2005 Wrangler LJ. Needs to have tow base plates (I think that's the term) to I can pull it behind an RV. And I'd prefer it not to cost $600+ LOL Apparently if I put an aftermarket bumper on, I'm also expected to have a winch, bull bar, 10K lumens worth of fog lights and steer horns.

I was on a pretty tight budget when i replaced the bumper on my 2005 TJ, so I went with this EAG 97-06 Jeep Wrangler TJ Front Bumper with 2x D-ring & Winch Plate (51-0034). Got it on Amazon for about $210 shipped. I've been pretty happy with it, got it this past March.

ETA, I missed the part about a tow plate. Not sure if they have one that has that. Hell, I'm not even sure what that is

Smittybilt has a lot of options.

I made mine for my 1980 CJ-7 out of a heavy piece of scrap C-channel. Had a welder friend weld some angle iron brackets on for my tow bar.

quote:

Originally posted by fvyellowbird:

ETA, I missed the part about a tow plate. Not sure if they have one that has that. Hell, I'm not even sure what that is

I THINK they are a specific kind of "loop", like where you'd hang tow shackles off of. In this case though, there are specific types. Like Blue Ox has a clevis that attaches to the NSA Ready Brute tow bar that will connect it with the Jeep. The Blue Ox one has two tabs that fit into the clevis.

quote:

Originally posted by AllenInWV:

quote:

Originally posted by fvyellowbird:

ETA, I missed the part about a tow plate. Not sure if they have one that has that. Hell, I'm not even sure what that is

I THINK they are a specific kind of "loop", like where you'd hang tow shackles off of. In this case though, there are specific types. Like Blue Ox has a clevis that attaches to the NSA Ready Brute tow bar that will connect it with the Jeep. The Blue Ox one has two tabs that fit into the clevis.

Those tow bars ain't cheap! My bumper has the two tabs on it that it looks like you need. Should work for you.

There are several companies that offer a base plates for the LJ

Roadmaster, blueox,

https://www.etrailer.com/towba...05_Jeep_Wrangler.htm

You did not say what tow bar you have if you have any.

I have been towing a JKU behind my motorhome for nine yrs now. A tow bar, base plate, braking system with breakaway braking, and wire harness for lights is needed to safely and legally tow your Jeep. A lot of aftermarket companies that make bumpers that have D rings mounts will tell you that the D ring mounts or the bumper is not designed to be used for flat towing. There are those that will tell you they have been pulling a Jeep behind with an A bar hooked to the front bumper and a ball on their motorhome. Can it be done yes, is it legal or safe, I would say no. You have to make the a choice for yourself at what level of risk you want to take. Another piece of equipment hat has saved my butt is a TPMS (tire pressure monitor system).

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Ozarkwoods,

I'm not sure if this works for you, it's what I had on my 2005 LJ, extremely well made.

http://www.hansonoffroad.com/p...l.php?prod=TJ61102-P

My dad uses the Roadmaster kit to tow his Jeep behind his motorhome. It has the plates that attach to the factory bumper. They fold up and self support when not in use for trips around town, etc. The whole assembly comes off also if you plan on doing any 4 wheeling. He modified the bumperettes to fit over the plates when not in use, to return it to a factory look.

He has been very pleased with the Roadmaster kit.

quote:

Originally posted by Ozarkwoods:

You did not say what tow bar you have if you have any.

NSA Ready Brute Elite. Takes care of the tow bar and supplemental braking bit.

quote:

Originally posted by AllenInWV:

quote:

Originally posted by Ozarkwoods:

You did not say what tow bar you have if you have any.

NSA Ready Brute Elite. Takes care of the tow bar and supplemental braking bit.

Awesome, before deciding on a bumper make sure you check with the manufacturer to see if it is designed to allow flat towing of your LJ. If so you only need the D ring mount adapter for your Ready Brute. Like I said above there are a lot of front bumpers that will not allow flat towing from their D rings.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Ozarkwoods,