Smittybilt XRC or SRC for flat towing?

[steven1955]

I have found conflicting information on this subject with my searches and on the Smittybilt web site, so here goes...

Can you flat tow with either the Smittybilt XRC or SRC bumpers?

I ask because there are locally some new Smittybilt bumpers on the Facebook market near me. And the Rock Hard and LOD bumpers are not in this months budget.

If I did this I'd also install the LOD frame tie in brackets.

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[berb]

The bumper has nothing to do with it. The base plate will be bolted onto the frame/brackets that the bumper connects to. YouTube Blue Ox base plate installation. My family all have motorhomes and Jeeps. We've been flat towing our Jeeps for over a decade and all of us use the Blue Ox set up.
Blue Ox makes 2 base plates, one for regular bumpers and one for a rubicon bumper. The only difference is how low the connection points hang.

 

[steven1955]

The bumper has nothing to do with it. The base plate will be bolted onto the frame/brackets that the bumper connects to.

Thanks for your reply, but I guess I should have been more specific in how I phrased my question.

There are bumpers that are designed to be flat towed using the bumper's recovery points as attachment points for the tow bar.

I have seen photo examples of Jeep JLs and JTs being flat towed by Smittybilt bumper recovery points, and almost bought a used JLURD set up that way.

My specific question was whether either or both of Smittybilt XRC or SRC bumpers are among the aftermarket bumpers designed to be flat towed by their recovery points.

 

[berb]

Thanks for your reply, but I guess I should have been more specific in how I phrased my question.

There are bumpers that are designed to be flat towed using the bumper's recovery points as attachment points for the tow bar.

I have seen photo examples of Jeep JLs and JTs being flat towed by Smittybilt bumper recovery points, and almost bought a used JLURD set up that way.

My specific question was whether either or both of Smittybilt XRC or SRC bumpers are among the aftermarket bumpers designed to be flat towed by their recovery points.

My response to that would be NO, unless it is stated in writing by Smitty Built in the User Guide/Instructions that the bumper is meant to be used for flat towing.

For example, if I Flat Tow my Jeep and do not use a supplementary breaking system, I am liable for any accident I get into, because above a certain weight states require a supplementary breaking system. Even if someone rearends me, I am liable because I was towing improperly.

So, if your flat towing your Jeep using bumper recover points and they were not manufactured to be used as Flat Towing hook up points, you would be liable for any accident you got into, your fault or not.

So, moral of the story is, IF it is not in Smitty Built's paper work you should not flat tow this way.

And just because you can do something doesn't mean you should or won't be held legally responsible.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[Retiredguy52]

I have read somewhere that Smittybilt bumper is tow rated. Check on Smittybilt website to be sure and which bumper. I am running Roadmaster tow plate and a LoD mid width bumper but had enough money in the baseplate to take it off So I have both lol.

 

[steven1955]

I have read somewhere that Smittybilt bumper is tow rated. Check on Smittybilt website to be sure and which bumper.

Some time ago I also read on the Smittybilt web site that one of their bumpers was flat tow rated. I can no longer find that reference, but their web site leaves something to be desired. That's why I was posting the question here

 

[steven1955]

I asked Smittybilt the following question via their web site contact page:

I have a 2023 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon that I am planning to flat tow. Can I use any of your front bumpers to flat tow my Gladiator? I am not able to determine this from your web site.

And I just last night got the following answer:

Any of our JL/JT bumpers can be flat towed, but keep in mind we are unable to advertise it as such as it is not officially registered with the DOT. However, we pull test the d-ring mounts well beyond what is expected during normal towing conditions.

With the above information I understand why some folks would choose to flat tow their Jeep using the recovery points on a Smittybilt bumper. I can also understand why others would not do so due to concerns about liability and insurance coverage should there be an accident.

For the moment I am going to investigate other options.

 

[berb]

I asked Smittybilt the following question via their web site contact page:
And I just last night got the following answer:

With the above information I understand why some folks would choose to flat tow their Jeep using the recovery points on a Smittybilt bumper. I can also understand why others would not do so due to concerns about liability and insurance coverage should there be an accident.

For the moment I am going to investigate other options.

So, there’s the answer. The company says you can use the bumper to flat tow BUT it’s not certified by DOT. Therefore; it’s user discretion and hope that if god forbid you are in an accident the government officials see it that way as well.

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