Jeep toad: baseplate or after market bumper

[SusieR]

We're RV Newbies. Want to setup our Jeep Wrangler to tow 4 wheel down. Wondering if experienced folks prefer a baseplate set up or if it's preferred to tow using an after market bumper setup. Which is your preference and what model?

[Rich.M]

Both work fine, they are really just attachment points for your tow bar. There is some concern that aftermarket bumpers don't have crush cans to dampen small impacts triggering premature airbag deployment. Jeep likes to point that out but I have never heard of it being a real problem. Base plates with original bumpers avoid that but may hang low for rock climbing or just reduce the cool factor of driving a Jeep. The bigger debate is what Brake system to use.
We tow a Wrangler with the currie base plate, I liked the way it replaces the plastic air dam and looks like a front skid plate. For brakes we use the ready brute elite tow bar system . Very simple in functionality. Several Wrangler owners here use them and I have not yet heard of any complaints. Ours works flawlessly , I was able to install both saving significant costs. Good luck, we love taking the Wrangler with us, it tows well.

[Steeljag]

I went with a blue Ox base plate and Avail system. I did consider a new bumper, but that would have resulted in more $$$ for a matching rear bumper, the more $$$$ to fill that wench space with, well .....a new wench....LOL !

The Jeep tows very well behind our C.

Both work fine and it’s really about what you want / need !

Good luck !

[gmacklem]

I put a Rock Hard 4x4 bumper on my Jeep and love it. Looks good and I will probably add a winch later. If you don't think you will ever get a winch, you can get the bumper without the recessed winch plate. Don't be intimidated, the bumper is literally 8 bolts and a couple wire clips to disconnect the fog lights. There are how-to videos on the mfg site as well as YouTube. I installed the bumper, LED fog lights, the tail light kit and the break away switch for the Blue Ox Patriot brake controller myself.

Hot to flat tow a Jeep Wrangler

[SusieR]

Thanks everyone for the info!! This gives me good places to start research. Happy trails!

[mlmay12]

Originally Posted by Steeljag

I went with a blue Ox base plate and Avail system. I did consider a new bumper, but that would have resulted in more $$$ for a matching rear bumper, the more $$$$ to fill that wench space with, well .....a new wench....LOL !

The Jeep tows very well behind our C.

Both work fine and it’s really about what you want / need !

Good luck !

X2 with the Blue Ox Base Plate. Either would work fine.

[Vince and Charlette]

Went with the baseplate on my Jeep. Had to drill just two holes. The rest were already there. With moderate DIY skills, it’s not difficult at all but takes a fair amount of time. YouTube videos are a real help. They will guide you one step at a time.

[AquaMan]

If you order a base plate, be mindful of the year and model. Late model JKs have different bumpers on different models which may require a special plate. Namely those with the AEV bumper or 10th Anniversary, hard rock, Recon etc.