Connecting Stowmaster Tow Bar # RM-501 to Steel Bumper on Jeep Wrangler

Question:

I picked up a Stowmaster 5000, however the base plates that need bolted to the jeep wrangler front steel bumper were not included. I see that you sell kits which are two part left and right side. With what I have, I only need the pieces that bolt to the bumper. Are these pieces available separately, and what is the cost of them if they are? I am more than able to make them, as I use to teach manufacturing processes, but it becomes a time versus cost issue. And quite honestly, the parts that you handle, are well made, so I dont see any benefit of fabricating them myself. I dont think you will need a photo to answer these questions, but if you do, let me know. Thanks.

asked by: Dave

Expert Reply:

Tow bars from RoadMaster and Blue Ox, such as the RoadMaster StowMaster # RM-501, are designed to mate directly to base plates from the same manufacturer. Base plates usually mount to the vehicle frame. There are adapters available to use a tow bar from one company with base plates from another, but this arrangement costs more and increases the complexity and the amount of play in the set-up. Also, not every possible parts combination is covered by the available adapters.

Jeep Wranglers can be more complicated since there are many brands and types of bumpers offered for them. Some frame-mount base plates are incompatible with aftermarket bumpers. We do offer a Blue Ox Bolt-On Base Plate Bracket Kit # BX88230 that installs on a flat surface directly on your steel Jeep bumper (but please note most bumpers will need to be reinforced or modified). Unfortunately there is no adapter available to mate a Stowmaster tow bar with Blue Ox base plates. As noted in the linked article, this particular combination of parts is not compatible.

You will need to choose a Blue Ox tow bar to work with the Blue Ox bolt-on base plates. I suggest the 5000-lb rated Acclaim Tow Bar # BX4330 which includes the required safety cables.

The other items needed for safe and legal flat towing are detailed in the linked article. You may also need a high/low adapter like # RM-076 to keep your tow bar level. It is permissible for a tow bar to be a bit out of level (but no more than 3-inches high or low from dead level) but having it level is the best practice, just as it is to have a hitched trailer level when towing.