Base Plates for 2018 Jeep JL Wrangler Unlimited with Steel Bumper and Winch

Question:

2018 Jeep JL with steel bumper and winch installed - Is there a tow bar base plate that will work with the Rubicon factory steel front bumper with a winch installed?

asked by: Charles H

Expert Reply:

There is a base plate that will work with your 2018 Jeep JL Wrangler Unlimited that has the Steel Bumper Package with a winch, the Demco Tabless Base Plate Kit # DM9519339. If you take a look at the accompanying photo, which is from the linked installation instructions, you can see that the base plates will mount underneath the bumper where the winch is.

Along with the base plates, there are a number of other parts needed in order to flat tow your 2018 Jeep JL Wrangler Unlimited, which I'll list for you:

- Tow Bar: Demco Excali-Bar III Non-Binding Tow Bar # DM9511013
- Wiring Kit: Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit # RM-15267
- Supplemental Braking System: SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO Supplemental Braking System # SM99251
- Stop Light Switch Kit # RM-751490

The Excali-Bar tow bar is a great option because it has long arms which make it easier to maneuver when towing, along with integrated safety cables and an adjustable, tilting head so a high-low adapter won't be needed. Having these features on a tow bar means you won't have to purchase them separately, saving you additional expenses.

The wiring kit is designed to effectively prevent electrical feedback to keep your Jeep's electrical system safe, and the SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO is highly recommended because it is a one-time install which you can leave in so you'll never have to activate or deactivate it. The Stoplight Switch Kit is required in order to ensure that the supplemental braking system is functioning properly.

I have added links to the manuals as well as installation videos on Wranglers for you to check out as well.