As usual,
Things get blown out of proportion in this kind of scenario. There are tons and tons of us Jeepers that tow our Jeeps using the *recovery tabs* that are welded to many aftermarket bumpers. Yes, there are some bumper manufacturers out there that do shoddy work and those are recognizable. We have a '15 JKUR which, while I've not actually weighed it yet, suspecting it tips the scales at close to 4,500-4,800 lbs or so, based on how this Jeep is equipped and, the load it carries on a daily basis.
I have equipped this Jeep with Smittybilt XRC MOD front and rear bumpers. Smittybilt's been in the Jeep aftermarket business for years and years. I've never, ever had any issues with their components/equipment on any of our 9 Jeeps over a 35 year period.
I am using the recovery tabs on the front bumper to hook the tow bar to. We have around 20,000-25,000 miles of towing that Jeep, using them. Guess what, the Jeep is still with us. I use some Blue Ox adapters to transition from the standard Blue Ox ends, to what's needed to adapt to the recovery tabs. Below are the ones I use. The pins that are the connecting pins were and are, extremely difficult to remove even if the Jeep is still pretty much in-line with the coach at the end of a days towing.
So, I remedied that by purchasing some D-handle pins from Tractor Supply. Waaaaaaaaaaay easier to remove since I started using them years ago. There are many, many aftermarket bumper makers to choose from out there. If you don't feel that you'd be safe using any, then don't, it's not rocket science. Go get a base plate and bolt it on, done.
Scott
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2004 ITASCA HORIZON 36GD, 2011 GMC Sierra 1500 4x4 Toad '20 Honda NC750X DCT
2018 Goldwing Tour DCT Airbag
Retired-29.5 yrs, SDFD, Ham - KI6OND
Me, Karla and the Heidi character, (mini Schnauzer)!
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