Community Forums

Alan_Hepburn · 05-09-2020, 03:15 PM

Well, this week we enhanced our toad options by adding a 2020 Jeep Gladiator to the stable. The 2017 Wrangler JKU is set up for towing already so it's not imperative that we get the Gladiator set up right away, but we will look into it for the future. So, here's the questions: should we go with another Blue Ox base plate or should we look at a bumper rated for towing? I know the base plate will set us back around $450. What aftermarket bumpers are available that will mate with the Blue Ox clevises on our Ready Brute Elite tow bar, and how much are they?

TJDave · 05-09-2020, 04:49 PM

If you use an aftermarket bumpers shackle mounts, you would be swapping ends of your Blue OX tow bar back and forth, if you plan on keeping the JK.
I am hoping the Currie Enterprises will come up with a skid plate/tow bar mount for a 2018+ JL Wrangler and Gladiator, like the one I have on my 2016 Wrangler. I really like it, and it fits perfectly with my Blue Ox tow bar.
A good friend uses the Maximus 3 tow bar mounts on his JL Wrangler. Inexpensive, and available for a Gladiator as well. Two tow points that mount to the frame below the bumper.
My Gladiator plans have been put on hold during all this lockdown uncertainty. One of these days, I'll be trading the 2016 Wrangler and pickup for one.

vsheetz · 05-09-2020, 04:58 PM

I recommend investing in a bumper instead of a base plate. Check with Rockhard for bumper options. Get one with the same connectors integrated as on your JK.

Imho. Ymmv.

Alan_Hepburn · 05-09-2020, 07:48 PM

Just looked at the Rockhard website - they sure are proud of their bumpers! If we decide to set the Gladiator up for towing we'll most likely go with a base plate for under $450 rather than spending over $1000 for a bumper!

Cousin Ed · 05-10-2020, 09:01 AM

Look at this thread that I had started https://www.irv2.com/forums/f85/base...or-484887.html

MTBRV · 05-10-2020, 11:00 AM

LOD Off-road makes some really nice bumpers and they have Blue Ox and Roadmaster tow bar adapter kits.

Alan_Hepburn · 05-10-2020, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cousin Ed

Look at this thread that I had started https://www.irv2.com/forums/f85/base...or-484887.html

I'm looking at the Maximus-3 loops and they say that the bumper and skid plate need to be modified to fit. I'd like to see photos of that modification, and photos showing a Ready Brute Elite with their Blue Ox clevises attached - I'm a visual sort of guy!

PSOUZA · 05-10-2020, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alan_Hepburn

I'm looking at the Maximus-3 loops and they say that the bumper and skid plate need to be modified to fit. I'd like to see photos of that modification, and photos showing a Ready Brute Elite with their Blue Ox clevises attached - I'm a visual sort of guy!

Easy job.

https://www.rubitrux.com/amfile/file...uct/29147/.pdf

Spacers (washers) will be required to center the standard clevises. Notice the pin diameter requirements. I have 5000 miles on this system with no observable wear on pin or tow loop.

If you have the Rubicon, the skid plate will be steel. If not, the splash shield will be plastic and much easier to work. Either model will be identical installation.

Look around the Rubitrux website for other .PDF files for installation help, and possible other useful info.

See also
https://maximus-3.com/home/maximus-3-tow-loops and be sure to follow the red notice to view the special info on the proper lugs...here https://maximus-3.com/jl-bumper-acce...jl-tow-loops#/

If those lugs are no longer available, washer spacers will be fine on the standard lugs.

Phil

Alan_Hepburn · 05-11-2020, 11:52 AM

thanks, Phil - that's a big help! Right now we don't know if we're going to set the Gladiator up for towing - we've got the Wrangler already set up, and my wife's mobility scooter fits in the back of the Wrangler so it's safe from the weather and unwanted hands. But it's always nice to have options!