Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2005 Jeep Wrangler with D-Rings on Smittybilt Front Bumper

Updated 05/02/2019 | Published 04/27/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Adapter for Jeep D-Ring Bumper Mounts to Roadmaster Motor Home Mount Tow Bars - 1" Thick

(557)

$134.45

Adapter for Jeep D-Ring Bumper Mounts to Roadmaster Motor Home Mount Tow Bars - 3/4" Thick

(557)

$123.54

Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - 7-Way to 6-Way Coiled Adapter Cord

(3183)

$179.84

Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles

(1199)

$45.63

Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,000 lbs

(401)

$850.00

RoadMaster 68" Single Hook, Coiled Safety Cables - 6,000 lbs

(654)

$71.02

Roadmaster Brake-Lite Relay Kit for Towed Vehicles

(700)

$47.73

Demco Air Force One Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Air Brakes - Proportional

(493)

$1329.00

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

(754)

$1175.00

Question:

I have a 2005 Wrangler with an aftermarket bumper which resembles a Smittybilt with winch. Everything I’ve read indicates bumpers aren’t recommended to be towed from. Looking at Blue Ox type shows attaching to Jeep frame. I’m not sure what the next step should be. Suggestions

asked by: John G

Expert Reply:

The front bumper on your 2005 Jeep Wrangler does resemble the Smittybilt XRC. If that is what you have then you actually won't need a base plate kit as you can use D-Ring adapters to flat tow your Wrangler. We have verified this with Smittybilt in the past.

What you will need is either the Roadmaster 1" D-Ring Bumper Mounts # RM-035-1 or the 3/4" D-Ring Bumper Mounts # RM-035 and then a compatible tow bar like the Falcon 2 # RM-520. If you don't already have safety cables then I recommend the coiled part # RM-643 which are rated for 6,000 lbs just like the Falcon 2. The coiled design helps to keep them from dragging on the ground.

To complete your flat towing setup you also need wiring, and a supplemental braking system. I highly recommend the Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit # RM-15267 because it is a simple plug and play operation after the initial installation and it also features a coiled wire. This also allows you to add the charge line kit # RM-156-25 to keep your battery from draining.

Then for a braking system I recommend a fixed SMI system from Demco. After the initial install these are extremely easy to set up and they install out of the way so you will hardly notice they are there when you aren't flat towing. If your RV has hydraulic brakes use part # SM99243 or for air brakes use part # SM99251. the Relay Kit # RM-88400 is also required to ensure that your tail lights operate properly.

Most flat towing setups require a high-low adapter for the tow bar to remain level while towing. I have linked our selection of adapters for you to check out as well as an article that will help you determine which is the best one for your application.

Please be sure to also check out your owner's manual for any specific instructions for flat towing your 2005 Wrangler as well.