Community Forums

HikerMichael · 02-07-2015, 08:17 PM

Hi all. Question specific to those of you out there that tow a Jeep Wrangler. I finally pulled the trigger and ordered a 2015 Willys Wheeler edition and will be setting up to tow when it arrives.

I'm intending to replace the stock bumper with an off-road bumper I can direct connect my Blue Ox Aventa bars to. I prefer this option over the traditional base plate.

So: for you Jeep owners that have an aftermarket bumper you use to tow - which one did you buy? I have researched a little bit but would like some recommendations of ones I should give a look at that I may not have considered.

Thanks in advance!

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vsheetz · 02-07-2015, 08:30 PM

I have one from Rock Hard, albeit on a TJ not a JK. Their products are well made.

Two ways to connect to an aftermarket bumper. I have used both and in my experience work equally well.

1) adapter brackets for the tow bar that connect to D-ring lugs on the bumper.
2) blue ox makes bolt-on to the bumper brackets that their tow bars mate up with.

Dixie Dogs · 02-07-2015, 08:49 PM

I have the Rugged Ridge XHD bumper which I put on the Jeep about year after I got it. It is supposed to work...

Bumps · 02-07-2015, 09:13 PM

X2 on the RockHard (albeit on a TJ; front and rear). HOWEVER, I was stupid and purchased the BlueOx baseplate for the TJ first, and am connecting to that instead of the RockHard. They are both very good products -- it might just come down to looks, for you. \ken

FlaRider · 02-08-2015, 03:33 AM

I am in the same situation as you. I have a 2015 JKU Willys on order, it is on a railcar now heading to FLA now. I have been looking at LoD bumpers, they will weld on towbar tabs as a special order at no extra charge. Check out this thread from WranglerForums

http://www.wranglerforum.com/f274/20...ad-401650.html

Keep us posted on what you decide.

michealwhela · 02-08-2015, 06:14 AM

Hi, I decided I liked the look of my stock bumper and looked for a solution that mounted high. I purchased the Blue Ox BX 1126 and a Rock Jock CE 9033JK. (long story as to why I had both). When the Rock Jock arrived I laid the two side by side. No contest I am selling the 1126. The Rock Jock is a full steel plate that replaces the factory plastic valance. The install took me a couple of hours. Removed the plastic valance then used my zip saw with a metal blade to trim the excess vertical frame members flush at the front mating edge. Painted the exposed steel from the cut on the frame. I then laid on my back and lifted the plate into position and bolted the front to existing holes. At the rear only two holes line up. I C-clamped the back to the frame and drilled the three additional holes into the cross member. Inserted the bolts, removed the clamps and done. My Aventa pins right in. The mount is high n tight and I keep the look I like.

hogdriver · 02-08-2015, 06:31 AM

I have an aftermarket bumper built by LOD bumpers. I contacted them when ordering and they were willing to weld Towbar pin tabs on the bumper itself. I don't use any sort of a baseplate. It takes me 2-3 minutes to hookup. My JK is a 2012 Rubicon with a 2.5 inch lift kit.

Jim2 · 02-08-2015, 07:16 AM

My TJ unlimited has a Smittybilt XRC front bumper, with bolt-on brackets to match my Roadmaster tow bar. My Jeep is a backup toad, only towed occasionally.

exgman · 02-08-2015, 07:58 AM

X3 on the RockHard. I have it on my '12. When I ordered it in 2012, you could specify either Blue Ox or Roadmaster tabs installed. I would assume thats still the case.

Mody n Domy · 02-08-2015, 06:04 PM

I have been using the Currie Rock Jock tow plate for 3 years works great.

Jeep trekker · 02-10-2015, 01:04 PM

On my 03 TJ I have a Hanson bumper with the Blue Ox bolt on brackets.

becks · 02-10-2015, 01:55 PM

X 4 on the Rockhard.

Rich and Cork · 02-10-2015, 06:06 PM

I tow my JK with Hanson bumpers using the shackle mount. My friend owns GenRight and approves using his bumper shackle mounts for towing. For those who think my answer is odd, GenRight did not have their bumpers out at the time I upgraded my JK. I have his aluminum fenders and rockrails on my JK.

GenRight Offroad | JEEP RUBICON | JEEP ACCESSORIES | OFFROAD WRANGLER | LED TAIL LIGHTS | GAS TANKS

grtharris · 02-10-2015, 08:58 PM

I have a Warn Elite bumper with a Zeon 8000-S winch and a Blue OX Alpha Towbar with 7/8" Off Road Adapters that connects the towbar to the bumper. Did have a Blue Ox baseplate like the new setup much better. I'm using a Brakebuddy Stealth brake system.