2016 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited setup opinions

[jmb667]

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-...Barricade 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]

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...

[Y-Guy]

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.

[Off_Pavement]

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).

[jmb667]

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.

[Y-Guy]

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.

[jmb667]

Y-Guy wrote:
The Barricade, while a nice bumper, isn't tow rated. Will it work? Probably. How long? That's the unknown factor.

There are at least three bumpers that are tow rated. Both the LoD & Rock Hard have options for towing behind a motorhome, I'd give them a good hard look.
LoD Offroad
Rock Hard 4x4
Tomkin

I see you have a JKU yourself; what type of setup do you use?

[jmb667]

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.

[Y-Guy]

The Barricade, while a nice bumper, isn't tow rated. Will it work? Probably. How long? That's the unknown factor.

There are at least three bumpers that are tow rated. Both the LoD & Rock Hard have options for towing behind a motorhome, I'd give them a good hard look.
LoD Offroad
Rock Hard 4x4
Tomkin

[nevadanick]

I used a Blueox baseplate as i was in a hurry to get setup and i already had a Blueox towbar. The Blueox towbar makes hooking up and unhooking easy. I am going to get Aluminum bumper with tow brackets from here http://www.rockhard4x4.com when we are home long enough to get it delivered and installed.

[mowermech]

My son and I towed several different Jeeps for many years with Reese fixed-arm A-frame towbars ($145 at Walmart, IIRC). The last Jeep I towed was an '06 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited. It had a winch, aftermarket bumpers, 30 gallon gas tank, suspension lift, body lift, tummy tuck, engine lift, and oversize tires. I have no idea what it weighed.
I towed it behind a 1995 Tioga Class c with the Ford 460, and our current coach. Nothing bent, nothing broke, nobody was injured or died.

[Tom_Barb]

jmb667 wrote:

Tom/Barb wrote:

jmb667 wrote:
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-...Barricade 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!

Using the bumper shown, simply use a "A" frame type tow bar, and attach it to the "D" ring mounts

Thanks for that! Any recommendations on an A-frame tow bar? I only see three "fixed" tow bars at etrailer.com, for example.

I've had 2 built by the local welding shop, It requires a little precision driving to get hooked up. and they store in a larger space, but they are fool proof.
be certain you use all self stopping nuts on the bumper and attaching hardware.

[jmb667]

Tom/Barb wrote:

jmb667 wrote:
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-...Barricade 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!

Using the bumper shown, simply use a "A" frame type tow bar, and attach it to the "D" ring mounts

Thanks for that! Any recommendations on an A-frame tow bar? I only see three "fixed" tow bars at etrailer.com, for example.

[Off_Pavement]

I'd suggest something like this...

ReadyBrake - Tow Bar and Supplemental Brake System

[Tom_Barb]

jmb667 wrote:
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-...Barricade 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!

Using the bumper shown, simply use a "A" frame type tow bar, and attach it to the "D" ring mounts