Has anyone installed a tow bar similar to the one pictured, and how did you attach it to the bumper, we don't think the bumper may be strong enough to hold it. What do yall think?
Installing a Tow Bar
- Thread starter Lathimdalton
- Start date
I copied Dave! The brackets wrap around the bumper and are bolted top and bottom, in shear rather than pulling in tension.
PS Dave when your done with that truck...sell it to me!
HuskerJeep
TJ Enthusiast
I also did the Currie/Rockjock attachment as I wasn't comfortable using the OEM bumper as the attachment, but I didn't want to get a new bumper either. Really like how low profile those attachment points are.
The stock bumper is strong enough for your tow bar mount if you use a backing plate. Jeep tow bars have been installed to "flimsy" factory jeep bumpers for decades without issue.
The photo is from the thread linked below. The backing pieces shown work just fine, although my personal preference would be to use a single larger backing plate rather than the two pieces shown to spread the load a bit more, but that isn't really necessary.
https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/how-to-properly-tow-your-jeep-wrangler-tj.2479/
Don't forget an auxiliary braking system, required for vehicles the weight of a TJ in all but two states. Also required in every Canadian province.
This thread may assist you in researching braking systems:
https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/flat-towing-braking-systems-your-recommendations-and-why.41511/
You need to consider more than just will it pull the Jeep in a straight line. It's when you have to deal with an emergency braking situation, or turning to avoid another obstacle, or sever weather, steep downhill curves, whatever. I'm not sure that tow bar is up to the task and you need to attach to the frame not just the bumper. Consider worst case, not best case. Just sayin.
Before you let the folk convince you that you need attachment points stout enough to sling a Humvee from chopper, consider that there are thousands of YJ's and CJ's with tow bars bolted to stock front bumpers. Put a backing plate behind the bumper inline with the frame and stop worrying about it. Lest we forget, your tow bar is made from the finest .065 wall 1 x 2 rectangular tube chinese steel available. Yours is worse than most because they bolted it together so they could ship it in a smaller box.
I have the same towbar and braking system as "Huskerjeep" and use the Blueox baseplate ( you can find this baseplate at "e trailer" web site. Its mostly about how comfortable you are, with what ever system you choose. My son in law welded D rings to his bumper (aftermarket) and uses the same towbar as you show. He has had no problem towing his YJ. I just felt more comfortable and secure the way I went.
On a side note, when you do get your towing components set up, be sure to have your towbar as level as possible, I think the norm is no more than 2 inches difference in hight between the tow vehicle and your jeep. Something to check out.
Braking; I feel better with the braking system I have for the jeep, my son in law doesn't use any supplemental braking and has not had any problems and is happy with his set up. Bottom line is that the whole topic is as complicated as one wants to make it.
On a side note, when you do get your towing components set up, be sure to have your towbar as level as possible, I think the norm is no more than 2 inches difference in hight between the tow vehicle and your jeep. Something to check out.
Braking; I feel better with the braking system I have for the jeep, my son in law doesn't use any supplemental braking and has not had any problems and is happy with his set up. Bottom line is that the whole topic is as complicated as one wants to make it.
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