Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2016 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Hard Rock Behind a Motor Home

Published 12/07/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(2126)

$575.00

Bulldog Winch Winch Mount - 10th Anniversary Edition OE Bumper - Jeep JK

(26)

$248.89

Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - 4-Way Flat Connectors

(3188)

$100.94

Roadmaster Sterling All-Terrain Tow Bar - Non-Binding - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 8,000 lbs

(157)

$1375.00

Roadmaster 80" Coiled Safety Cables - Double Hook - 10,000 lbs - Qty 2

(90)

$115.62

RoadMaster 6-Wire Trailer Connector - Vehicle End

(361)

$24.10

Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Hydraulic Brakes - Proportional

(758)

$1175.00

Question:

I need a tow bar base plate for a 2016 Jeep unlimited Hard Rock edition. The Hard Rock has OEM winch ready steel bumper and steel skid plate under bumper. I want to use base plate with a RM Sterling tow bar. I also want to mount a winch in the Hard Rock bumper. is the RM 1444-1 base plate and Bulldog winch mount what I need and can I install both the winch bracket and baseplate? is there another base plate option that may not hang down as low as the 1444-1? Any ideas on what to use to cleanly cut the steel skid plate to accomodate base plate? Thanks

asked by: Scott

Expert Reply:

The Roadmaster base plates # 1444-1 do fit your 2016 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Hard Rock edition. Trimming sheet metal can be done with precision using the right cutting wheel on a rotary tool. Mark the area ahead of time and then trim. This base plate kit is compatible with the Sterling tow bar, # RM-576.

The bumper being the Hard Rock, winch-ready model indicates that you can use Bulldog winch mount # BDW20208. The mount attaches mostly to the bumper structure and will not interfere with the installation or function of base plates # 1444-1.

In addition to the base plates and tow bar you will also need safety cables (which come with the Sterling tow bar). If you do not have safety cables you can use # RM-653.

For lighting I recommend the Roadmaster diode kit # RM-154. Once it is installed you will not have to worry about doing anything with it again. I have linked a video showing an example installation for you. Since the Sterling electrical connection plugs into a 6-Way you will need # RM-910030-7 to replace the 4-Way end on the diode kit.

And finally, most states now require supplemental braking on the vehicle being flat towed. One of the preferred systems for our installers is the SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO proportional system, # SM99251. It will apply the vehicle brakes in proportion to how much the tow vehicle is braking. This is the safest way to stop and it reduces wear and tear on both vehicles.

Be sure to consult your vehicle owners manual for specific information on flat towing the vehicle. I have also included some helpful links to our series of help articles on flat towing for you.