Maximus3 Tow Loops

[TJDave]

TJDave, I too have a Warn winch plate (P#101255) and a Blue Ox tow bar. Can you tell me the part # of the Roadmaster direct connect unit you used (when I searched, I found two different options)? When you say "a little shave on the winch plate sides", did you do this while the plate was installed (mine is)? I would appreciate any close up pics you can provide. Thanks, Nick

It's been awhile. Everything will have to come off. Bumper, winch, and plate to install the towbar mounts. I looked at etrailers website and this looks like it RM-521453-5. Each piece sandwiches the frame. I shaved off a little of each side of the winch plate so it would fit between the mounts that were added to the frame. I also drilled new winch plate bracket holes as mine wouldn't line up anymore. Mine is not a Warn plate so your results may vary. But, with a skinny wheel, Sawzall, and a drill, you can make anything fit. Add in a welder and you're invisible! 🫥

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[Siskababa]

TJDave, got it, and thanks for the quick reply and pics. Since the time I asked you the question, I have found other member(s) saying they wouldn't use this model of Roadmaster mount without using a tierod on the towbar (like the Maximus-3) because they had experienced flexing and spreading? I do not believe they had a winch plate mounted, though. They also said there's a "suggested" tiebar option from RM on their website to be used with that particular kit? Do you think having a winch plate mounted between the frame rails serves the same purpose as a tierod would? I take it you haven't had any issues with your setup? I love the look of your install (very clean & custom) and that you have a winch and were able to retain the oem belly pan...it's exactly the look I'm going for, but obviously, I want it to be as safe as possible for flat towing. Back to your original post, I too, think it would be a PIA to remove a tierod each time so I would be able to fold the towbar up and out of the way while camping. Another option for me is to go with the Rock Jock baseplate and also their winch mount plate designed to work with each other. My Warn plate assembly was $400, so that part would suck. Thanks again, Nick

 

[Siskababa]

TJDave, got it, and thanks for the quick reply and pics. Since the time I asked you the question, I have found other member(s) saying they wouldn't use this model of Roadmaster mount without using a tierod on the towbar (like the Maximus-3) because they had experienced flexing and spreading? I do not believe they had a winch plate mounted, though. They also said there's a "suggested" tiebar option from RM on their website to be used with that particular kit? Do you think having a winch plate mounted between the frame rails serves the same purpose as a tierod would? I take it you haven't had any issues with your setup? I love the look of your install (very clean & custom) and that you have a winch and were able to retain the oem belly pan...it's exactly the look I'm going for, but obviously, I want it to be as safe as possible for flat towing. Back to your original post, I too, think it would be a PIA to remove a tierod each time so I would be able to fold the towbar up and out of the way while camping. Another option for me is to go with the Rock Jock baseplate and also their winch mount plate designed to work with each other. My Warn plate assembly was $400, so that part would suck. Thanks again, Nick

 

[TJDave]

TJDave, got it, and thanks for the quick reply and pics. Since the time I asked you the question, I have found other member(s) saying they wouldn't use this model of Roadmaster mount without using a tierod on the towbar (like the Maximus-3) because they had experienced flexing and spreading? I do not believe they had a winch plate mounted, though. They also said there's a "suggested" tiebar option from RM on their website to be used with that particular kit? Do you think having a winch plate mounted between the frame rails serves the same purpose as a tierod would? I take it you haven't had any issues with your setup? I love the look of your install (very clean & custom) and that you have a winch and were able to retain the oem belly pan...it's exactly the look I'm going for, but obviously, I want it to be as safe as possible for flat towing. Back to your original post, I too, think it would be a PIA to remove a tierod each time so I would be able to fold the towbar up and out of the way while camping. Another option for me is to go with the Rock Jock baseplate and also their winch mount plate designed to work with each other. My Warn plate assembly was $400, so that part would suck. Thanks again, Nick

I believe the winch plate bolted in-between the towbar mounts/frame ends provides as good of support as a tie rod. I've towed this thing all over for 3 years since getting rid of the Gladiator with zero problems. I have a good towed braking system which Maximus-3 said going without contributes to the spreading force and bending issues on hard stops. Maximus-3 mounts to the outside of the frame where RM are centered making the towbar ends less spread apart.
I had a Rockjock baseplate on a previous JK. It worked fine, but not familiar with the JL version. Good luck with your project. Happy camping!

 

[Siskababa]

Thank you, sir, and thanks for all the information.

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