Can I Install Baseplates without Removing the Bumper of my 2002 Jeep Liberty 3.7 Renegade?

Updated 09/09/2026 | Published 09/01/2026

Products Featured in This Question

Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(2221)

$575.00

Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(5247)

$485.70

Question:

I bought the adjustable tow bar for my 2002 Jeep Liberty 3.7 Renegade, however I wanted to know if I remove the tow hooks on each side front bumper is there a bracket I can use to mount on that spot where the tow hooks use to be? I really do not want to remove the hole front bumper to mount on the frame. The tow hooks have to bolts in the place is there an adapter I can use in its place. Customer.

asked by: Mick

Expert Reply:

Hey Mick!

Looking at the installation instructions for the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit # BX1119 and your 2002 Jeep Liberty 3.7L Renegade, the bumper will need to come off for the installation, even though you have tow hooks installed already. There are some frame attachments that require removal during the installation, which is why the bumper will be removed. Looking at other baseplate styles for the 2002 Liberty such as the Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit # RM-521423-4, it looks like everything requires removal of the bumper so unfortunately, there's no way around that. I've linked installation instructions for both, as well as our installer locator if you're not comfortable doing the install yourself and would like to find a trusted worker in your area.

Did you get the Curt Adjustable Tow Bar # C19745 you were looking at? The # BX1119 would be compatible with that, but the # RM-521423-4 would not be.

expert reply by: Jerry B

Mick

9/8/2026

Yes I bought the tow bar. Also to let etrailer know you can mount the bracket without removing the front bumper. This is what I did. I removed both original tow hooks on the vehicle and remove the hooks from the factory tow hook bracket. I went to a welding shop and had them make my own bracket to rebolt onto the original hook bracket and fabricate a small plate to attached the tow bar bracket too. I did not weld it only heavy duty bolts so I can remove the brackets when not needed. It cost me 65 dollars to have fabricated by a welding shop. In fact you cant notice the change at all. I saved time removing all of the front bumper. Removing the tow hooks was easy but I did have to use my impact wrench to remove the bolts.

Jerry B.

9/8/2026

@Mick Thanks for sharing the details on how you handled the installation! It sounds like the fabrication shop was able to come up with a really clean setup, especially if the brackets can be removed when they’re not needed. The one thing I’d mention for anyone considering a similar approach is that we recommend following the base plate manufacturer’s installation instructions as closely as possible. Those mounting points and brackets are designed and tested around the towing and braking forces involved in flat towing, so we aren’t able to verify the strength or long-term durability of a custom-fabricated mounting setup. I definitely appreciate you sharing what worked for you, though, and it’s good to hear that you were able to keep the finished installation looking clean.

Mick

9/8/2026

@JerryB Roger that, I only will be using the tow bar maybe once or twice a year. The mount is actually on the frame already and I took that into consideration prior to the prefabrication. Very heavy steel brackets. Thanks. I always buy all my trailer needs from etrailer. In the past I bought 5 different tow packages before for my Jeeps, Must and, and VW Beetle.

Jerry B.

9/9/2026

@Mick Nice, we're glad to have you back! Are you just starting to retire from flat towing or are you a snow bird mostly and only have to do the big haul twice a year?