Compatibility of Flat-Towing Base Plates for 2015 Jeep Wrangler with Aftermarket Bumper Installed

Updated 01/05/2015 | Published 01/03/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Blue Ox Alpha Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 8,500 lbs

(474)

$1079.00

Blue Ox Universal Bolt-On Base Plate Brackets - 5,000 lbs

(75)

$113.06

Question:

Is there a reason why I cannot weld the base plates for a BX7302 to the aftermarket bumper on my 2015 Wrangler Rubicon

asked by: Mike R

Helpful Expert Reply:

All of the base plates we offer for the 2015 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon can be seen on the link at right.
Every one of these base plates from Blue Ox and Roadmaster are designed for use on Wranglers WITHOUT aftermarket bumpers, winches, and guards.

Any given base plate will deliver its rated capacity only when installed exactly as intended by the manufacturer who has tested the installation. The issue with doing any non-standard installation, such as welding base plates to an aftermarket bumper, is that the resulting capacity will be unknown since this configuration will never have been tested.

A better option - if you can confirm that your aftermarket bumper is strong enough to use in this way - is a bolt-on universal Base Plate Bracket Kit # BX88230. This installs without welding, which will help maintain the finish on your bumper. Most bumpers will need to be reinforced or modified in order to be safely used with these brackets. These will work with the Blue Ox Alpha tow bar # BX7380 you referenced.

Safe and legal flat towing requires a number of components in addition to the tow bar and base plates: safety cables, a lighting or wiring solution and a supplementary braking system. The linked article covers each of these components in detail and will be helpful to you as you complete your flat towing preparations. Be sure to check your vehicle owner's manual for any guidance regarding flat towing.

expert reply by: Adam R