Community Forums

gm77979 · 04-15-2017, 10:15 AM

I am getting ready to order parts to get the new jeep set up for towing (the new jeep will be a Jeep Rubicon Recon and should take delivery in 1 to 3 weeks). I have towed our Jeep TJ for years but want to do a better package for the bigger, heavier jeep.

I a looking at the following (all from amazon)

Bumper: (I want to be able to hook the tow bar up to the bumper so I don't reduce my ground clearance). Restyling Factory RFFB4018 (this is a Smittybilt replica for 300 less)

Tow bar: Blue OX BX7365 Alpha 6,500 lb or BX7445 Aventa LX 10,000 lb

Adapter: Adapter for tow bar to bumper blue ox BX88304

Safety Cables: Roadmaster (643-2)

I will also get the blue ox bag to store the tow bar.

Lights: ???? Why cant you hook up your tow lights from the RV to the Toads trailer hitch lights? Will this work?

How does everything look? Is there something I should do differently?

Thanks

Old toad 2003 Jeep Sport TJ
New toad 2017 Jeep unlimited JK Rubicon Recon

Skip426 · 04-15-2017, 10:23 AM

My Blue Ox , Aventa came with 10,000 lb. safety cables ?

EDIT: Not sure about the lights , but worth checking out, wouldn't take long to test .

Spk64 · 04-15-2017, 10:30 AM

You will need something for lights. Hooking to trailer lights will not work. I like to use the aftermarket harness that ties in between stock harness and tail lights. This then is routed to front bumper of toad.
I think safety cables may come with the tow bar but may want to verify.
Also need braking system of some sort.

Also thought I might mention this as I have read about this happening on multiple occasions with Jeep aftermarket bumpers.
Using the tow hooks that are just welded on the face of the bumper have been pulled off or broken. The better made versions are a through bumper mount of the tow hook or bolts through the face.

gm77979 · 04-15-2017, 11:20 AM

Skip thanks, in reading reviews it is mentioned that it comes with safety cables.

Wroughtnharv · 04-15-2017, 01:14 PM

Thirty plus years ago we used to occasionally travel to Texas from California for work. Instead of driving both vehicles I put a tow bar on the Toyota pickup and towed it behind dad's chevy van.

Lighting was simple. I ran a standard three wire extension cord from the tow bar to the rear lights on the Toyota. I installed quick connects in the line to the tail lights of the Toyota. When being towed the power to the lights came from the extensions cord, three wires, right-left-run with frame ground. When not being towed the original wiring was connected.

When I built the Chain Bed Truck I did something similar. Four toggle switches in a tool compartment. Switches up, run-right-left-ground power came off the pickup to the lights. Middle, nothing went to the lights. Down power went to the lights from the Peterbuilt hauler. I also figured the toggle switch idea was a great antitheft device. Middle or down no lights on the bed of the truck, get a cop's attention instantly.