Need a Flat Tow bumper

[stevenfosterrj]

I want to add a winch to my 2019 JLU Rubicon but I flat tow behind our RV. I currently have a Roadmaster baseplate with the plastic bumper. So need either a bumper that works with the base plate or a bumper that can be used for flat towing. Been trying to find but have not found anything. Any suggestions on how or where to look? O r bumpers that are approved for flat towing.

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[BVGeezer]

Call RockJock 4x4 714-367-1580

 

[TJDave]

I have Roadmaster tow bar mounts and used to have a plastic bumper on my Rubicon. I bought the Ebay factory replica steel bumper, modified the winch plate slightly, and made it work with a winch. A tow rated bumper mount will raise your tow points, and there is only 3 that I know of, and you will need frame tie-ins.

 

[ketelhut]

Rockhard 4x4 is the one I have used for years & have recommended to several friends. It can be set up for any tow bar you want.

Jeep Wrangler JL 1/4" Thick Bumpers (rockhard4x4.com)

 

[bsmith]

I have a 2021 Rubicon that came with the plastic bumper. When i set it up to flat tow, i bought the Mopar steel bumper knowing that I would be installing a winch. I also didn’t want to use a baseplate system and lose ground clearance either. I went with the Maximus 3 tow hook system. The Maximus 3 bolts to the frame itself and has frame tie ins. There were issues in the past with the Maximus system in which during hard braking situations, the force of the Jeep “pushing” against the tow bar during braking would “push” the tow bar apart and subsequently damage the frame of the Jeep itself. Maximus addressed this with the frame tie ins and and also a tie bar that mounts to the tow bar Itself. The tie bar prevents the tow bar from “pushing” or spreading outwards during braking and bending/damaging the frame Of the Jeep. I have towed many miles from NJ to Maine, NH and MD with no problems. There is a member on the Forum that says you should never flat tow using any bumper, even if the manufacturer says it is rated for flat towing. The reason is that the bumpers attach to the frame horns (not sure if this is the correct word) at the end of the frame rails. The horns aren’t designed for and are not strong enough for the forces involved in flat towing. He said that he had been in contact with Jeep engineers who confirmed this. This all may have changed and there may be bumpers that can be used with frame tie ins since i did my research two years ago.

There is a long thread on this Forum that discusses the Maximus 3 and other flat towing systems. Just Google flat towing and JL Forum.

 

[OrneryBear]

as said just above, could always add maximus 3 tow hooks with their tie bar. that's my plan. it's functional for many reasons

 

[stevenfosterrj]

I have Roadmaster tow bar mounts and used to have a plastic bumper on my Rubicon. I bought the Ebay factory replica steel bumper, modified the winch plate slightly, and made it work with a winch. A tow rated bumper mount will raise your tow points, and there is only 3 that I know of, and you will need frame tie-ins.

 

[stevenfosterrj]

I just found a used steel factory bumper with a winch plate. What "modified winch plate slightly" did you have to do. Your set up looks perfect

 

[TJDave]

I just found a used steel factory bumper with a winch plate. What "modified winch plate slightly" did you have to do. Your set up looks perfect

The Roadmaster mount sandwiches the frame. This added 1/4" of steel on each side doesn't allow the winch plate to drop down in-between th frame. A simple skinny wheel shave of the winch plate, then new bolt holes for the brackets and all is good. The hardest part was getting the inside bumper nuts started with the winch there. No room for hands and fingers. I fished the nut in on the end of a telescoping magnet.

 

[stevenfosterrj]

Thank you that looked perfect and what I needed to go for it.

 

[houstonstroker]

I've been quite happy with my bumper from Rockhard 4X4. Only one I have ever seen advertised in motorhome magzines and rated for flat tow. The safety cables mount to the D rings and I had it made with Blue Ox attachment points.

 

[houstonstroker]

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