Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2005 Jeep Wrangler with D-Rings on Smittybilt Front Bumper
Question:
I have a 2005 Wrangler with an aftermarket bumper which resembles a Smittybilt with winch. Everything I’ve read indicates bumpers aren’t recommended to be towed from. Looking at Blue Ox type shows attaching to Jeep frame. I’m not sure what the next step should be. Suggestions
asked by: John G
Expert Reply:
The front bumper on your 2005 Jeep Wrangler does resemble the Smittybilt XRC. If that is what you have then you actually won't need a base plate kit as you can use D-Ring adapters to flat tow your Wrangler. We have verified this with Smittybilt in the past.
What you will need is either the Roadmaster 1" D-Ring Bumper Mounts # RM-035-1 or the 3/4" D-Ring Bumper Mounts # RM-035 and then a compatible tow bar like the Falcon 2 # RM-520. If you don't already have safety cables then I recommend the coiled part # RM-643 which are rated for 6,000 lbs just like the Falcon 2. The coiled design helps to keep them from dragging on the ground.
To complete your flat towing setup you also need wiring, and a supplemental braking system. I highly recommend the Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit # RM-15267 because it is a simple plug and play operation after the initial installation and it also features a coiled wire. This also allows you to add the charge line kit # RM-156-25 to keep your battery from draining.
Then for a braking system I recommend a fixed SMI system from Demco. After the initial install these are extremely easy to set up and they install out of the way so you will hardly notice they are there when you aren't flat towing. If your RV has hydraulic brakes use part # SM99243 or for air brakes use part # SM99251. the Relay Kit # RM-88400 is also required to ensure that your tail lights operate properly.
Most flat towing setups require a high-low adapter for the tow bar to remain level while towing. I have linked our selection of adapters for you to check out as well as an article that will help you determine which is the best one for your application.
Please be sure to also check out your owner's manual for any specific instructions for flat towing your 2005 Wrangler as well.
Products Referenced in This Question
Adapter for Jeep D-Ring Bumper Mounts to Roadmaster Motor Home Mount Tow Bars - 3/4" Thick
- Base Plates
- Aftermarket Bumper Adapters
- Hitch Pin Attachment
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Splices into Vehicle Wiring
- Diode Kit
- Universal
- Tail Light Mount
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles
- Accessories and Parts
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Battery Charge Line Kit
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,000 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Mount Style
- Telescoping
- Steel
- 6000 lbs
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates - Crossbar
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates - Direct Connect
- Stores on RV
- Standard
- Roadmaster
more information >
RoadMaster 68" Single Hook, Coiled Safety Cables - 6,000 lbs
- Safety Cables
- Coiled Cables
- 68 Inch Long
- 6000 lbs GTW
- Snap Hooks
- Coated Cables
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Brake-Lite Relay Kit for Towed Vehicles
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Light Relay
- Roadmaster
more information >
Demco Air Force One Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Air Brakes - Proportional
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Systems
- Proportional System
- One Time Set-Up
- Fixed System
- Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Air Brakes
- Demco
more information >
Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Hydraulic Brakes - Proportional
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Systems
- Proportional System
- One Time Set-Up
- Fixed System
- Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Hydraulic Brakes
- Demco
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Adapter for Jeep D-Ring Bumper Mounts to Roadmaster Motor Home Mount Tow Bars - 1" Thick
- Base Plates
- Aftermarket Bumper Adapters
- Hitch Pin Attachment
- Roadmaster
more information >
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