Community Forums

bobwalter · 03-30-2011, 04:16 PM

I am looking to buy a Blue Ox Rangefinder 2 tow bar. Does anybody have any input about this particular model. I expect to tow my Wrangler only six to eight times a year at the most. Are there any problems with this unit? Anything I need to look for when I look at it. Is $125.00 a fair price? Any comments and thoughts would be appreciated. The last tow bar I had was for my CJ7 that I pulled with my motor home in the '70s. It was just a rigid unit but worked good then. There weren't many pulling Jeeps as a toad at that time and there were not many choices of tow bars. I now have another motor home ( 30' Class C with tag axle, 460 engine) and just traded my Tundra pick-up for a Wrangler. Guess I have come full circle and am back where I started 40 years ago. Feels good!!!

Thanks,

Bob

alvinc · 03-31-2011, 02:09 PM

I'm still using a Universal Tow Bar from Tomken Machine:

The beauty of this is that it attaches directly to the bumper:

The tow bar attaches to the tabs on the front of the bumper. I don't have anything hanging below the bumper to be hit or bent when I'm off road. When not towing I put a D-ring in the tabs for pulling.

The tow bar is $123, the bumper is $303.

The tow bar you are looking to buy looks fancier than the Tomken. And the price is right.
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alvinc · 03-31-2011, 02:10 PM

Which model of Wrangler do you have?

bobwalter · 03-31-2011, 04:12 PM

I just picked up a 1999 Wrangler Sahara. Hardtop, I6, air, auto, new tires, cruise, and it is in great shape.
I used the same type of towbar with the tabs on the bumper when I last towed in the late 1970s. It towed well and I never had any problems with it. The Blue Ox sold before I got there. I may decide to go the route you did. The price is right and it does not require much maintenance. Looks simple to use. (Simple is good!)

alvinc · 03-31-2011, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobwalter

I just picked up a 1999 Wrangler Sahara. Hardtop, I6, air, auto, new tires, cruise, and it is in great shape.
I used the same type of towbar with the tabs on the bumper when I last towed in the late 1970s. It towed well and I never had any problems with it. The Blue Ox sold before I got there. I may decide to go the route you did. The price is right and it does not require much maintenance. Looks simple to use. (Simple is good!)

Is your Wrangler pretty much stock?

That is, does it have aftermarket bumpers, any lift or other upgrades?

The stock bumper is almost too light to be able to attach a towbar to it, but with appropriate front and back plates it is serviceable. If the Tomken is too spendy, Harbor Freight has a $80 adjustable towbar. Some people really shy away from Harbor Freight, but the price is right and with proper attention can work.

Since I Offroad I decided that the bumper upgrade with the side benefit of towbar was worth the price.

bobwalter · 04-01-2011, 03:00 PM

Yes, mine is totally stock. I may have found a set of roadmaster brackets and a tow bar. Will look tomorrow.

Bob

bobwalter · 04-04-2011, 06:41 PM

Got them. Great price. Like new. Installed yesterday. I am ready to go. Now to plan a trip. Can't wait. Michigan in July but hope to get away somewhere before then.

Bob