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Can The etrailer Classic Base Plate Kit # e74FV Be Bolted To A Rockhard Front Bumper  

Updated 02/14/2025 | Published 01/27/2025

Question:

Will this base plate kit work on Rock Hard or LOD aftermarket steel bumpers installed on a 2004 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited LJ?

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Rockhard front bumper
Rockhard front bumper
(click to enlarge)

Expert Reply:

Hi David,

The etrailer Classic Base Plate Kit # e74FV could be bolted to your Rockhard front bumper but you'd need to verify with Rockhard that the bumper is rated for flat towing. It looks like they design their bumpers for this usage but it's always best to confirm that your specific model has the rating to ensure you don't have it breakdown while you're out on the road.

If you don't have the rest of your flat towing components then I have the following recommendations for you:

Tow Bar: etrailer SD Non-Binding Tow Bar # e34ZR. This would come with safety cables and complete your physical connection between the motorhome and vehicle when mounted to the # e74FV.

Tow Bar Wiring: Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles # RM-15267. This would trasnfer your motorhome's traffic signals back to the TJ's tail lights.

Braking System: If your motorhome has hydraulic brakes then I recommend the Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo # SM99251. If it has air brakes then I recommend the Demco Air Force One # SM99243 instead.

If you have any other preferences or questions just let me know and I'd be happy to discuss further.

expert reply by:
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Kevin C
David P. profile picture

David P.

2/9/2025

Hi Kevin, Thank you for the informative response, this is very helpful. When I purchased my Winnebago Aspect 27K from the previous owner it already had a M&G setup installed, along with Blue Ox tow bar and safety cables. I am starting from scratch with what I need to prepare my 2004 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited (LJ) for flat towing, so I need the tow bar wiring and braking/breakaway system to complete the systems required. I have confirmed with Rock Hard that the bumper I purchased is rated to flat tow my Jeep. As far as the tow bar wiring system, I would like to install a kit whereby I don't have to tap into the factory wiring if possible, unless tapping is the best solution. Since I have the M&G compressor and air connection already installed in my RV, I assume the best option is to stay with the M&G system and purchase their Model 200 with their breakaway system.

Kevin C. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Kevin C.

2/10/2025

@DavidP You can stick with the M&G system, but would need to reach out to M&G directly for any components that would need to be installed in the Jeep since we don't currently offer that brand. Are you saying that you got the Blue Ox tow bar from the previous owner and plan to keep using it? If so we'll need to know exactly which model it is to make sure we have a compatible adapter to connect to the # e74FV. In my experience splice in kits like the # RM-15267 are much more reliable and if there's ever an issue you can easily make alterations or replace specific components without having to tear out the whole harness. This means you can keep some spare wire and a couple of diodes in a tool box and if you ever have issues you can fix it while still out on the road. If you go with a plug-in harness like the # Hopkins # HM56202 you would have to tear out and completely replace the harness if there was ever an issue.
David P. profile picture

David P.

2/11/2025

Hi Kevin, My Blue Ox tow bar is BX7445 and I have both the original adapters with 3 tabs as well as a set of Blue Ox BX88296 7/8" Off Road Tow Bar Adapters. It appears that your Part Number: e74FV kit will work with my original Blue Ox adapters and your kit also has a tab to hook the safety cables to so I don't have to come up with a solution for the safety cables. Thanks, David

Kevin C. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Kevin C.

2/14/2025

@DavidP So you have a Blue Ox Aventa LX tow bar, which would be compatible with the etrailer Classic Base Plate Kit # e74FV using adapter # e98982. If your safety cables have large clevis hooks you'll likely also need some quick links # RM-910022 to make connecting to the baseplate easier.

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