Do I Need a Base Plate Kit to Attach Blue Ox Tow Bar to 2010 Jeep Wrangler

Question:

We have the axle based adventurer Blue Ox Tow Bar and would like to use it to pull our 2010 Jeep Wrangler Sport behind our Motorhome. Will we need a base plate? What lighting harness should we use to permanently wire the Jeep for towing? Thanks.

asked by: Greg

Expert Reply:

Yes, to attach your Blue Ox Tow Bar to your 2010 Jeep Wrangler, you will need to use a base plate kit. The tow bar you have, the Adventurer, part # BX7322, will work with the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit # BX1126, according to Blue Ox. The Blue Ox Base Plate kit will not fit aftermarket bumpers, or bumpers with winches or guards.

In addition to a base plate kit and tow bar, you will need safety chains, lighting or wiring, and a supplemental braking kit to flat-tow your Jeep Wrangler.

The Roadmaster Coiled Safety Cables, part # RM-643, would be a good option for safety cables. The coiled design will help to keep the cables from dragging or touching the ground.

For lighting, you could either use a non-permanent lighting kit or have a kit wired into your vehicle lighting. I have linked an FAQ on tow bar lighting that shows the different options for lighting.

Most states require a supplemental braking system on the vehicle being towed. I would recommend the Roadmaster Even Brake, part # RM-9400. This is a proportional system that applies the vehicle brakes in proportion to how much the towing vehicle is braking. This system will allow you to slow down faster and help reduce wear on your vehicle and motor home brakes.

You should contact your Jeep dealer or consult your owners manual for additional steps needed to take when flat-towing. Some vehicles require additional equipment before being flat-towed.

I have linked an FAQ on flat-towing and tow bar lighting.

expert reply by: Reno H