What's the Best Jeep JK Bumper for Flat Towing?

When you want to bring your family on an adventure with you, sometimes, you can't fit everyone comfortably in your Jeep JK. This is where flat towing can be a game-changer. Regardless of why you need to tow your vehicle behind you, if you’re going to do so, it's important to have a bumper that can handle it. The good news is that we have your back. In this guide, we help you understand flat towing and show you some of the best JK bumpers for the job.

Understanding Flat Towing

Before we even dive into the best Jeep JK bumper for flat towing, it's important to understand what this process is and why having the right bumper is so important. First and foremost, you may also know flat towing as four-down towing because it simply means that you’re towing a vehicle with all four wheels on the ground. Typically, the steering wheel is unlocked, and the vehicle is placed in neutral for the best results. In most cases, flat towing also requires a special braking system and a bumper with towing accessories that can handle around 9,500 to 10,000 pounds of towing force. Overall, this towing method is different from tossing your ride on a tow truck because you're letting the Jeep roll itself. There are several situations when flat towing your Jeep JK becomes practical. For example, if you're heading out on an RV trip and want to explore trails or local spots once you've set up camp, flat towing allows you to bring your Jeep along without the need for a separate trailer. This method is also handy when traveling long distances, as it enables you to use your primary vehicle for highway driving and switch to your Jeep for off-roading or navigating city streets without what amounts to a bus. Whether you're vacationing, relocating, or planning a multi-destination adventure, flat towing gives you the flexibility to enjoy the best of both worlds: comfort during travel and full Jeep-ness upon arrival. While this may sound simple in theory, in practice your OEM plastic bumper might not be able to handle it. For these reasons, you may need to upgrade your Jeep JK’s bumper if you plan on doing any flat towing.

The 3 Best Jeep JK Bumpers for Flat Towing

When it's time to tow your Jeep JK behind you, it's important to have a bumper that you can trust. Thankfully, we've hand-picked some of the best options for the job, and you'll find the best brands like Barricade, RedRock, and Smittybilt.

1. Barricade Trail Force HD Full Width Front Bumper

One of our favorite choices for a Jeep JK flat tow bumper is the Barricade Trail Force HD Full Width Front Bumper. This bumper is rated for up to 10,000 pounds of flat towing force, so you don't have to worry about the hardware failing on you. As a full-width bumper, you'll find that it offers adequate protection for your Jeep JK as you tow, too. What's more, this bumper comes with a lot of extra bells and whistles. It has two D-ring mounts, a built-in plate that can handle a winch, and even some room for fog lights. You'll also find that this bumper is reliable thanks to its 5/32” mild steel plating.

2. RedRock Attack Stubby Winch Front Bumper

Now, if you’re not looking for a full-width bumper, don't worry, because some stubby bumpers can handle your flat towing needs. One of the best examples is the RedRock Attack Stubby Winch Front Bumper. While it's a stubby bumper, it has a built-in winch plate, strong D-rings, and even OE-sized cutouts. When it comes to its flat tow capacity, you'll find that it can handle up to 10,000 pounds, which should be more than enough for your Jeep Wrangler JK. Overall, it's a great choice for people who want a less cumbersome bumper that's more suitable for off-roading.

3. Smittybilt XRC Gen2 Front Bumper

Another great stubby bumper for flat towing is the Smittybilt XRC Gen2 Front Bumper. It comes with D-rings that are rated for flat towing, and one of the more unique aspects is that it has a UHMW coating for rock protection. This makes it one of the safest stubby bumpers you can put on the front of your vehicle, and it can also accommodate a winch. Like many other flat tow bumpers, you'll find that this one also has cutouts for OE-sized cutouts. Plus, it's made with 3/16” cold-rolled steel, which gives it a leg up over the competition.

Get the Best Flat Tow Bumper for Your Jeep Wrangler JK

When you need a bumper that can handle the rigorous needs of flat towing, we always have your back. Whether you want a stubby bumper that leaves room for off-road wheels and tires that help you conquer the trails or a full-width bumper that offers full protection, plenty of options are available when you shop online. Finally, our sales techs can always help you explore the rest of our extensive catalog to ensure that you make the right choice.