Flat towing set up

[richiee23]

I just purchased a 2024 willys to pull behind our motorhome. I m looking to purchase a bumper rated to flat to (LOD, Rockslide Engineering )or road master direct connect base plate. I read ya can tow with a bumper and ya can’t because the frame horns where the bumper mount isn’t strong enough. This is all new to me so I’m not really sure which route to go and would like Some opinions from people who ave flat towed a jeep.

Sponsored

 

[Reinen]

A bumper designed for flat towing will include additional brackets to strengthen the bumper/frame connection sufficiently. That is the disconnect between what you are reading.

You can't be flat towed with a DIY connection to a typical bumper. It's not strong enough.

You can be flat towed via a bumper designed for flat towing. These bumpers will have reinforcement brackets that go deeper down the frame than a typical bumper. They do not rely solely on the bumper mounting bolts for strength.

 

[azjl#3]

I found no aftermarket bumpers that would claim their bumper can be used to tow. Just get a base plate that works with the stock bumper.

 

[BAKNBLK]

You could get a Rubicon steel bumper and install HK Offroad's kit, rated 10k lbs . Then a Roadmaster 10k Nighthawk. Brake controller a RVI system. This is what I did as I have a Rubicon.

You could also use a Genright bumper as their Shackle tabs are similar.

I have towed heavy jeeps thousands of miles, JK and my JT both over 7k lbs.

 

[ketelhut]

Rockhard 4x4. Have towed jeeps thousands of miles using their bumpers.

https://www.rockhard4x4.com/

 

[Kraxler]

I flat tow a JLURD behind my RV using the Rock Hard aluminum bumper with their steel brackets. Have towed many a thousand miles and no issues. For the tow bar I use the ready brute with built in surge brake system. Works great and no issue,

 

[MINNESOTA 68]

LOD are approved for flat tow. I Istalled one with the extra support brackets but have not flat towed it yet. But install was decent and I love the look of it. Northridge had by far the best price when I bought mine.

 

[Robie]

I installed a LOD Black-O.P. Shorty bumper with the frame tie in brackets. It's been great for the past two years and 30,000 miles.

 

[Robie]

I found no aftermarket bumpers that would claim their bumper can be used to tow. Just get a base plate that works with the stock bumper.

LoD states "Our Bumpers can be flat towed" in the description for my bumper.
https://lodoffroad.com/products/jk-jl-jt-lod-shorty-winch-front-bumper/jfb1884

 

[roaniecowpony]

I have a Rockhard aluminum bumper. I made some steel plates that bolt through the 4 bolt flange of the horns. I have some frame reinforcements from LOD. I use a Blue Ox 10k tow bar. Towed maybe 10k miles.

Note: that tow lug extends through a hole in the plate and is welded in the backside as well. I didn't want to tow off of the aluminum lugs welded to the bumper, because they are aluminum, and the load path to the frame is not as direct as my setup.

 

[richiee23]

I installed a LOD Black-O.P. Shorty bumper with the frame tie in brackets. It's been great for the past two years and 30,000 miles.

I really like this bumper and it’s my top pick. I was worried about the weight. How much do you think it weights ? I see anywhere from 70-105lbs.

 

[Robie]

I really like this bumper and it’s my top pick. I was worried about the weight. How much do you think it weights ? I see anywhere from 70-105lbs.

The LoD website says 90lbs but it comes in several pieces. The wings, the middle and the large grey plates.
My Jeep is right at 5200 lbs with about a 1/2 tank of gas. I also have the Destroyer rock sliders and a dual battery setup with a fridge in the back.

 

[richiee23]

The LoD website says 90lbs but it comes in several pieces. The wings, the middle and the large grey plates.
My Jeep is right at 5200 lbs with about a 1/2 tank of gas. I also have the Destroyer rock sliders and a dual battery setup with a fridge in the back.

Did you notice it lowered your front end any ?

 

[Robie]

Did you notice it lowered your front end any ?

The front end definitely came down. Between the dual battery and the bumper, I think it came down about an inch.
One of these days, I'm going to put a 2.5" lift on it. With us full time in our RV for the past 2 years, there's always something else to spend any extra $ on.

Edit: I'm adding a picture of when we first picked up our RV. You can see the Jeep doesn't sit level and the front end is lower.

 

[RedRubiSled]

(Have posted this before)
Recently installed all mods needed to tow my JLUR with my Class A. After about 3500 tow miles now, all working good!
My tow equipment:
SmittyBlit Atlas bumper (one of few that mfg explicitly rates for directly connecting to tow bar)
Road master Black Hawk tow bar & cables (old)
Roadmaster Invisibrake (includes battery charge wire)
Roadmaster Brake light switch (shows on MoHo dash)
Roadmaster wiring kit w/smart diodes (for LED lights)
Kurt 2" drop hitch adapter

I did the work myself with help on the bumper. Nothing too difficult wiring is most time consuming.
Good luck!

Sponsored