Will Flat Towing a 1987 Jeep Wrangler w/ Non-Factory Bumper Require Base Plates
Question:
I just purchased a 1987 wrangler that I to flat tow behind my motor home. It has a non-factory bumper. Do I need a base plate?
asked by: Dave W
Expert Reply:
Whether your Jeep Wrangler can be flat towed as it's currently configured will depend on the aftermarket bumper installed on it.
If the bumper on your Jeep is rated for towing (not all of them are), and the tab the D-ring towing shackle is mounted to is 3/4 or 1 inch thick (see photo), Roadmaster offers D-Ring adapters that would allow certain Roadmaster tow bars to attach to your bumper. If the tab is 3/4 inches thick, use # RM-035 or # RM-035-1 for a 1 inch thick tab. These adapters are compatible with the following tow bars:
• BlackHawk
• BlackHawk All-Terrain
• BlackHawk 2 All-Terrain (RM-422)
• Falcon (RM-520)
• Falcon 2
• Falcon 5250
• Falcon All-Terrain (RM-522)
• Nighthawk All-Terrain (RM-676)
• Sterling
• Sterling All-Terrain (RM-576)
If your bumper is NOT rated for towing, you'll either need to replace it with one that is, and use one of the adapters mentioned above or replace the existing bumper with a factory bumper that would allow you to use a base plate like # 1409-1.
In addition to the base plates or D-Ring adapters, you'll also need a tow bar like the # RM-522 Falcon All-Terrain, safety cables like # RM-643, a wiring solution like # RM-15247 and a supplemental braking system like the Blue Ox Patriot # BLU37TR.
(click to enlarge)
Products Referenced in This Question
Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Fixed Arms
- Base Plates
- Fixed Drawbars
- Roadmaster
more information >
Blue Ox Patriot Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Systems
- Proportional System
- Recurring Set-Up
- Portable System
- Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Air Brakes
- Air Over Hydraulic Brakes
- Hydraulic Brakes
- Blue Ox
more information >
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 >
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 >
Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 4-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Splices into Vehicle Wiring
- Diode Kit
- Universal
- Tail Light Mount
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Falcon All-Terrain Tow Bar - Non-Binding - 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
- Non-Binding
- 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 >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Fixed Arms
- Base Plates
- Fixed Drawbars
- Roadmaster
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Replacement For Dexter 072-100-00 4000 lb Leaf Spring
- Q&A: Bolt Hole Spacing of Demco DM16080-52 and Titan T4853100 21K Trailer Couplers
- Article: We Used 34 RV Tow Bars, and These are the Best for Flat Towing
- Q&A: Comparing Linxup GPS Tracking Devices and Compatible Phone Networks
- Q&A: Will Linxup GPS Tracking Device Work With 4G Service
- Q&A: 16 Inch Trailer Wheels Rated for at Least 3,960 Pounds at 110 PSI
- Q&A: Parts Needed to Flat Tow 1993 Jeep Wrangler YJ
- Article: The Definitive, Step-by-Step Flat Towing Setup Guide
- Q&A: Will the Stop Light Relay Be Needed When Using Supplemental Braking on a 2015 Jeep Wrangler
- Article: Tow Dolly vs Flat Towing vs Trailer Towing
- Article: Roadmaster Vehicle Specific Base Plates
- Article: Flat Towing Package for 1998-2006 Jeep Wrangler
- Article: Rooftop Cargo Carriers