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jmb667's avatar
jmb667
Explorer
May 16, 2016

2016 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited setup opinions

So my wife and I are going to Yellowstone later this summer; we're still doing our motorhome research, so we'll be taking her F-250.

However, in Yellowstone itself (and surrounding area), I think the Jeep would be a lot more fun, especially with the top down and (maybe) the doors off.

Been doing a TON of reading and research...I think I'm better off getting an aftermarket bumper I want anyway, rather than a baseplate.

So here's what I'm thinking:
1. http://www.extremeterrain.com/barricade-front-bumper-j20850.html?utm_content=barricade-front-bumper-j20850&utm_campaign=ShoppingYrJeepV1&utm_source=Shopping_com&utm_medium=Shopping&XTID=barricade-front-bumper-j20850-JeepOnly&year=2015Barricade Trail Force HD bumper
2. http://www.etrailer.com/Base-Plates/Jeep/Wrangler+Unlimited/2016/RM-035.html?vehicleid=201645005Roadmaster 3/4 D-ring adapter
3. http://www.etrailer.com/Tow-Bars/Roadmaster/RM-520.htmlRoadmaster Falcon tow bar

Based on what I'm reading, I think this'll work...but the opinions of seasoned RVs is much appreciated.

Thanks!
  • jmb667's avatar
    jmb667
    Explorer
    May 17, 2016
    Y-Guy wrote:
    jmb667 wrote:
    I see you have a JKU yourself; what type of setup do you use?

    I'm still in the shopping stage, like you. I've looked long and hard the the options. Most likely I'll go with the ReadyBrute Elite tow bar w/surge braking. Bumper, I'm torn. The ones I pointed out aren't bad, but the shipping is a killer for me in the NW, you too as I see you're in Oregon. I'm strongly looking at the Tomken, mostly since I'll be going to Denver this summer and I could bring it back with me and save the shipping costs. Price is about $648 which isn't bad.

    Pics of it in this thread - member in the photo has one, and had it built with Blue Ox tow points.

    Rock Hard sells Tow Bar Adapters but there are not many bumpers that have the bolts on the outside that would accommodate those. I'd feel better about a cheaper bumper if I could mount those directly through the bumper to the Jeep.

    Reality is the path your looking at is probably fine, just makes me a bit nervous having an Unlimited and coming in at nearly 5,000# of weight.


    Thanks for your thoughts, I appreciate it.

    I did find Rugged Ridge XHD modular bumper this evening when doing more research; looks like Blue Ox makes an adapter specifically for this bumper that bolts right through.
    Bumper: http://www.extremeterrain.com/rr-xhd-wbumper-kit-st-1154050.html
    Adapter: https://www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Blue-Ox/BX88301.html

    Twice the cost, but definitely tow-rated.
  • Off_Pavement's avatar
    Off_Pavement
    Explorer II
    May 17, 2016
    jmb667 wrote:
    Thanks for the info thus far!

    Regarding supplemental braking systems, it looks like the states I'm traveling through have "no laws regarding" towed vehicles requiring brakes:
    http://www.towingworld.com/towinglawsbystate.cfm?state2=OR

    That being said, I've also always heard "it's not about what you can pull, it's about what you can stop". I'm confident that with cautious driving, a 4300lb Jeep behind my F-250 won't be a problem, but I'm open to the voice of (more) experience, too.


    Read this and make your decision... The Physics of Towed Vehicles

    You will get a lot of different answers based on other folks personal experiences. We used to tow our '97 TJ with a 36' DP, and I believe that my supplemental brake system saved me from being in an accident more than one time.

    As far as I know, there is no national standard for supplemental brake systems. Without supplemental brakes, if the towed vehicle happened to become unhitched, there is no way for it to slow down without a crash (or the extremely unlikely event that it rolls to a stop).
  • Y-Guy's avatar
    Y-Guy
    Moderator
    May 17, 2016
    jmb667 wrote:
    I did find Rugged Ridge XHD modular bumper this evening when doing more research; looks like Blue Ox makes an adapter specifically for this bumper that bolts right through.

    Doh! I knew I was forgetting one I'd looked at. You're right! If you are looking at going with Extreme Terrain and if you're a member of WrangerForum.com get in touch with Ryan, aka XTRyan on the WF he might be able to get you some better pricing. Also compare the various parts prices from ET with Amazon - if nothing else may help you negotiate with Ryan a bit.
  • jmb667's avatar
    jmb667
    Explorer
    May 18, 2016
    I think I've got the bumper, tow bar and brackets chosen. The real question now (and the one that's going to keep me up at night) is whether to go with a brake system. I'm thinking I might get the bumper and tow bar and practice with it to see if I feel the need for the brake system...

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