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Flat tow baseplate, factory steel bumper and a winch installed.

Dmcgee

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Dan

That is the first I have seen of that warning. I don't think it was there when I purchased it. I have been towing my TJ with the shackle mounts for many years so I would not worry about that. I just make sure the bolts for the bumper are tight.

Come to think about it, I think it even said it was suitable for towing on the website. Something must have happened.
Yeah ... probably someone got nervous and asked a lawyer ...
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Dmcgee

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Dan

That is the first I have seen of that warning. I don't think it was there when I purchased it. I have been towing my TJ with the shackle mounts for many years so I would not worry about that. I just make sure the bolts for the bumper are tight.

Come to think about it, I think it even said it was suitable for towing on the website. Something must have happened.
Hey Kent, one more question on this topic ... I've now sold my old JKU with all my towing kit including tow bar so I'm basically going to be starting over from scratch. I've also had a chance to talk to a local fabricator about towing with the shackle mounts and he basically echoed your comments with a couple of caveats like .... "assuming the shackles are properly welded to the bumper frame mounts" and "the bolts attaching it to the frame are suitable for the application" .... it should be fine. As such, I'm now leaning heavily in this direction.

So, my question has to do with the tow bar. My JKU was set up with blue-ox base plate and tow bar. What tow bar are you using and what do you use to make the connection to the shackle (adapter part /size that works with the metal cloak bumper).
I'm not stuck on Blue-Ox and I do see they have 7/8" and 1" adapters that I think would work but are crazy expensive so I'm looking for something that is a bit more reasonable from a cost perspective (tow bar / adapters).

Thanks, Dan
 
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N6WT

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Hey Kent, one more question on this topic ... I've now sold my old JKU with all my towing kit including tow bar so I'm basically going to be starting over from scratch. I've also had a chance to talk to a local fabricator about towing with the shackle mounts and he basically echoed your comments with a couple of caveats like .... "assuming the shackles are properly welded to the bumper frame mounts" and "the bolts attaching it to the frame are suitable for the application" .... it should be fine. As such, I'm now leaning heavily in this direction.

So, my question has to do with the tow bar. My JKU was set up with blue-ox base plate and tow bar. What tow bar are you using and what do you use to make the connection to the shackle (adapter part /size that works with the metal cloak bumper).
I'm not stuck on Blue-Ox and I do see they have 7/8" and 1" adapters that I think would work but are crazy expensive so I'm looking for something that is a bit more reasonable from a cost perspective (tow bar / adapters).

Thanks, Dan
Dan

I have the Roadmaster Falcon All-Terrian Towbar, $780 on eTrailer. With the Towbar Adapter 035, $123 on eTrailer I'm not sure if the adapter is the 035 or the 035-1. I think I still have the box down in my barn, you can measure to make sure. I will look tomorrow and let you know. The adapter comes with a 7/8" inch adapter sleeve. On mine, I don't use it as the shackle pins are 1".

This towbar is not cheap. It was recommended for my TJ and I am using it for the JT. It has a weight limit of #6000 lbs. I think my truck is close to that. Is there a better option? I don't know.

Kent
 

Dmcgee

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Hmmm..... the adapter website did not come out. Here they are on eTrailer.
Thanks again Kent ... so if I understand correctly, the shackle mounts on the metal cloak are 1" thick (wide?) and the 1" Roadmaster adapters on the tow bar work without needing the sleeve ... If so then that's ideal.

This is very helpful. In the end I'm kicking myself for letting my towing gear get away with the sale of the Wrangler. I couldn't have re-used the base but the tow bar and a bunch of do-dads I let go are significantly more today than 4+ yrs ago ... Not that its a surprise but it seems a good bit more than I'd anticipated. It's probably because I'm lumping a new bumper and winch (in the plan all along) into my thought process too. At least I can avoid the cost of a base by using the bumper shackles.

Regards, Dan
 

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N6WT

N6WT

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Thanks again Kent ... so if I understand correctly, the shackle mounts on the metal cloak are 1" thick (wide?) and the 1" Roadmaster adapters on the tow bar work without needing the sleeve ... If so then that's ideal.

This is very helpful. In the end I'm kicking myself for letting my towing gear get away with the sale of the Wrangler. I couldn't have re-used the base but the tow bar and a bunch of do-dads I let go are significantly more today than 4+ yrs ago ... Not that its a surprise but it seems a good bit more than I'd anticipated. It's probably because I'm lumping a new bumper and winch (in the plan all along) into my thought process too. At least I can avoid the cost of a base by using the bumper shackles.

Regards, Dan
Dan

So the adapter you need is the 035-1.

I am very happy with the Metal Cloak bumper and the towing setup. I am sure you will be also. Take pictures when you are done.

Kent
 

SD Rider

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Old thread, I know. Looking to flat tow my new JT Rubi.
Straight off Metal Cloak's website:
" Note: Shackle mounts are engineered to be used as recovery points only; the shackle mounts are NOT designed for flat-towing. "
I received the same message from Rugged Ridge after inquiring.
 

Kevin_D

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Go with the Maximus-3 JT Tow Loops.
I use them with the stock bumper, they'll work with the steel bumper.

Kevin
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