumper. I just got it Line x a few days ago. I also have the cooltech wire harness kit In a box. I just do not have a Jeep yet.

 

[Jmonroe]

One thing I've not seen anyone mention. All of the base plates, regardless of brand, put the tow points below the bumper reducing your approach angle and leaving something sticking out that can "grab" the terain.

We've towed two JKs successfully for many thousands of miles, both with Blue Ox baseplates and tow bars. I think for the JL I'll look at one of the aftermarket bumpers that can be used with my towbar. Cleaner overall install and raises the tow points out of harms way.

 

[Ron_H]

I've flat towed a car behind our diesel pusher motorhome for over 50k miles in the past four years. For our new Wrangler JLUS I wanted a system that was fast and easy to connect and complimented the Wrangler's looks and capabilities.

The system we chose is an SMI Air Force One supplemental brake system, Cooltech JL Tow Harness wiring kit, Blue Ox Aventa LX tow bar, and a ROCK HARD Aluminum Patriot full-width front bumper w/ lowered winch plate and Blue Ox tow bar brackets.

SMI Air Force One supplemental brake system:
We are porting this over from our current toad. Not only does it perform exceptionally well it does not draw or rely on the toad's battery but all that is required to connect it is connecting a coiled air hose with quick connectors. Not only is it a truly proportional brake system, triggered by the air brake system on our motorcoach, it does not activate when compression braking is applied, saving down-grade brake wear on the toad.

Cooltech JL Tow Harness wiring kit:
I looked at several wiring harness solutions for lighting the toad and choose to go with CoolTech's solution as it is a balanced approach that does not use diodes but retains the use of the OEM tail lights. Two downsides of this system is that you must splice into the wiring harness and it requires a switch, inconveniently located on the passenger side of the toad. A wiring harness that reached over to the driver side or enabled connection to the factory installed aux. switches would be far better but this appears to be the best currently available. A color-matched switch cover will offer protection from accidentally switching the lighting system.

Blue Ox Aventa LX tow bar:
This will be ported over from our existing tow system. We chose this model as it provides a 10,000 lb. capacity. Even when serviced every 10k miles, tow bars typically have about a 70K lifespan. When this wears out, we may replace it with a RoadMaster model.

ROCK HARD Aluminum Patriot front bumper w/tow bar brackets:
Choosing a tow connection to the Wrangler was the most complex decision. I did not like the below bumper mounting location of conventional base plates as they protrude below the bumper and may limit future choices, such as adding a winch capable front bumper. I did not like most of the aftermarket bumpers that enabled a tow bar connection to the recovery points as this limited options for connection of breakaway safety cables. My third consideration was the weight of most aftermarket bumpers that incorporated a winch mount. Though costly, the aluminum Rock Hard bumper with tow brackets provided for all the above in a 37 lb package.

Now all I need is my JLUS to install it all on. Our JL is almost at our dealer location now but we're away on a trip and won't be back to get it until early August.

 

[MtCamper]

I went with the Rock Hard bumper as well. Along with Blue Ox 5000# towbar and a Brake Buddy. For lights I'm going the easy way out and mounting a flat bar to the rear hitch and put on a couple of HF magnetic lights. Still putting it all together and haven't towed yet, but all the parts are working out great so far. Can't say enough good about the Rock Hard bumper. Actually bolted up great and the powder coat is way above average. Their welds look way better than the ones on my Jeep!

 

[Jeslokin]

Thoughts on this: my JLUR will come with the steel bumper option. Could tow bar brackets be welded directly to the bumper so that a base plate would not be necessary?

 

[Pipebndr]

Thoughts on this: my JLUR will come with the steel bumper option. Could tow bar brackets be welded directly to the bumper so that a base plate would not be necessary?

The blue ox base plate works well and is fairly concealed. I also installed the Warn winch plate with a Warn 10K winch. Both are compatible for installation with no modifications. The Steel Jeep bumper is not thick enough to weld tow hooks to. I know there is some out there that have adapted stuff, but if I can assure the design is engineered for the specific operation that is what I’m going with and I used to engineer, design and install these type of products. Without a engineered design, insurance will have a hay day in court if something failed.

 

[JLUSoCal]

The blue ox base plate works well and is fairly concealed. I also installed the Warn winch plate with a Warn 10K winch. Both are compatible for installation with no modifications. The Steel Jeep bumper is not thick enough to weld tow hooks to. I know there is some out there that have adapted stuff, but if I can assure the design is engineered for the specific operation that is what I’m going with and I used to engineer, design and install these type of products. Without a engineered design, insurance will have a hay day in court if something failed.

Blue ox and roadmaster both sit low which is why IF you want to keep your clearance, go aftermarket bumper.

Her's my Blue Ox plate. The tab on the bottom is for the brake away, but i put it up higher. The electrical connector is low as well - I've already bent that tab on the bottom and took the paint off both of the safety chain attachment points that stick out the furthest and lowest. I'll likely move the electrical higher and grind off that attachment point.

Agreed no way to weld to the steel bumper me thinks.

 

[cmcclintock]

Do not weld to factory steel bumper

Jeslokin - No need to go after market bumper to keep clearance. Curie makes a great tow plate set up. Give them call as their JL tow plate should be out now. I used their Jk one (plate bolted to frame),I had some big trips planned and could not wait for the JL one. It has a kind of skid plate incorporated as well. Just got back from Tahoe, spent a day on the Rubicon Trail- front clearance not an issue.Very impressed with the JLU

 

[Rhinebeck01]

Thoughts on this: my JLUR will come with the steel bumper option. Could tow bar brackets be welded directly to the bumper so that a base plate would not be necessary?

@Jeslokin

A set-up like @JLUSoCal has is what you should go with. A jury rig set-up is not the way to go for many reasons.

 

[Dcmtfam]

No need to weld you can just drill and bolt to the skid guard underneath. Works just like the tow set up that curry Interprises makes for the JK. Go back to the beginning of this thread and see my pictures and explanations.

 

[Dcmtfam]

Typo...Currie Enterprises

 

[Dcmtfam]

Half the fun of being a jeep owner is being involved in our own mods And personalizing our Jeeps. But keep in mind always be safe and over engineer.

 

[Hypalon Man]

I went with the Rock Hard bumper as well. Along with Blue Ox 5000# towbar and a Brake Buddy. For lights I'm going the easy way out and mounting a flat bar to the rear hitch and put on a couple of HF magnetic lights. Still putting it all together and haven't towed yet, but all the parts are working out great so far. Can't say enough good about the Rock Hard bumper. Actually bolted up great and the powder coat is way above average. Their welds look way better than the ones on my Jeep!

Where did you find an aluminum Rock Hard for a JL?

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