Tow bar setup for 2011 Jeep Wrangler

[porsche84]

Sorry for bringing a subject that has probably been posted hundreds of times, but I can't find the info I'm looking for. I have a 2011 Rubicon and plan to tow behind my Isata 4. What are your suggestions on the tow bar? The Jeep has an aftermarket front bumper with two strong connections. I already have a brake system. Thanks in advance! Such a great forum!

Jerry

[SeaDog]

I used the falcon 3 tow bar with my class A towing a full size GMC Pickup. you would have to modify the base plates if you want to use the bumper or attach the base plates to the frame.

[Sandiegodoug]

We use the blue ox system. Tow a 13 rubicon jk. Be careful as I upgraded my front bumper to the metal Jeep jk hard rock bumper so had to change plate on Jeep. (For winch). Mine completely stock.

[L98383]

I has thought about using D-rings on my aftermarket bumper but didn't trust the frame attachment for continuous towing. I installed the Road Master base plate instead.

[porsche84]

Thanks for the responses, I am fine with my front aftermarket bumper. I'd like more feedback on which tow bar setup to use, that is not the one for the factory bumper. Thanks in advance

[mlmay12]

Originally Posted by porsche84

Sorry for bringing a subject that has probably been posted hundreds of times, but I can't find the info I'm looking for. I have a 2011 Rubicon and plan to tow behind my Isata 4. What are your suggestions on the tow bar? The Jeep has an aftermarket front bumper with two strong connections. I already have a brake system. Thanks in advance! Such a great forum!

Jerry

I've been using the Blue Ox BX7365 Alpha Tow Bar for 5 years and it has worked well towing my 2016 JK Willys. One issue is it can be very difficult to unlock the arms to disconnect unless you are perfectly level. Other than that it works fine.

[Sandiegodoug]

We have exact same tow bar only plugs directly into receiver . Been using for 8 years to tow our 2013 rubicon. No issues.

[normtre]

I tow my Wrangler JL with an NSA Ready Brute Elite tow bar connected to a Blue Ox base plate, but NSA offers the Ready Brute tow bar with clevises designed to attach to Rock Hard bumper tow tabs. Just call them and they'll tell you how to measure your tabs to be sure of a proper fit.

[porsche84]

Thanks, that's good info, Keep it coming.....

[HYDROG]

I recently changed from a Blue Ox setup to a Demco setup with a Challenger tow bar for my JKU. I find it significantly easier to connect and disconnect the Demco system, especially when the Jeep and the motorhome are not perfectly level or perfectly aligned with each other. Both worked well when the toad was perfectly aligned but it is not always possible to do that in tighter campgrounds.

[FOURWHL]

I don't have any bar recommendations, but just wanted to chime in on one particular setup aspect. Depending on how high your jeep is lifted the bumper may be too high of an attachment point.

***make sure your setup is level at normal driving height***

Theres a limit on how high of a riser you can get. For me I had to mount a separate base plate under my bumper to get it to level out. I used the Currie baseplate which I can highly recommend after use. Its beefy.

Theres at least one member who didn't heed this detail and pole vaulted his ram into the back cap of his DX3 to a repair bill in the neighborhood of 20 grand

[Fork in the road]

My suggestion would be to purchase a tow bar that is highly rated when it comes to binding. In my opinion, they all tow fine. It is the binding issue that will drive you crazy when you go to unhook if you have a tow bar with a weak non binding system. Spend the money and acquire the one that has the best non binding feature. You will be glad that you did.

[mookieblaylock]

Originally Posted by FOURWHL

Theres at least one member who didn't heed this detail and pole vaulted his ram into the back cap of his DX3 to a repair bill in the neighborhood of 20 grand

Ahem...who would do something that incredibly stupid???

[FOURWHL]

Originally Posted by mookieblaylock

Ahem...who would do something that incredibly stupid???

For the record I want it noted that I was not the one to name names

[mookieblaylock]

Originally Posted by FOURWHL

For the record I want it noted that I was not the one to name names

[porsche84]

What a great forum! mlmay12 has a photo extending the tow bar even further from the RV than I was planning to do. I've towed race car trailers and campers for thousands of miles so I'm comfortable towing. I'd like thoughts on extending the distance between the RV and Jeep being towed. No need to tell me the obvious, but mlmay12's first photo caught my interest. Thanks to all who have provided info!

[mlmay12]

Originally Posted by porsche84

What a great forum! mlmay12 has a photo extending the tow bar even further from the RV than I was planning to do. I've towed race car trailers and campers for thousands of miles so I'm comfortable towing. I'd like thoughts on extending the distance between the RV and Jeep being towed. No need to tell me the obvious, but mlmay12's first photo caught my interest. Thanks to all who have provided info!

Mine is extended by a 4 inch riser and a Ready Brake for a total of about 18 inches. Has towed perfectly.

[ablarson]

I went with a Blue Ox tow bar and base plate and have been very happy. I too have an aftermarket bumper but it was higher than the recommended max of 4” difference so felt safer going with the base plate. Pulls great.

[porsche84]

Thanks for all of the great responses, I purchased a second Duramax partly because this is such a great user group. I think I am set now, hope to see many of you at an RV park in the future!!!!!!!