Community Forums

JgatorAZ · 06-04-2016, 09:12 AM

I am looking for advice on a good tow base plate system for a 16 Jeep Hard Rock. I had my heart set on the Curries base plate, but have determined it does not work with the steel front bumper that comes with the 16 HR.

My goal was to avoid a system to hindered departure angles, if possible. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

vsheetz · 06-04-2016, 09:22 AM

I am not knowing about the special bumper on the Rock Hard Edition but it sounds like an aftermarket bumper (as in stronger than stock bumper). If so, consider to tow from the bumper itself and don't use a baseplate. Either with brackets to adapt the tow bar to the D Ring loops, or with bolt on brackets such as available from Blue Ox.

I have aftermarket bumper with Blue Ox bolt on brackets. Previously I have towed from the D Ring loops. I went to the brackets so as to not have to put the D Rings themselves on/off often. I know, not a big deal, but all the actions we do to setup/tear down add up.

Old Scout · 06-04-2016, 09:33 AM

I would have advised going with an after-market bumper that either had the tabs built in or one you could bolt-on the appropriate pull tabs. Since you have already paid a premium price for the OEM bumper on the HR--I would just look for the appropriate tabs to bolt on. Do you have your tow bar yet--if not, I know Blue Ox makes just the tabs for its systems....

JgatorAZ · 06-04-2016, 03:59 PM

i really like the look of the stock hard rock edition bumper. I don't believe the tabs will work as the bumper frame connection is at the fog lights. I think I am going to have to settle for the blue ox set up. It always can be removed in a couple hours if I ever expect to do some hard core off roading.

First world problems...

vsheetz · 06-04-2016, 07:19 PM

I would suggest to contact BO directly. See what hey say about clearance with their base plate or the possibility of using their bolt on brackets.

BX1134 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon X (Includes Hard Rock Edition) | Blue Ox

Tom and Dee · 06-05-2016, 05:52 AM

I have a 2015 Hard rock and found that Blue Ox makes a base plate that works with that our bumper. I installed it myself and it fit very well.

vsheetz · 06-05-2016, 06:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom and Dee

I have a 2015 Hard rock and found that Blue Ox makes a base plate that works with that our bumper. I installed it myself and it fit very well.

The OP's concern is loss of clearance when off-roading. The Currie tucks up well. How about the BO?

stevemoores · 06-06-2016, 01:14 PM

I have the ReadyBrute Elite. NSA made me some adapters so I could pull straight from the D-Ring holes. No adapter plate needed.

I needed a 4" riser though, to keep the bar level (Jeep much higher than the motorhome).

Steve

Old Scout · 06-06-2016, 01:22 PM

Agree with looking at bolt-on tabs first--your after market/upgraded HR bumper should be plenty robust to accept tabs. The price for a BO or other brand of base plate is very expensive for what you get=guess it covers their liability for being in this kind of work/service....Besides, you spent a nice chuck of change to get a very capable Jeep--be a shame to compromise the angle of attack with a base plate hanging down--my two cents.....

trimacon · 06-06-2016, 01:54 PM

Blue ocean here too. Didn't think it was that bad but I'm not hard core off road either.

Old Scout · 06-06-2016, 01:55 PM

Blue Ox??????????

JgatorAZ · 06-07-2016, 02:38 PM

I'll post some pictures in the next day or two but I wanted to share what I have learned so far.

1. The Blue Ox is designed for the Hard Rock edition and it installs fairly easily with some drilling of the frame and cutting of the steel skid plate. It really does not impede ground clearance as it sits in line with the bottom of the first skid plate (or slightly higher than the lowest bulge on the skid plate). It does affect departure angle slightly since it sticks out a bit. How much, a few degrees I suspect.

2. The Hard Rock bumper has stops and a plastic cover that integrates with the fog lights at the location where it bolts to the frame. Installing tow tabs to this location would require the trim piece to be permanently removed, which would not look very good aesthetically. It would mitigate the small reduction in departure angle though.

Overall, while I am disappointed in the fact the the Curries plate does not fit my Jeep, I can live with the slight compromise of the Blue Ox. I just wish Curries (and their Amazon distributors) would do a better job in stating which models their baseplate does not fit. Thanks for everyone's input.

ghoticov · 09-27-2016, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JgatorAZ

I'll post some pictures in the next day or two but I wanted to share what I have learned so far.

1. The Blue Ox is designed for the Hard Rock edition and it installs fairly easily with some drilling of the frame and cutting of the steel skid plate. It really does not impede ground clearance as it sits in line with the bottom of the first skid plate (or slightly higher than the lowest bulge on the skid plate). It does affect departure angle slightly since it sticks out a bit. How much, a few degrees I suspect.

2. The Hard Rock bumper has stops and a plastic cover that integrates with the fog lights at the location where it bolts to the frame. Installing tow tabs to this location would require the trim piece to be permanently removed, which would not look very good aesthetically. It would mitigate the small reduction in departure angle though.

Overall, while I am disappointed in the fact the the Curries plate does not fit my Jeep, I can live with the slight compromise of the Blue Ox. I just wish Curries (and their Amazon distributors) would do a better job in stating which models their baseplate does not fit. Thanks for everyone's input.

I'm in this same situation now... trying to figure out how to tow my 2016 Jeep Hard Rock Rubicon. Would love to see some pictures.

vsheetz · 09-27-2016, 05:00 PM

Tow from the bumper. Aftermarket bumper with tow attachment or get adapter for connecting to D ring loops. Another option is the Blue Ox bolt on brackets.

I am currently using the BO bolt on brackets. Previous jeep i towed from the D ring loops. Changed to the bolt on brackets so I don't have to take the shackles on/off.