Alternative to Base Plate for Jeep Wrangler Unlimited?

[We_retheRussos]

So we just picked up a 2015 Wrangler Unlimited and plan to do some off-roading with it. I do not want to put on the standard base plate as it can reduce approach angles, etc. I'm looking for an alternative and am having trouble finding a good one. So far the only thing I have found is that people either weld brackets onto an aftermarket bumper or get the http://www.rockhard4x4.com/product_p/rh-5005.htmRock Hard bumper with the Blue Ox or similar adapters.

Anyone out there running something different?

(Also I want to go this route so I have an excuse to get a cool bumper 🙂 )

[falconman]

You will save money in the long run if you decide if your going to use an aftermarket bumper or not. The factory bumper may or may not be strong enough to utilize those bolt on tabs at $80 plus installation and or reinforcement. If your going to spend the money for another bumper at several hundred dollars, which will also have provisions for a winch mount and lights, then just pony up the money for the correct adapters and be done with it. There may be cheaper ways to do it but not necessarily that much cheaper for all the hassle and possibly not the same quality you get with the ready made adapters. They fit, they work.

[We_retheRussos]

Off Pavement wrote:

We'retheRussos wrote:

Jaxom wrote:
The link appears invalid. At least on my phone.

http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Ox-BX88291-Off-Road-Adapter/dp/B00DUTE1SKTry this...these thing are pretty darn expensive.

That's them... in their expense defense, you don't need an additional base plate and I feel are bullet proof, but there are significantly less expensive alternatives. I got mine as a beta test from Blue Ox.

They look pretty solid, but 220 is way too much for adapters. Has anyone tried http://blueox.com/p-677-bx88230-universal-blue-ox-bolt-on-adapter-tabs-class-iii.aspx

Seems like those could be a viable alternative. Bolt them up and possibly even have a shop weld them to add some strength.

[Off_Pavement]

We'retheRussos wrote:

Jaxom wrote:
The link appears invalid. At least on my phone.

http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Ox-BX88291-Off-Road-Adapter/dp/B00DUTE1SKTry this...these thing are pretty darn expensive.

That's them... in their expense defense, you don't need an additional base plate and I feel are bullet proof, but there are significantly less expensive alternatives. I got mine as a beta test from Blue Ox.

[falconman]

Those are the same brackets that I use on my Smitybilt bumper. If your going to get a new bumper make sure the D Ring attachments are rated for towing. Also, those adapters come in two different pin sizes, 7/8 and 1 inch. Make sure you get the right one for the bumper your looking at. Take a look at the Blue Ox website for more info.

[We_retheRussos]

Jaxom wrote:
The link appears invalid. At least on my phone.

http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Ox-BX88291-Off-Road-Adapter/dp/B00DUTE1SKTry this...these thing are pretty darn expensive.

[Jaxom]

The link appears invalid. At least on my phone.

[We_retheRussos]

OffPavement - That's a really nice set up. Are these the adapters you have:
http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Ox-BX88291-Off-Road-Adapter/dp/B00DUTE1SK

[Off_Pavement]

I'm using my MetalCloak Framebuilt bumper as my base plate. The bumpers D-ring recovery points make excellent attachment points for your towbar. Blue Ox makes a couple different sized tow bar adaptors for different width recovery points to accomodate different bumper manufacturers. Here is what I'm talking about...



Ready to tow...