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I have to be able to tow my XJ behind our motorhome. I have a Blue OX tow bar, and XJ specific baseplate that the tow bar attaches to, which works well. Now, I want to add a winch bumper. Not compatible with the Blue OX baseplate, they both mount at the same points on the frame rail. I can get D ring eyelet adapters for the tow bar, but those come with either 7/8" or 1" pins. Most winch bumpers with D ring eyelets don't list the pin size, or they cite 1/2" pin size. Too small. Really don't want to drill the holes bigger for obvious reasons.
Or maybe install the winch behind the bumper. There's a guy called bad dad fab that has a mount that fits between the frame rails and incorporates the steering box.
It should not be a big deal to have some bushings turned to allow you to connect your tow bar to the winch bumper clevis mounts. I made some for my neighbors Blue Ox tow bar and they have worked for the past two years of him towing from VA to AZ in the winter. Just be certain the bumper is properly installed.
A lot of tow bars have adapters so that you can connect them to off road bumpers. Here is a quick search that I did on etrailer. Not sure if this fits your application. https://www.etrailer.com/Accessories...x/BX88357.html . I have been looking at similar things as I recently purchased a small class C RV and am looking at towing it behind the motorhome. I have seen where the Smittybuilt XRC line has a tow bar that fits their bumpers and isn't very expensive.
Quick question for you though since I haven't yet set up my XJ for toad towing. Do you currently use an auxiliary brake system with the XJ?
My neighbor uses something called a Brake Buddy tow bar braking system that somehow actuates the brakes on the Jeep when the RV brakes are applied but I did not install that system so I'm unfamiliar with how it is physically connected to the Jeep or how it actually works.
May Pop - you're ingenious, and a great fabricator. You're rig looks awesome, much better than the aftermarket bumper I settled on. I learned that I can get Blue Ox adapters to fit the D Ring cleats on this SmittyBilt bumper
If you want to go straight to your tabs just get some bushings to reduce the size. McMasterCarr should be able to supply them.
Your front looks GREAT! What are you towing it with?
towing by tow bar, and a winch bumper
