Wrangler tow on aftermarket bumper
Any thoughts on towing a Wrangler with an aftermarket bumper using the D-ring eyes? I have a Blue ox baseplate still in the box, and now thinking about a winch, which of course leads to maybe changin...
Forum Discussion
crasster wrote:
Not sure why the aftermarket bumper would make any difference if it is made out of the same gauge steel as factory.... I don't think you'll have any issues.
The factory bumpers are made of sheet metal, except for the end caps (they call them "milkjugs") which are plastic!
When I towed a 2000 TJ Wrangler, I used Rockhard bumpers. They are 1/4" formed and welded steel plate, made to take a lickin and keep on tickin. At that time, Blue Ox sold towbar tabs for $52.
I through bolted the tabs to the bumper, and the bumper attached with grade 5 hardware that went completely through vertically, with the frame sandwiched by the bumper. The whole setup was very strong.
Additionally, this setup provided a much better approach angle than the factory bumper (even with the tow bar tabs) and HUGELY better than a baseplate which would hang below the factory bumper.
