I just ordered a 2dr 2017 Wrangler. I have a Roadmaster All Terrain tow bar. I used to have a 2002 Wrangler as a toad and back then installing the brackets was very easy. They just bolted right on without having to modify anything. I don't think there will be any changes to the front end in the 2017 Model and it's probably all been the same for the last several years. Are the tow bar brackets on the newer models just as easy to mount as they were on the 2002? Or am I going to be having to make modifications to anything to mount them? I just got the Sport S model with the stock bumper.

My 2014 Wrangler Sport was easy. A Demco with no modifications other than drilling holes.

Drilling holes in what? The frame?

As of yet Roadmaster hasn't put anything up about the 2017s.But you can read the install manual for the 2016s here.

Your 2002 was a "TJ" model. The 2017 is a JK model. The JK model started production in 2007. There is quite a substantial body difference between the two. As for the frame and any substructure, not really sure. Specific widths, dimensions, tolerances etc. from one to the other, may or may not be that drastic. One thing you may check on is, check the part numbers for 2016 base plates vs versions down to 2007 for base plates. If a 2016 base plate part number is the same as a 2007, you're most likely not going to have any issues. That is of course ASSUMING that there's been no major frame/design changes from '16 to '17. Scott

My statement was meant to be there are supposed to be no changes for 2017 from 2016 other than LED lights and some other electric stuff. I realize the 2017 is much different than the 2002.

2017 Jeep Wrangler | Good Sam Community

Y-Guy
Moderator
Sep 26, 2016
bshpilot wrote:
any idea why I'm not able to post photo links?

I'm not sure what was wrong with posting. Photos need to be uploaded onto a host like photobucket or something similar, then the link is posted here. This site does not host any photos itself. If you need more help with posting photos please visit the RV.Net Tutorials and Picture related FAQ's

However if you want to make it simple use the link below...

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bshpilot
Explorer
Sep 26, 2016
any idea why I'm not able to post photo links?
bshpilot
Explorer
Sep 25, 2016
the 2012+ have a vac booster pump thats mounted behind the (cheap pos plastic) bumper, I made my own bracket and relocated the pump. and the base plates were an easy install after that.

I HIGHLY recommend the Mopar Factory Tow harness for connection to the rear lights....its a very clean install (i modified mine to use a different plug).
msmith1199
Explorer II
Sep 18, 2016
That doesn't look so bad, but it is a lot more than what was required on the older jeeps. This thing looks like a complete tow hitch. The older jeep just had two separate brackets that bolted into existing holes. I know I didn't have to take off the bumper before.
Heisenberg
Explorer
Sep 17, 2016
Yes in the frame and bumper mount plates. see here
JFNM
Explorer
Sep 17, 2016
msmith1199 wrote:
Drilling holes in what? The frame?

Yes - at least that was true of the Blue Ox base plate on my 2010 JK. It's really a pretty simple install and the holes are aren't all that difficult. My post on the subject is at the following URL and includes photos of the holes that were drilled.

http://jdfinley.com/jeep-towing-part-1/
msmith1199
Explorer II
Sep 17, 2016
My statement was meant to be there are supposed to be no changes for 2017 from 2016 other than LED lights and some other electric stuff. I realize the 2017 is much different than the 2002.
FIRE_UP
Explorer
Sep 17, 2016
Your 2002 was a "TJ" model. The 2017 is a JK model. The JK model started production in 2007. There is quite a substantial body difference between the two. As for the frame and any substructure, not really sure. Specific widths, dimensions, tolerances etc. from one to the other, may or may not be that drastic. One thing you may check on is, check the part numbers for 2016 base plates vs versions down to 2007 for base plates.

If a 2016 base plate part number is the same as a 2007, you're most likely not going to have any issues. That is of course ASSUMING that there's been no major frame/design changes from '16 to '17.
Scott
Y-Guy
Moderator
Sep 17, 2016
As of yet Roadmaster hasn't put anything up about the 2017s.

But you can read the install manual for the 2016s here.
msmith1199
Explorer II
Sep 17, 2016
Drilling holes in what? The frame?