Recommended Baseplate for a 2002 Jeep TJ Sport
Updated 12/08/2025 | Published 11/16/2025
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Question:
Is the existing, stock bumper on a 2002 TJ Sport strong enough to use these brackets? Stock bumper material is only 0.093inch thick and seems to thin and flimsy. Id be using these with a Blue Ox Alpha tow bar.
asked by: Dan M
Expert Reply:
Hey Dan. The stock factory bumper on a 2002 Jeep TJ Sport is strong enough to support being flat towed with the etrailer Classic Base Plate Kit item # e74FV. However, I do not have an adapter that's going to connect your Blue Ox Alpha tow bar to it.
To use your Blue Ox Alpha to flat tow your 2002 Jeep TJ Sport, you'll need the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit item # BX1118. This baseplate kit is confirmed to fit the 2002 Jeep TJ Sport with the stock bumper. It's going to install below your frame and extend out directly beneath your bumper.
Here are the rest of the parts you'll need to flat tow your 2002 Jeep TJ Sport:
Wiring Harness - Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit item # RM-15267. This diode kit will splice into your factory wiring to transfer your motorhome's traffic signals to your Jeep's tail lights.
Supplemental Braking System - Blue Ox Patriot Portable Flat Tow Brake System item # BLU37TR. This portable system will sit on the floor against the driver's seat to activate the brakes in your Jeep. It does require 12v power in order to function so you'll also need to install a 12v outlet # RM-9332 and wire it directly to the battery to ensure the system will have power while you tow.
Stop Light Switch - Roadmaster Stop Light Switch Kit item # RM-751495. This makes sure your braking system isn't applying when it's not supposed to.
High Low Adapter - The tow bar needs to be within 3" of level. If you measure the height of the inside top of the hitch receiver tube on your RV, and the height difference is more than 3 inches above/below the base plate tab height, you'll need a high/low adapter. I have linked a FAQ article that explains all this in more detail along with our selection of adapters.
What kind of motorhome do you have?
You can add this information and any other questions you have where it says Reply to Jerred H and I'll be happy to answer them.
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Product Page this Question was Asked From
etrailer Classic Base Plate Kit - Fixed Arms
- Tow Bar Base Plate
- Fixed Draw Bars
- Visible
- etrailer
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Jerred H.
12/8/2025
Hey Dan, how did things go with the Blue Ox base plate kit on your TJ Sport? Did it give you the solid connection you needed for your Alpha tow bar? Your update could make it easier for others setting up a similar flat tow setup.