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lowreyfarris's avatar
lowreyfarris
Explorer
Jul 02, 2013

Anyone towing with metalcloak bumper on a jeep

I am currently towing my 99 Wrangler with a Ready Brute towbar and Roadmaster brackets mounted on top of the factory bumper. The angle of the towbar is at the limit and raising my RV hitch is not an option. Looking at both Roadmaster and Blue OX base plates that go under the bumper it is looking like it will be around $400, and may cause some clearance issues if I am offroading. My thinking is that I would be better off putting the $400 towards an aftermarket bumper, I am just a little concerened about using bolt on D-ring shackles as an attachment for the towbar.

Any thoughts or comments are appreciated.


  • Off_Pavement's avatar
    Off_Pavement
    Explorer II
    Sep 25, 2013
    wdlk wrote:
    Off Pavement,
    Where did you find the BlueOX D-ring adapters? I have search the internet and can't find them anywhere. Can you provide a link where you found them and the picture? These are exactily what I have been looking for for months.
    Thanks.


    I got mine as a beta test from Blue Ox after hounding them about seeing a picture of their new adapter and not being able to find the product.

    I looked on etrailer.com and they have them listed now. I'd think any Blue Ox retailer should be able to order them.

    Here is the Blue Ox web page for 'em. There are two different sizes so get the right one for your shackle bracket... Blue Ox Adapters
  • wdlk's avatar
    wdlk
    Explorer
    Sep 25, 2013
    Off Pavement,

    Where did you find the BlueOX D-ring adapters? I have search the internet and can't find them anywhere. Can you provide a link where you found them and the picture? These are exactily what I have been looking for for months.

    Thanks.
  • lowreyfarris's avatar
    lowreyfarris
    Explorer
    Jul 03, 2013
    Offpavement, thanks for the pictures that is exactly what I am looking for. Unfortunately there is quite a bit of difference in the JK and TJ bumpers. Most importantly the JK's have welded on shackle mounts. That option is not available on the TJ's. To get forward mounted shackles you have to purchase them with a hoop, and it looks like they are just bolted on.
    I have also started to look at the Bestop highrock bumper, it has 2 welded on shackle points, and is about the same price.

    Thank you
  • Mody_n_Domy's avatar
    Mody_n_Domy
    Explorer
    Jul 02, 2013
    If you haven't changed out your front bumper check out the Currie Enterprise Rock Jock tow plate. I put one on my 12 JK and it works great and its well under $400.
  • timsjeep's avatar
    timsjeep
    Explorer
    Jul 02, 2013
    I currently use a Metalcloak frame built bumper on my LJ and a Draw Tite adjustable bar. It works great. We have flat towed it behind an RV and a truck with no issues. I did have to get a ball mount that was almost a 9 in rise to make it work with a 5.5 lift and 35in tires. The mount on the bumper I am using is the top shackle. If you get the front shackle version it will be lower and possibly closer to what you need. The bumper is great and holds up to everything I have taken it trough.

    Tim
  • exgman's avatar
    exgman
    Explorer
    Jul 02, 2013
    You may want to take a look at the Rock Hard bumper. For a JK they will add the brackets for either the Blue Ox or Roadmaster connections. I'm not sure, but they probably will do it for a TJ bumper also.
    By the way, I'm not knocking Metakcloak. They build fantastic products.
  • Off_Pavement's avatar
    Off_Pavement
    Explorer II
    Jul 02, 2013
    I've got a Metalcloak framebuilt on my '13 JKU which we tow often. Solid design with quality welds and workmanship. I have no qualms whatsoever. Not sure about the TJ configuration, but on a JK, the tubular frame cross member mentioned above is removed with the Metalcloak design. In my opinion, the result is a stronger frame end than came out the factory door.



    Blue Ox has just come out with these D-ring adaptors...

  • mowermech's avatar
    mowermech
    Explorer
    Jul 02, 2013
    I have been using my old cheap-junk adjustable width fixed arm towbar on Jeeps for years. I just bolt the brackets to the bumper. On stock bumpers, I installed a 1/4 inch steel backing plate, but on the custom bumpers it has never been necessary.
    My current bumper is available with or without the D-ring mounts, so it was ordered without so the towbar brackets could be bolted on where the D-ring mounts were. It has worked well for several thousand miles.
  • winnie32v's avatar
    winnie32v
    Explorer
    Jul 02, 2013
    If the bumper is bolted to the frame using the 6 standard hardened bolts , I would not have a problem using the D-ring brackets as a tow connection.

    I had two brackets fabricated and they bolt to the bumper via the 6 bolts.
    I towed my Wrangler to Fla. and back and it towed very well.
    Send me an email and I'll send you pics of my set-up.

    Remember, you are bolting the bumper directly to the Jeep frame at a point where it already has a tubuler cross-connection for stabilization.

    You only need to be sure that the welds for the D-rings are solid welds.

    Keep us advised.
    Thanks,
    Paul

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