Getting ready to let go of my GMC Canyon and HD Road King toads and get a Rubicon. Just wanted some advice on the base plate for the Jeep. I'll be looking at 2005-2006 TJ models and towing with the same Blue OX towbar "adventa II?" as I did with the GMC. Blue OX recommends using a BX1120 baseplate...about $400.00. My concern, other than price, is the plate and tabs, when installed looks like it will hang well below the stock front bumper, and thereby affect the ground clearance of the stock Jeep. Blue OX also sells a universal tab bracket BX88230 that sells for about $100.00 and looks like with some metal fabrication and reinforcement, could be mounted directly to the front bumper. I've towed a Jeep Grand Cherokee, Chev Cavalier, Honda CRV, and now the GMC, but haven't had any experience with the Wrangler. Any Ideas???
NorCal Dan said
09:08 AM Jul 20, 2009
I have a 2007 Wrangler and use a Road Master system. I will take some pictures. I just took a look and it doesn't go below the level of the chassis.
Due to the size of the images I am just going to post links to the pics:
Sorry the last one is blurry...I think that is the part number but I didn't confirm. I also don't remember how much we paid for the base plate assembly. My dealer did the install for us along with the M&G brake system. I know that the tow bar, base plate, and M&G total was $3.1k out the door. The only thing I added was a knife switch on the battery negative terminal as the key on the Jeep must remain on to unlock the steering wheel and I didn't want to have a dead battery. There may be a fuse you can pull, but I decided on using the knife switch as it is much easier and quicker to do then a fuse.
-- Edited by NorCal Dan on Monday 20th of July 2009 10:13:38 AM
ahoweth said
05:57 AM Jul 23, 2009
We tow a 2008 4-dr Wrangler. We installed the Blue Ox recommended base plate and have no issues with lowered ground clearance. The plate fits nicely under the existing bumper. There was some modification to the Jeep frame to get it to fit but nothing very difficult.
Due to the size of the images I am just going to post links to the pics:
http://travelingrvwx.com/pixs/jeeptowbar001.jpg
http://travelingrvwx.com/pixs/jeeptowbar002.jpg
http://travelingrvwx.com/pixs/jeeptowbar003.jpg
http://travelingrvwx.com/pixs/jeeptowbar004.jpg
Sorry the last one is blurry...I think that is the part number but I didn't confirm. I also don't remember how much we paid for the base plate assembly. My dealer did the install for us along with the M&G brake system. I know that the tow bar, base plate, and M&G total was $3.1k out the door. The only thing I added was a knife switch on the battery negative terminal as the key on the Jeep must remain on to unlock the steering wheel and I didn't want to have a dead battery. There may be a fuse you can pull, but I decided on using the knife switch as it is much easier and quicker to do then a fuse.
-- Edited by NorCal Dan on Monday 20th of July 2009 10:13:38 AM