Flat Towing a 2016 Jeep Wrangler with EAG Bumper Behind a Motorhome

Question:

I just purchased a 2012 Wrangler that has an EAG bumper designed for a winch and has D-rings on either side that are welded on. Can I attach a Roadmaster Tow Bar to those D-Rings if I get the necessary adaptors? And, if so, how do I know how many pounds would be safe to pull with those rings? I have decided to buy the Roadmaster Falcon All Terrain Tow Bar and Im hoping I can use the D-Rings already on the bumper. BUT, I want to be sure its safe. Thanks for your help.

asked by: Bob H

Expert Reply:

The bumper manufacturer would have to tell you whether or not the bumper can be used to flat tow your 2006 Jeep Wrangler. Assuming that it can then the capacity would presumably be the weight of the vehicle at the least. Since it is a bumper designed for a winch that would mean it and the D-rings would be used for vehicle recovery which would be at least the weight of the vehicle. But if there is some other capacity then EAG would be able to tell you.

If you get the green light then there are adapters that can be used with the D-rings on the bumper. If the tabs of the D-ring mounts are 1 inch thick each AND the hole diameter is either 7/8 or 1 inch then you can use # RM-035-1. If the D-ring tabs are 3/4 inches thick AND the hole diameter is either 7/8 or 1 inch you can use # RM-035. Both adapters are compatible with the Falcon All-Terrain tow bar # RM-522.

For safety cables that fit in the channels on the tow bar you can use # RM-645. For lighting a diode kit such as # RM-15267. I have linked a video showing an example install. The great thing about a diode system is that once it is installed you won't have to mess with it again.

You may also need a high/low adapter to keep the tow bar level. I have linked a help article showing how to measure and a link to the high/low adapters we carry.

And finally, most states now require supplemental braking on the vehicle being flat towed. One of the preferred systems for our installers and what I recommend is the SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO proportional system, # SM99251. It will apply the vehicle brakes in proportion to how much the tow vehicle is braking. This is the safest way to stop and it reduces wear and tear on both vehicles.

The # RM-88400 relay is required to prevent the towed vehicle's brake signal from overriding the turn signal from the RV when applying the brakes during a turn. The RM-88400 relay is not required when using magnetic tow lights

Be sure to consult your vehicle owners manual for specific information on flat towing the vehicle. I have also included some helpful links to our series of help articles on flat towing for you.