I ditched the original bumpers, and installed ones from Smittybilt. These have a D-ring mount on the face of the bumper.
https://www.smittybilt.com/product/index/34.htm
I purchased a used Falcon 2 towbar from eBay for less than 1/2 of the original price.
In stock configuration, it used a spreader bar, and the arms fit over the pins. I replaced the ends of the arms with these adapters, made by Road Master, the manufacturer of the tow bar:
https://www.etrailer.com/Base-Plates/Roadmaster/RM-035-1.html
The adapter kit came with shims, which fit the D-rings perfectly. I used some JB Weld to secure them in place, so I'd never have to worry about installing them each time I used the tow bar.
Here's the final result:
Much quicker to connect/disconnect. No need to climb under the front of the Jeep. Very secure mount as the heavy duty D-rings are welded to 3/16 steel, which is mounted to the frame in multiple locations with Grade 8 hardware.
Once we arrive, the safety cables are disconnected, as is the trailer light cable, then the pins are pulled. The tow bar arms collapse, and fold up against the back of the RV. Nothing left hanging on the front of the Jeep.
This works so well that the only way I know it's still back there is by periodically checking the rear view camera!
https://www.smittybilt.com/product/index/34.htm
I purchased a used Falcon 2 towbar from eBay for less than 1/2 of the original price.
In stock configuration, it used a spreader bar, and the arms fit over the pins. I replaced the ends of the arms with these adapters, made by Road Master, the manufacturer of the tow bar:
https://www.etrailer.com/Base-Plates/Roadmaster/RM-035-1.html
The adapter kit came with shims, which fit the D-rings perfectly. I used some JB Weld to secure them in place, so I'd never have to worry about installing them each time I used the tow bar.
Here's the final result:
Much quicker to connect/disconnect. No need to climb under the front of the Jeep. Very secure mount as the heavy duty D-rings are welded to 3/16 steel, which is mounted to the frame in multiple locations with Grade 8 hardware.
Once we arrive, the safety cables are disconnected, as is the trailer light cable, then the pins are pulled. The tow bar arms collapse, and fold up against the back of the RV. Nothing left hanging on the front of the Jeep.
This works so well that the only way I know it's still back there is by periodically checking the rear view camera!
thordriver wrote:
I have a jeep Wrangler that I tow. I am considering changing from the factory bumper, Has anyone done this and will I have an issue with the tow pins on the tow plate with a different bumper.
Thordriver,
There are many, many aftermarket bumpers available for just about any Jeep made. You don't say what year/model you have. But, Blue Ox is one of the prime tow bar makers and, they have many different kinds of tow bar adapters that will adapt from any model they have, to just about any aftermarket bumper. I've been using the Blue Ox ones on our '15 JKUR which, has a Smittybilt XRC Mod front bumper. The recovery tabs which, are about 1" thick and use 7/8" pins are what's used for towing.
I've been doing it that way for years and year without one single issue. The use of those recovery tabs makes for very easy hook up and disconnect. I also use D-ring handled pins from Tractor supply as pins. That also makes for easy pulling of them when it comes time for disconnect. Good luck. It's easy to setup like that.
Scott
