Hello, I'm new to JK's but not jeeps. I just bought this well outfitted 2016 rubicon. Can anyone identify the bumper? It has a breakaway switch and a wired trailer light connector on the bumper. I have not tested them yet. What is the best function flat tow bar setup for these d rings? Assuming the manufacturer does condone flat towing. Obviously they did do it. Thanks in advance. I'm a pretty good wrench but this is new to me. I'm still figuring out how and what the extra switches operate.

 

Blue Ox used to produce an adapter for their tow bars that would link directly to a d-ring mount like that. I'd suspect they still do. I believe it was specifically compatable with Smittybilt bumpers, as in Smitty likely reached out to have them manufacture that for customers, but that's not to say it's only good for those bumpers. As long as the pin size and the width of the d-ring are compatible, it would work. can't help with bumper identification. so many out there. all i could say is higher end stuff is going to be branded, and even most lower end stuff. If there's not something already welded to the frame for safety chains, I'd definitely do that.

 

I couldn't identify the bumper. Perhaps it was ordered from Amazon, or maybe it's a discontinued bumper?

Yes, that's a breakaway switch. It should go to either a wired-in toad brake under the hood, or likely the previous owner had a portable brake that attaches between the driver's seat and the brake pedal. There should be a wire with a plug somewhere near the brake pedal if that's the case.

I couldn't get a good look at the brake light connector. Is it a round six-pin (most common) or something else? It should be wired to the Jeep's lights with diode isolation to keep from backfeeding into the tow vehicle, or it could be wired directly to dedicated brake/turn signal lights. It might also have a battery feed line to keep the Jeep's battery charged while towing. There might be a small box that has a fuse feeding the positive terminal of the battery. It's not really a "charge line" as most towing vehicles provide a regulated 12vdc to the 7-pin connector which isn't enough to charge the battery, but it will delay discharge on long hauls. If you have only a 4-pin on the Jeep, you only have the basic brake/turn signal setup.

The manufacturer (aka "Jeep") does allow flat towing. You can read how to get the Jeep into flat tow mode ("recreational towing") in your owner's manual. If you don't have one, you can get a PDF from the Jeep.com website.

I don't see a flat-tow baseplate under the Jeep, so I'm assuming the previous owner did what I do - tow from the shackle mounts. You can get a tow bar to shackle adapter for Roadmaster, Blue Ox, and others.

I occasionally tow my 2008 Wrangler behind my motorhome. I use a RVibrake system, which is much better than my previous Blue Ox one. It's easy to set up and remove.

I'll admit I'm not a fan of that bumper/winch setup. That's a high-mount winch, and between that and the light bar, it's restricting a lot of air flow to the radiator. I know my 2008 wouldn't like that too much, but I believe the 2016's tolerated that better. Just keep an eye on engine temps, especially when climbing long highway grades in hot weather.

Congratulations on a fine new-to-you Wrangler!

 

IF it has a wired brake unit, in theory, i could test it by putting the truck on a slight hill and pull the breakaway. Then see if it rolls correct? Those utilize the abs pump i assume?

The installed trailer connector mentioned is a 4 pin.

Thanks on the rest.

 

You can try that, but I doubt it would do anything. If you try it, don't let your Jeep roll away!

If it is permanently installed, it should be really obvious. Look for a box under the hood. Some are small, but most are fairly big. Tapping directly into a toad's hydraulic brakes is a big no-no! Most work by pushing the brake pedal. The brakes will work fine without the engine running and with no hydraulic assist. It just takes a bit more pressure to activate them after the first couple of pumps.

Look for that wire by the driver's footwell. I'll bet it's there, maybe tucked away somewhere.

 

I found an mini audio like connector that was probably used to connect to a blue ox pedal patriot or similar from the break away. I guess it had that and just lights.

I have a seven pin on the RV. Maybe ill make a pigtail to attach to the current four pin and a charge tender wire for the jeep.
thanks again