Will Flat Towing Base Plates on 2004 Jeep Wrangler Reduce Approach Angle for Off-Roading

Updated 08/04/2021 | Published 08/02/2021

Question:

I see that the height of this hitch attachment is 16 3/4. My Jeep tires are 235/75R15. My motorhome hitch is 15. I have a Blue Ox BX4325 tow bar. Instructions say to keep hitch/toad height within 3. I plan to keep similar sized tires on the Jeep in the future. 1 With my tire size, will this base plate still keep my height within the 3inch requirement? 2 Will this base plate reduce my approach angle for off-road use with the Jeep?

asked by: Dave F

Expert Reply:

I'll start off by saying that installing any flat towing base plate on your 2004 Jeep Wrangler TJ will reduce the approach angle slightly since the etrailer Invisible Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms # e98946 installs to the front frame stanchion. With that said, I don't believe it will reduce it too much because of the position in relation to the front wheels.

When it comes to keeping your tow bar level, you will need to measure once everything is installed to confirm, but you shouldn't need to use a high/low adapter with this based off the measurement provided. All of this is assuming that you've got a factory bumper on your TJ; if you've got an aftermarket bumper just let me know and I might be able to provide you with a better solution.

expert reply by: Erik B