Flat tow bar for Currie bumper

NOTNSUV

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Can you tell me which towbar(s) will work with this Currie setup?
I'll need brake actuator also since PO towed with air to activate the LJ brakes (motorhome?)

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If they're 1/2" holes, many tow bars will work. If they're not 1/2" many of the tow bar companies make adapters to fit what you have.

For my LJ, I went with a Blue Ox, but a simple Reese tow bar will work too.

https://www.blueox.com/product/bx7380-alpha-2-tow-bar/

I also bought a Blue Ox Patriot 3 brake system. To keep my Jeep battery charged while flat towing, I installed a Hopkins Brake Buddy battery tender. To use my Jeeps turn signals and brake lights, a Roadmaster 6 to 7 pin flex coil, and a Hopkins wiring harness.
 
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If they're 1/2" holes, many tow bars will work. If they're not 1/2" many of the tow bar companies make adapters to fit what you have.

For my LJ, I went with a Blue Ox, but a simple Reese tow bar will work too.

https://www.blueox.com/product/bx7380-alpha-2-tow-bar/

I also bought a Blue Ox Patriot 3 brake system. To keep my Jeep battery charged while flat towing, I installed a Hopkins Brake Buddy battery tender. To use my Jeeps turn signals and brake lights, a Roadmaster 6 to 7 pin flex coil, and a Hopkins wiring harness.

Yup 1/2"
I might copy your setup.
Could also tow the XJ with 3/4" shackle mounts - and Warn hubs.
 
Last edited:
If they're 1/2" holes, many tow bars will work. If they're not 1/2" many of the tow bar companies make adapters to fit what you have.

For my LJ, I went with a Blue Ox, but a simple Reese tow bar will work too.

https://www.blueox.com/product/bx7380-alpha-2-tow-bar/

I also bought a Blue Ox Patriot 3 brake system. To keep my Jeep battery charged while flat towing, I installed a Hopkins Brake Buddy battery tender. To use my Jeeps turn signals and brake lights, a Roadmaster 6 to 7 pin flex coil, and a Hopkins wiring harness.

Replaced Patriot 3
https://www.blueoxtowbars.com/blue-ox-patriot-brake-system-brk2022.html

Less expensive options?
I know, protecting a lotta moola - truck, 5'er, TJUR, and passengers.
 
I don't know much about the brake systems, but I think the method of communication between the brake unit and the tow vehicle is the difference. The model number correlates to the year it was introduced. Your posted a link for a BRK2022 unit. I paid under $1200 by my BRK2019 system through Amazon in February 2023.

Looking at current prices, it seems there was a big price increase since February. I was under $2K, all in. My local RV dealer wanted $3600 for parts and labor. They quoted BlueOx, but I'm not sure what models.
 
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I don't know much about the brake systems, but I think the method of communication between the brake unit and the tow vehicle is the difference. The model number correlates to the year it was introduced. Your posted a link for a BRK2022 unit. I paid under $1200 by my BRK2019 system through Amazon in February 2023.

Looking at current prices, it seems there was a big price increase since February. I was under $2K, all in. My local RV dealer wanted $3600 for parts and labor. They quoted BlueOx, but I'm not sure what models.

I'm a little concerned about RF signal reaching the brake unit consistently considering the Jeep will be behind the 5th wheel. Haven't had great results with a wireless camera on the back of the 5th wheel.

Appreciate the guidance.

Edit:
Recommended by a friend. Looks like a surge type, cable operated system.
https://nsarvproducts.com/products/rv-tow-bar-ready-brute-elite-ii

Gonna YouTube it and check reviews. All in one saves a ton of cash.
 
I researched a site similar to this one to make my selection. A friend of mine has a similar RV and tows a Jeep Cherokee. He towed NY to FL, via TX without issue using Blue Ox.

https://www.smartrving.net/best-towed-vehicle-braking-systems/

One of the things that weighed heavily with me was ease of connection. The tow bar I bought folds up nicely on the tow vehicle rear bumper. The adjustable arms make connection easy. I only have to get close and not exact. It easier when connecting alone. The brake unit connects and calibrates quickly. I bet I can connect in 5-10 minutes, alone. When I arrive at my destination, I can disconnect in under 5 minutes.
 
I'm a little concerned about RF signal reaching the brake unit consistently considering the Jeep will be behind the 5th wheel. Haven't had great results with a wireless camera on the back of the 5th wheel.

Appreciate the guidance.

Here's another option. This is how I flat tow my TJ. Went this way so I could avoid tapping into the Jeep's electrical system and also have the piece of mind of a mechanically actuated system. Being significantly cheaper is nice too, although it's about 25% more than when I put together my setup a few years ago.

https://nsarvproducts.com/collections/supplemental-braking-systems
 
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I have a 32' class C and have no connectivity problem.

I forget the reason why, but there was something about the surge system I didn't like for my needs. The tow bar you linked looked fine. Try to find installation instruction for the surge system. If it works for you, great. Everyone's needs are different.
 
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I have a 32' class C and have no connectivity problem.

I forget the reason why, but there was something about the surge system I didn't like for my needs. The tow bar you linked looked fine. Try to find installation instruction for the surge system. If it works for you, great. Everyone's needs are different.

Ya, all good options. Only long haul 500+ miles and disconnect for days or weeks at a time..
 
Here's another option. This is how I flat tow my TJ. Went this way so I could avoid tapping into the Jeep's electrical system and also have the piece of mind of a mechanically actuated system. Being significantly cheaper is nice too, although it's about 25% more than when I put together my setup a few years ago.
I like less expensive. Does the cable for the surge brakes require much adjustment?

Regardless of brake system, what do you use for brake and turn signals? When towing, is the ignition is on in your Jeep, so the steering wheel won't lock. If so, how do you keep the battery from discharging too much?
 
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I'm a little concerned about RF signal reaching the brake unit consistently considering the Jeep will be behind the 5th wheel. Haven't had great results with a wireless camera on the back of the 5th wheel.

Appreciate the guidance.

Edit:
Recommended by a friend. Looks like a surge type, cable operated system.
https://nsarvproducts.com/products/rv-tow-bar-ready-brute-elite-ii

Gonna YouTube it and check reviews. All in one saves a ton of cash.

This is the system I use. If you have a back seat, the control unit will fit if you raise the seat 1”. The system has a pump to charge the brake booster then an air actuator that applies the factory brakes when it sees both brake lights come on. The system is hardwired into the Jeep so nothing to move or store when you get to where you are going. It has a gain control to adjust brake application. I can tow the Jeep with the motorhome or the truck. Just connect the hitch and light wires and go. The price has gone up since I bought mine.

https://www.roadmasterinc.com/products/braking/sys_for_me.php
 
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I like less expensive. Does the cable for the surge brakes require much adjustment?

Regardless of brake system, what do you use for brake and turn signals? When towing, is the ignition is on in your Jeep, so the steering wheel won't lock. If so, how do you keep the battery from discharging too much?

Doesn't look like you tagged @DaveC with the question so I did it here.

For me, there's already a 4-pin harness in the LJ from the PO flat towing. I don't care for the pinch quick connectors he used so would redo that or replace the harness. Good news is it's routed so I can follow that.
And, I have a 4-pin on my 5th wheel from pulling a trailer with SxS on it.

Good question on the battery run down. I just installed a new AGM in the LJ. Maybe a mag mount solar charger for the road??
Or add a 7-pin (yuk) to provide a charge from the tow rig. Or a separate wire from my 5th wheel DC system to the Jeep (4 6v).
 
I have a 32' class C and have no connectivity problem.

I forget the reason why, but there was something about the surge system I didn't like for my needs. The tow bar you linked looked fine. Try to find installation instruction for the surge system. If it works for you, great. Everyone's needs are different.

Surge is integral and included with the Ready Brute. This option cuts cost in half.
 
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