Looking for a winch bumper but to keep my Blue Ox tow plate

[Tacklewasher]

I tow my Gladiator behind my Class A MH, and have the tow plate already. I've read through threads here and see there are winch bumpers that could work as both, but they are pricy and harder to come by in Canada. Is there a reasonable option that would let me keep my tow plate.
I'd be replacing the plastic bumper on a 2023 Rubicon.

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[AustyPosty]

Would a Rubicon steel bumper work for you? It mounts the same way as the stock plastic bumper. You can mount a winch inside using a winch plate inside the bumper. You may be able to find some on Facebook marketplace for cheap.

 

[Bakerboy]

I have a 23 Mojave, w/ a roadmaster base plate kit for towing behind Class A MH. With my skid plate and stock system the only thing that would work without modifications for me will be replacing stock plastic bumper with the Rugged Ridge Arcus. This has the winch plate.

 

[Free2roam]

https://www.rockhard4x4.com/product_p/rh-90245.htm

 

[Tacklewasher]

So the only steel one I can see on FB is $500 Cdn, plus I'd need the plate. May be the way to go.

Looks like the Rugged Ridge doesn't work with Rubicon fog lights. Not sure what the issue will be or how to get around it. Just different lights?

At ~$2,750 Cdn, the Rock Hard would be nice, especially since I could add the tow bar connections and resell my plate, but still kinda out of my price range.

 

[Tacklewasher]

Scratch that. The $500 is for the plastic bumper I'm trying to replace.

 

[Retiredguy52]

I put a LoD midwidth on my 22 and already had a roadmaster tow plate for pulling behind Moho. The problem I had was the winch plate was a rch too wide because of the mounting points on tow plate. With the use of a bfh and a floor jack and loosening the tow plate a little I got it in there. Only 2 bolts on winch plate wouldn’t line up but problem solved with some judicious welding. So probably stronger than it should be and would take a bit of work if somebody wanted it off but I’m 73 and don’t plan on needing another vehicle in this lifetime. Yes I know the LoD is rated to use the tow points but had enough money in the base plate wasn’t going to change it. One thing I am going to do is move the electrical connection and brake cable to top of bumper and customize a front skid plate to protect baseplate toe points.

 

[Tacklewasher]

Found a used 3 piece steel and jumped on it. Good (not great) price and will still need the winch plate, but will be an easier install than anything else.

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