Are the Blue Ox Tow Bars Compatible with My Nilight Bumper on My 2017 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon?

Updated 04/23/2025 | Published 04/19/2025

Question:

Hello, I just bought a Jeep wrangler Rubicon 2017. I want to tow the jeep using Blue Ox tow bars. Previous owner installed Nilight front bumper, replacing stock jeep bumper. Are Nilight bumpers compatible with Blue Ox tow bars such that I would not need the Blue Ox base plate? Thank you.

asked by: David M

Expert Reply:

Hello David,

Great question. Nilight bumpers aren’t made for flat towing. They’re strong and great for off-roading, and the D-rings on the front are meant for pulling or winching, like if you get stuck. But towing a Jeep behind an RV is a whole different thing. That kind of towing puts a lot of steady stress on the bumper over long distances, and Nilight bumpers just aren’t tested or rated for that kind of job.

To tow your Jeep safely with a Blue Ox tow bar, you’ll still need to install a special base plate like the Blue Ox # BX1134 (fits the Rubicon Hard Rock Edition) that’s made to handle flat towing. Sometimes bumpers like Nilight’s can block where the base plate needs to go, so you might need to make some changes or even switch to a different bumper that’s designed to work with towing setups.

If you would like to tell me what model bumper you have, I am happy to reach out to my contact at Blue Ox to see if it will work. Do you have the other flat tow components? If you need other recommendations on wiring, safety cables, tow bars, or braking system please let me know by commenting below.

expert reply by: Kate F