Blue Ox Base Plate Tow Bar Compatibility and Parts Needed To Flat Tow 2005 Jeep Wrangler

Question:

A customer brought a 2005 Wrangler u-channel bumper to my shop, requesting installation of a towbar baseplate and wiring. It looks like the 1120 is the ticket, but he brought a tow bar, which appears to be a Harbor Freight model # 94696 I had to google it. I cant find any specs on the bx baseplate link/lynch pin od size to verify if they are compatible. The HF towbar pin od is 19mm or 3/4. If Ive missed any other obvious reasons the two wont work together - feel free to point them out as well! thank you.

asked by: Marcus B

Expert Reply:

I have a few tow bar options for you, but I do not think the Blue Ox base plates will work with the tow bar you referenced. I spoke with my contact at Blue Ox and he was unable to confirm if the # BX1120 will work with the tow bar you referenced. I was able to find out that the Blue Ox base plates and tow bars use a 1/2 inch pin to secure the tow bar and base plate. Based on the differences in pin diameter, I do not believe that they will be compatible.

The # BX1120 base plate is compatible with Blue Ox Adventurer, Aventa, Aladdin, Alpha, and Allure tow bars. The Blue Ox Adventurer # BX7322 is the most budget-friendly tow bar option. This tow bar is a coupler-style bar that has a weight capacity up to 5,000 pounds. Safety cables are not included with this tow bar, so you will want # BX88196.

The tow bar I recommend is the Blue Ox Alpha Tow Bar # BX7380. The Alpha is a motor home mount-style tow bar with a towing capacity up to 6,500 pounds. This tow bar features telescoping arms to help ease hook-up on uneven ground and will store on the RV when not in use. Safety cables are included with this tow bar.

For a flat tow wiring harness you could use the Hopkins Wiring Kit # HM56202. This wiring harness plugs directly into the Wrangler's existing wiring behind the tail lights.

I recommend using the Blue Ox Patriot # BLU37TR for the supplemental braking system. The Patriot installs and removes easily from the vehicle for flat towing.