Community Forums

al2ride · 01-29-2015, 06:31 AM

I'd like to know how some of you have installed the break away cables on your Jeeps. I just installed a Blue Ox baseplate on my 14 Jeep Wrangler and still need to install the cables that go around the Jeep's frame and hook up to the baseplate's mounting holes. The ones that came with my kit are a lot longer than they need to be and they'll flop all over the place. I thought about using large wire ties so snug it against the frame, but would like to know what others have done. I'm sure some of you have left them out. It mounts to the frame with three large bolts on each side and that definitely isn't the weakest link in the whole system.

pcurt23 · 01-29-2015, 06:59 AM

I would follow the Blue Ox installation plan so your better idea does not result in a tow truck retrieving your toad from a ditch somewhere.

mikee409 · 01-29-2015, 07:18 AM

I took the excess and just made another pass around the frame & cross member to take up the slack in my situation. 2001 Jeep Cherokee 4X4. Blue Ox base plate,a Blue Ox Aventa tow bar with an SMG tow brake set up.

SWag · 01-29-2015, 07:31 AM

Mine just loop up over the frame, there is plenty of excess cable there but it's not moving. Here are a few pics I just took.

britcon · 01-29-2015, 03:26 PM

I double looped mine, and used zip ties to hold it tight. Zip ties will easily let go if breakaway is required.

al2ride · 01-29-2015, 04:46 PM

Thanks for the replies and photos. Don't know if I can double loop, but the zip ties sound like a good idea. I just don't want it flopping all over the place especially when we go wheeling.

Bumps · 01-29-2015, 07:13 PM

I wrapped mine behind the crossmember-to-frame joint. It's back a little farther but the cable was long enough. \ken

Durango382 · 02-02-2015, 04:54 PM

I simply (or not so simply) have the baseplates welded to the frames, in addition to the bolting. Then I don't use those cables. The idea of plates coming loose because the bolts loosened, with the resultant jerk as those cables have a lot of slack, didn't entice me into using/relying on them. Now the bolts are the safety to the welds...or vice versa.

al2ride · 02-03-2015, 05:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Durango382

I simply (or not so simply) have the baseplates welded to the frames, in addition to the bolting. Then I don't use those cables. The idea of plates coming loose because the bolts loosened, with the resultant jerk as those cables have a lot of slack, didn't entice me into using/relying on them. Now the bolts are the safety to the welds...or vice versa.

I did think about taking the Mig to it, but I think it's overkill. The kit has whiz nuts which are torqued and on top of that I used red loctite. Before those come lose some other weaker link would have given up. Nevertheless, welding them to the frame is definitely safer than anything else.