Community Forums

RubiconHR · 01-21-2018, 09:02 AM

Hi - I am interested in purchasing an aftermarket bumper to use on my 2017 Wrangler JKU to tow it. I know there are a small number (ex: Hard Rock 4x4) that have specific attachment points for the safety chains in addition to the tow bar. Many other aftermarket bumpers can be used for towing (ex: AEV) using their D-Ring mounts, but do not have specific connection points for safety chains.

Question - For aftermarket bumpers without safety chains attachment points, what is the best approach for connecting them to the vehicle.

Thanks!

LJowdy · 01-21-2018, 10:49 AM

Safety chain points are usually attached to the base plate but if not, I've drilled holes in the metal that holds the bumper to the car and used a quick link.

**Lt Dan** · 01-21-2018, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RubiconHR

Hi - I am interested in purchasing an aftermarket bumper to use on my 2017 Wrangler JKU to tow it. I know there are a small number (ex: Hard Rock 4x4) that have specific attachment points for the safety chains in addition to the tow bar. Many other aftermarket bumpers can be used for towing (ex: AEV) using their D-Ring mounts, but do not have specific connection points for safety chains.
Question - For aftermarket bumpers without safety chains attachment points, what is the best approach for connecting them to the vehicle.
Thanks!

There are two ways that I know of. One would be to loop a length of chain around the frame behind the bumper and connect it together with bolt leaving a loop hanging down you can hook the safety chains to. The other would be to use the D-Rings on the bumper. The RockHard bumper uses two bolts through the bumper into the frame for its tow point, leaving two more to hold the bumper. Even if the tow point should break loose from the bumper, the bumper itself would still stay attached to the frame.

FIRE UP · 01-21-2018, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RubiconHR

Hi - I am interested in purchasing an aftermarket bumper to use on my 2017 Wrangler JKU to tow it. I know there are a small number (ex: Hard Rock 4x4) that have specific attachment points for the safety chains in addition to the tow bar. Many other aftermarket bumpers can be used for towing (ex: AEV) using their D-Ring mounts, but do not have specific connection points for safety chains.

Question - For aftermarket bumpers without safety chains attachment points, what is the best approach for connecting them to the vehicle.

Thanks!

RubiconHR,
Well, I can tell you a very easy way, which is the way I did it. Quite simply, if you look at the very front cross member between the the two frame rails, under the radiator, you'll see to larger type holes on each end. There is where I placed "Eye bolts" to be used for our safety cables. Now, I used 1/2" versions but, I'm going to change them out to 5/8" versions 'cause they're just that much stronger. It's a simple chore to mount them, no holes to be drilled and no welding or anything like that. Take a look to see if you like it.
Scott

Bangorbob · 01-21-2018, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RubiconHR

Hi - I am interested in purchasing an aftermarket bumper to use on my 2017 Wrangler JKU to tow it. I know there are a small number (ex: Hard Rock 4x4) that have specific attachment points for the safety chains in addition to the tow bar. Many other aftermarket bumpers can be used for towing (ex: AEV) using their D-Ring mounts, but do not have specific connection points for safety chains.

Question - For aftermarket bumpers without safety chains attachment points, what is the best approach for connecting them to the vehicle.

Thanks!

I am setting up my LJU (04 unlimited) with an aftermarket bumper and will tow using D ring mounts. I will attache safety chains to the tow hooks similar to these: CURT 22411 Tow Hook

rcrevolution · 01-21-2018, 08:23 PM

I'm doing this one...

Hybrid Stubby Front Winch Bumper w/Fog Mounts for 07-17 Jeep JK Wrangler [1062] | Rough Country Suspension Systems®

With these D-rings...

D-Ring Kit for Rough Country JK Front Bumpers [1046] | Rough Country Suspension Systems®

Probably use their winch too.

vsheetz · 01-21-2018, 08:31 PM

Heavy quick links in existing or created holes in the frame. Safety chains connect to the quick links.

SATXJeep · 01-21-2018, 08:51 PM

If you like your Original HardRock bumper, you might look at installing the Currie baseplate. Fairly easy install with a little grinding. It has locations to larch the tow chains. I went this route on my 17 JKUR keeping the OEM bumper.

If you go with an after market bumper I may be interested in buying your JKURHR bumper.t

I had a Rock Hard bumper on my TJ and it had attachment points for the safety chains.

FlaRider · 01-22-2018, 07:04 AM

I have a LoD bumper with Blue Ox tabs welded on so I could used my D rings for the safety chains. I like Scotts idea of the eye bolts will have to look if my skid guard will get in the way.

Click image for larger version

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RubiconHR · 01-24-2018, 01:31 PM

Thanks for all the helpful responses. I am figuring out which one to go with. I’ll follow-up with how it works out....

manwithtools · 02-18-2018, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlaRider

I have a LoD bumper with Blue Ox tabs welded on so I could used my D rings for the safety chains. I like Scotts idea of the eye bolts will have to look if my skid guard will get in the way.
Attachment 189579

Be careful with those eye bolts, they lose a significant amount of load rating when the force is from the side and not in line. I.E. they are designed to be pulled on in line with the threaded mounting bolt, not side loaded. Given the size they are, they might be fine, just a word of caution.

Craig1960 · 02-18-2018, 01:12 PM

I have this bumper with the tow brackets was planning on using the D rings for the safety cables.
Rock Hard 4x4™ Aluminum Patriot Series Full Width Front Bumper w/ Lowered Winch Plate for Jeep Wrangler JK 2007 - 2018 [RH-5045]

FlaRider · 02-18-2018, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by manwithtools

Be careful with those eye bolts, they lose a significant amount of load rating when the force is from the side and not in line. I.E. they are designed to be pulled on in line with the threaded mounting bolt, not side loaded. Given the size they are, they might be fine, just a word of caution.

Thanks. I think I’ll stick with the D rings.

hohenwald48 · 02-20-2018, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by manwithtools

Be careful with those eye bolts, they lose a significant amount of load rating when the force is from the side and not in line. I.E. they are designed to be pulled on in line with the threaded mounting bolt, not side loaded. Given the size they are, they might be fine, just a word of caution.

I looked at some eyebolt load rating tables and it looks like pulling at a right angle to the threads results in a rating of 20-25 percent of the eyebolts straight line rating. Pretty significant reduction.