Towing

[Ultra Supreme]

I am about to start towing next spring for the first time. I will be towing my 2001 Jeep TJ and was wondering what everybody thinks is the best tow bar to get for this. Also, where would be the best place to get a tow bar and what do I do on the front of the TJ.......




2006 Gulfstream Sun Voyager 37 ft.
Triton V-10
2001 Jeep TJ

[rdlamb]

Ultra:
I towed my 2004 Rubicon for many a mile with my Tourmaster.

The Rubi front bumper had a pair of clevis mounts, usually used to attach a clevis for pulling someone out. These are 10,000lbs pulling strength each, so I was not worried about
an inadequate attachement.

Some models of Jeep have these, some may have hooks. I've seen many Jeep owners mount a clevis attachment to their bumper by replacing the bumper holding bolts with longer grade 8
bolts, and the clevis plate. You can find clevis mounts at many off-road stores; logging stores; farm and ranch stores.

It cost me $80 to have a welding shop look at the bumper, look at the tow bar (Blue Ox), then weld 2 U shaped 1/2" steel plates and drill holes in it
to mount to the tow bar, and attach to the Rubicon. The U plates were very easy to paint. I used I used 7/8" clevis pins to attach the tow bar/U plate combo to the Jeep.

Otherwise, you have a tow plate sticking under your bumper, which may defeat your off road adventures or especially your winch.

If you would rather go the mounting plate route, I've good thoughts about the Blue Ox or Roadmaster plates. Your Jeep is at the limit of a 5,000 lb system, and I'd recommend
you spend the slightly extra money for the more robust 10,000 system.

Now, protect the front of the Jeep from rocks.
Make sure you have an vehicle brake system on the Jeep. This is mandatory in all states, especially Canada, and a safety feature you need.

etrailers.com is a good site to cost compare, as well as other internet sites.
Finally, Colelaw, colawrvsalvage.com is one of my favorite places to save some money on various parts.