Can I Have a Winch and a Base Plate on 2019 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon While Using Blue Ox Tow Bars?

Updated 11/03/2025 | Published 01/14/2025

Products Featured in This Question

etrailer Invisible Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(657)

$539.89

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

(26)

$233.94

Blue Ox Off-Road Bumper Adapters for Blue Ox Motorhome Mounted Tow Bars - 1" D-Rings

(205)

$151.71

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

(3183)

$179.96

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 2019 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, a factory steel bumper, and a Blue Ox tow bar. What base kit is compatible if I want to replace my bumper with an aftermarket bumper with a built-in winch plate? Second question: If I kept the factor steel bumper and added a winch plate to it, would the same towing base plate kit work?

asked by: Michael

Expert Reply:

Hello Michael,

Great question. You are definitely going to want to explore your options before making a decision. If you wanted to keep your current factory steel bumper on your 2019 Wrangler Rubicon then our etrailer Invisible Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms # e44FV will be a great fit and it is compatible with the Blue Ox tow bars.

Adding a winch gets a little tricky. You should have a spot in your steel bumper where a panel can be removed to add a winch. The issue is that the plate to mount the winch # BDW20208 would mount in the same spot as the base plates. I have included an image of where it installs, if you compare it to the instructions to the base plates you will see that it is in the way.

If you are looking to have a base plate and a winch your best option would be to find a winch bumper with D-Rings that is rated for flat towing. Not all bumpers with D-Rings are rated for flat towing, so it is very important to check for that. Then you could use adapters like Blue Ox Off-Road Bumper Adapters for Blue Ox Motorhome Mounted Tow Bars - 1" D-Rings # BX88358 to attach your Blue Ox tow bars to the D-Rings.

If you are looking for wiring for the Jeep I would go with the Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - 7-Way to 6-Way Coiled Adapter Cord # RM-15267. I like the diode kits as they have less issues than the plug-n-play options that are out there. My go to braking system is the Demco, if your coach has air brakes you want # SM99243, for hydraulic # SM99251.

Are you new to the flat towing world, or are you a seasoned flat tow-er? I attached a help article on the must haves for flat towing in case this is your first set-up. If you have any questions or want other recommendations, please let me know. I also attaches some install/review videos for you to check out as well.

May 2025 bring you many Awesome Adventures! From, Your friends here at etrailer.

expert reply by: Kate F

Where the Bulldog Winch Plate # BDW20208 Mounts
(click to enlarge)

Kate F.

11/3/2025

Hey Michael, how did things go with your Wrangler’s flat tow setup? Did you end up keeping the factory steel bumper with the etrailer base plate or go with a winch bumper and the Blue Ox adapters? Your update could make it easier for others deciding between those options.