Looking for best options for towbar for a new Jeep

[Racorman]

We have just purchased a 2013 Jeep Wrangler and would like get some opinions on which towbar would be best for towing behind a 1 ton dually with a Lance Camper.

I would like to be able to bolt on a baseplate to the stock Jeep and then have a towbar which is most reliable and easily connected to the RV.

There seems to be endless options and I was hoping that I would be able to get some good recommendations on the forum. Lots of options at:
http://www.etrailer.com/dept-pg-Tow_Bars.aspx

Thanks

[Trailin_It]

Made our first trip with our blue ox tow bar. Very pleased with it. I however use a aftermarket bumper and did not want a bracket so I use the aftermarket tow rings. Works great

[niknas]

I have a 2010 Jeep JK Wrangler Toad:
Currie Tow Plate, one piece heavy steel, bolts directly to Jeep frame (into existing frame holes) with grade 5 bolts.

I'll second the Currie Tow plate. Works great, I don't know way anyone would consider any other system. Clean install, looks OEM.

On your new Wrangler, perhaps the easiest light solution is made by Cooltech Wrangler Wiring Harness.

Clean install, looks OEM.

Nik

[fritzrs]

I have a 2010 Jeep JK Wrangler Toad:
Currie Tow Plate, one piece heavy steel, bolts directly to Jeep frame (into existing frame holes) with grade 5 bolts. Chrysler Regional rep told me to steer clear of Blue Ox and Roadmaster on JK because directions called for drilling and cutting frame, voiding Jeep warranty. Currie plate he said actually functions as another frame cross member and strengthens front end of JK.

Blue Ox Adventurer Tow Bar, with added stainless steel coil safety cables.

Roadmaster Tow Lights (RM-155), which run off my RV wiring harness.

[ploiselle]

For others using this post as a reference.

I have the Adventa XL BX7445. This bar is very heavy and difficult to put on the hitch. This is the new style with the ball. The ball is very rusty, and the bars are difficult to move. The Blue Ox Tech that installed it with the correct drop down receiver said to never put anything on the ball except a little dish detergent and water to keep it clean. I do not recommend this tow bar.

This is a different product than the Adventa II the others have recommended and stated they have had little problem with.


Good luck with the Acclaim.

Paul

[Racorman]

Thanks for all the great comments which helped me in doing my homework. Here's what I purchased today.

Delivery estimate: June 20, 2013 - June 24, 2013
1 "Blue Ox BX1126 Base Plate"
Automotive; $357.54
1 "Blue Ox BX4330 Acclaim Class III Tow Bar"
Automotive; $458.78
1 "Blue Ox BX8869 Bulb and Socket Tail Light Wiring Kit"
Automotive; $46.00

[Bumpyroad]

get a towbar that stays on the rear of the motorhome and has levers to release it, not slip rings. I used a blue ox aventa II myself.
bumpy

[Off_Pavement]

Here is a link to our Blue Ox Adventa II Tow Bar which works flawlessly for us.

On your new Wrangler, perhaps the easiest light solution is made by Cooltech Wrangler Wiring Harness. On my '13 JK, took about an hour to run the cable for the lights and splice into a 6 pin connector to use with my US Gear Unified Tow Brake.

Others folks recommend NSAs ReadyBrake. It seems to be a viable option for most folks, but I'm not sure how it would work with the extended hitch on your pickup.

[mowermech]

I have been using an inexpensive ($145) fixed arm adjustable width towbar on my Jeeps for many years. I have bolted the brackets to the stock bumpers and custom bumpers. It just simply works. Since it does not telescope or slip or slide or lock or unlock, there is very little to wear out or stick or otherwise fail.
Many people don't like them, would never own one, consider them to be too inconvenient, etc. That, of course, indicates personal preference.
IMO, it does the job nicely. In fact, it does exactly the same thing as the $800 towbars.
The choice is yours.
Good luck.

[ploiselle]

This is the one I suggest. Blue Ox Aladin. I had the old 5000 lb version but upgraded to their new 10,000 lb ball style bar. It is heavy, still very stiff after a couple years of use and is not holding up well to the weather.

The Aladin is rated for 7,500 pounds and is made mostly of aluminum. At the time, the only Aladin available was the old 5,000 lb version. The 7,500 lb had been released, but not readily available at the FMCA Rally I was attending. I regret not waiting. Our 2012 Grand Cherokee Overland is to close to the 5k mark to chance using a 5k bar.

Good luck with your new Jeep.

Paul

EDIT

Make sure you calculate in the shipping when pricing. Sometimes the cheaper price is more expensive when you calculate in the shipping.

A few places to compare prices. (I did not check all prices. Check ppl has they have a $150 off the baseplate and bar promotion if purchased over the telephone. The shipping was about $10)

Campingworld.com
Hitchsource.com
AdventureRV.NET
PPL