Question:
Will this work on a 2018 Wrangler JL Rubicon with factory steel bumper with a winch installed?
asked by: Bill C
Expert Reply:
The Steel Bumper Group/Package of the 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL Rubicon has the removable end caps to convert to a stubby along with being winch ready. The Demco Tabless Base Plate Kit # DM9519339 is compatible with this and would work well.
Demco has several excellent tow bar options that you can use:
Commander III # DM9511013 is rated for 6,000 pounds and is a non-binding tow bar which makes hookup and disconnect easy even on uneven terrain.
Excali-Bar II # DM9511009 is rated for 10,500 pounds and is also a non-binding tow bar.
Dominator # DM9511008 is rated for 7,500 and as you may have guessed it is also a non-binding tow bar.
All three of these options include safety cables so you will not need to add any separately.
To complete your flat towing set up you will also need a lighting solution and supplemental braking. For lighting diode kit # RM-15267 is a popular option. Once installed you won't have to do anything with it again. I have linked a video showing the install process for you.
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.
Stop light switch kit # RM-751490 is also recommended so the motorhome brake-monitoring system works properly (which lets you know that the brake pedal in the Jeep is actually moving).
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.
Demco Dominator Non-Binding Tow Bar - Victory Series - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 7,500 lbs
Demco Commander II Non-Binding Tow Bar - Victory Series - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,000 lbs
Demco Excali-Bar III Non-Binding Tow Bar - Victory Series - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 10,500 lbs
Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit
Roadmaster Stop Light Switch Kit
Demco SBS Stay-IN-Play DUO Supplemental Braking System - Proportional
Demco Tabless Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms