Wrangler tow on aftermarket bumper

[Mile_High]

Any thoughts on towing a Wrangler with an aftermarket bumper using the D-ring eyes? I have a Blue ox baseplate still in the box, and now thinking about a winch, which of course leads to maybe changing out the bumper. The problem is very few aftermarket bumpers allow for the base plate below.

I know the D-ring eyes are designed for pulling, and I know I can get some Blue Ox adapters to fit them, but are all bumpers rated to do that? Seems I may be going out on a limb bypassing the Blue Ox baseplate with regards to intended use.

[TechWriter]

Ductape wrote:
https://www.rockhard4x4.com/product_p/rh-8000-bo.htm

I towed a JK with a Rockhard bumper. Worked great.

Similar to my aftermarket Rugged Ridge XHD Modular with Storage ends.

Eight bolts (4 on each side) hold the bumper to the Jeep's frame, and the 1" D-ring mounts attach to these bolts.

Since I already had a BlueOx tow bar, I was able to modify it to connect to the 1" D-rings. Because we do some off-roading, I did not want to use a BlueOx baseplate as it would be in a easily "damageable" location -- my JK Rubicon.

[Ductape]

https://www.rockhard4x4.com/product_p/rh-8000-bo.htm

I towed a JK with a Rockhard bumper. Worked great.

[Y-Guy]

Every bumper manufacturer I reached out to did not recommenced towing with the D-Rings. However, there are a few manufacturers that make ones that engineered and back up by the manufacturer, these are usually bumpers that the bolts pass through the bumper. That said I think a 2 door might be reasonable, but I won't do it with my 4 door.

Here are a few threads for you.

Jeep Wrangler aftermarket bumper and bracket

2016 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited setup opinions

Custom Made Bumper

[msmith1199]

I was looking at the same thing for my Jeep and decided just to keep the stock front bumper. I'm not a heavy duty four-wheeler, so I decided what I would do is get a winch mounted that can fit in a 2 inch receiver and I would use it on the back if needed. The times I've need a winch in a 4x4 (and didn't have one) it would have been better on the rear. I'm not going to climb a hill that the vehicle can't get up on it's own power, so my use for a winch would be getting unstuck from someplace I got stuck and odds are in that scenario you would need to pull out from the back anyway.

[scrubjaysnest]

Several after market bumpers are available with Blue Ox compatible attachment points and are winch ready. Found this out after we had all ready bought the base plate and separate winch mounting plate. Cost is about the same.

[anakindogwalker]

I tow my Jeep Wrangler attaching to the bumper via the d-ring eyes. I have a LOD bumper with a winch. No problems.

[tropical36]

Mile High wrote:
Any thoughts on towing a Wrangler with an aftermarket bumper using the D-ring eyes? I have a Blue ox baseplate still in the box, and now thinking about a winch, which of course leads to maybe changing out the bumper. The problem is very few aftermarket bumpers allow for the base plate below.

I know the D-ring eyes are designed for pulling, and I know I can get some Blue Ox adapters to fit them, but are all bumpers rated to do that? Seems I may be going out on a limb bypassing the Blue Ox baseplate with regards to intended use.

About the only thing I can say on the subject is that with my DEMCO base plate, it doesn't pull on the bumper itself, but is tucked in behind the frame plates, that the bumper is attached to and utilizing most of the same bolts for attaching. With my setup and for it to pull loose the whole end of the frame, including the bumper would have to come off, as it doesn't really pull against any bolts, as per say.
Seems to me, that this base plate would also work with an aftermarket bumper, but then, I'd have to give it a good looksee first.
I can also get adapters for my tow bar to fit any base plate and am presently using a NSA READYBRUTE/ELITE.