Tow bar mounts on 2006 TJ

mike_b

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Hi, I am new to this forum, and I have a question that I can't seem to find a clear answer for, although it has been discussed quite a lot.

I am planning to tow the TJ behind an RV (flat tow). I have been looking around to see how a tow bar is connected to the TJ. There are lots of Base Plate Kits available but also simple angle brackets, as well as adapters that seem to be attached to the frame. Initially I thought I would simple attach the angle brackets for the Curt adjustable tow bar to the front bumper, which looks pretty sturdy, but I have learned in the meantime that that is not a good ide, and that the tow bar needs to be attached to the frame.
So, sticking with my original thought, I found a video where someone attached the angle brackets to the front bumper, but through the bumper tube behind the bumper. Now, would you go all the way through the tube with a bolt?
the second option maybe something like this: https://www.extremeterrain.com/currie-tow-bar-mounting-kit-9706-tj.html, which seems to attach to the frame, but I can't figure out if that only works with a specific tow bar, or if I can use it with the Curt bar I have. Are there alternatives to this that would work with my tow boar?
Then there are the Base Plate Kits. I am contemplating them, but they seem to be quite bulky, and I am not sure about the installation and (again) compatibility with my tow bar.

Does anybody have some good insight into this, and can give me some pointers where to find what I need?
 
On my 01 I used the Blue ox BX1118 base plate, it works good and is secure to the frame. My son in law bought an after market bumper with "d" rings and just pins his tow bar to the d rings, he likes that pretty good. I went with supplemental brakes and a "Ready Brute Elite" tow bar from NSA, I like the entire set up, my son in law went with a tow bar from harbor freight no supplemental braking. He likes his fine and has had no problems at all. It seems like there are many different ways to accomplish the tow set up, just depends on what makes you comfy when towing.
 
I used the Currie kit with a Curt bar (19745) recently to tow my Jeep from Oregon to Arizona. I had no problems during the entire trip. Is it as good as a Blue Ox system? Not even close. It is solid and gets the job done, though. Depending on how you use your Jeep you may not want a base plate. The Currie mounts are attached by using the original bumper bolt hole and an additional hole drilled into the crossmember. You can weld the nuts inside the crossmember if you want to make the mounts easy to remove so you don't have to worry about bashing them on a rock if you take your Jeep off-road. For braking I used a BrakeBuddy which just kept me legal. As a braking system it is marginally effective.
Here is a great thread for the installation of the Currie.
https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/how-to-install-currie-tow-bar-mounts.8972/
 
Doesnt the DOT now require a break away braking system now or is that just a cali thing?
If what you're towing is heavy enough to require an auxiliary brake system, it's pretty universal that a break-away system is also required.
 
I bolted the tow bar connectors to my bumper. But, my bumper is made of 3/16" thick steel, and I put 1/4" steel backing plates behind the bumper. Not sure if it would be a good idea with the stock front bumper.
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I had these tow points made for my stock bumper. I left my blue ox tow bar with the shop so they could build the shackles to fit my specific bar. Cost $120, perfect fit and didn't effect ground clearance like the base plates do.

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Thanks for the responses. I think I'll try the Currie kit with the Curt bar I have. I am also installing a brakebuddy Stealth system in the TJ.
 
Thanks for all your comments I think I will get the Currie parts, and then I have everythng I need (I hope). Appreciate all your help and comments.
 
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Hi Everybody, again, lots of thanks for your help and advice. I installed the Currie bars and hooked up my Jeep for a test drive, and everything seems to work fine. The breakbuddy tells me that the brakes are applied when I step on the breaks, so I think that is also set up.
The final question I have concerns the safety chains (or cables). I read somewhere that they should go from the towing vehicle to the towed vehicle. The trailer hitch on my RV does have loops to connect the cables, but I am not sure where to attach the cables on the Jeep. There are towing hooks on the bumper (see pictures, not my Jeep, but identical)
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), which seem to They go right into the frame where the Currie parts are connected, so I think they would be strong enough to anchor the cable or chain. Just a little bit worried that they are basically open, and anything I attach there could theoretically slip out. Should I worry about that? If so, any suggestion as to an anchor point on the Jeep?
 
I ran my safety cables from the tow vehicle to the Jeep. Curt 22411 tow hooks work perfectly to retain your safety cables. I've also heard that hooks from Harbor Freight work. They look pretty much the same. I used the Curt and they are solid enough.
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I am not sure where to attach the cables on the Jeep. There are towing hooks on the bumper . . . just a little bit worried that they are basically open, and anything I attach there could theoretically slip out. Should I worry about that?

I wouldn't worry. It would take some serious gyrations for a small cable loop to slip off of those hooks. Even more serious gyrations for both to slip off. If you are that concerned, replace your current hooks with these:



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