Birty Dastards Jeep Club
Tech Forum => Workshop => Topic started by: dblades on May 19, 2006, 08:34:28 PM
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I have bought and fitted a Warn front bumper to my Wrangler, does any one have a rear Warn bumper??
I an trying to find out what weight it could tow when the receiver is fitted with a 50mm tow ball attachment??
What other attachments are available for the receiver??
Thanks
Dave
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Yes, I've got Warn front and rear bumpers, plus the tyre carrier.
The answer to your question is nothing. Mine has a large friendly label on it which says that it is designed for recovery only, and can't be used for towing. There's also the legal position which, IIRC, states that you can't use a receiver hitch in conjunction with a tow ball receiver on a vehicle manufactured since March 1998. I can't guarantee the accuracy of the date, but it's somewhere thereabouts. There was a thread on it on either here or JeepClub, but I can't remember which.
Also I think the US and UK tow ball sizes may be different, and I don't think the US tow balls are quite as strong - there was something ablout that on JeepClub too.
Finally, the pins that are used to hold the receiver in place in the US aren't legal here either. You have to use a high-tensile bolt. Extreme TJ or ScotJeeps may be able to help with the requirements, as they supplied my stuff when they were still in that line of business.
Hope this helps a bit.
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have a look at this site......
http://http://www.draw-tite.com/
peter henry
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Thanks guys
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There's also the legal position which, IIRC, states that you can't use a receiver hitch in conjunction with a tow ball receiver on a vehicle manufactured since March 1998. I can't guarantee the accuracy of the date, but it's somewhere thereabouts.
Its August 1998
Also I think the US and UK tow ball sizes may be different, and I don't think the US tow balls are quite as strong
US balls = 2". UK balls = 50mm. Not much in it, but the 2" ball i had when i got here didn't fit the trailer i used here. Have doubts about the difference in strength. They tow much larger weights over there on the same tow balls
Finally, the pins that are used to hold the receiver in place in the US aren't legal here either. You have to use a high-tensile bolt.
I'd be very interested in quoted sources on that.
Sources on tow hitches over here:
http://www.ntta.co.uk/law/towbars/type_approva.htm (http://www.ntta.co.uk/law/towbars/type_approva.htm)
http://www.autowbars.co.uk/ec94_20.htm (http://www.autowbars.co.uk/ec94_20.htm)
http://www.towsure.co.uk/tow_faq.htm (http://www.towsure.co.uk/tow_faq.htm)
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Finally, the pins that are used to hold the receiver in place in the US aren't legal here either. You have to use a high-tensile bolt.
I'd be very interested in quoted sources on that.
My source was Extreme TJ, from whom I made the purchase when Mountain Jacks was still going. I wanted a standard type pin, but was told that there was a legal requirement for a high-tensile bolt - so he kindly supplied one F.O.C.. Personally I would much prefer to use a pin, as it saves a lot of hassle when it comes to removal and fitting. If it proves to be the case that pins are actually legal, then I'll get one. But if they're not then I'll stick with what is legal - as I'm not prepared to compromise safety by using unsafe kit.
US balls = 2". UK balls = 50mm. Not much in it, but the 2" ball i had when i got here didn't fit the trailer i used here. Have doubts about the difference in strength. They tow much larger weights over there on the same tow balls
I think it's more to do with the design of the neck on the tow ball, rather than the materials used. My understanding is that US balls have a thinner neck, which makes them unsuitable for a snatch recovery, for example.
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So would I be correct in thinking that if you fit a Warn rear bar you cannot have a towbar? Or would a swan neck type towbar fit with the Warn in place????
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I guess that would depend upon the design of the tow bar. The Warn rear bumper has brackets which attach to the chassis for extra strength, in a similar way that a towbar would.
I still have the fitting instructions, so if you'd like me to email you the diagram which will explain things a bit better, or even the full instructions, then PM me your email address.
I'd still be interested in knowing whether a receiver hitch pin is legal in the UK, so If anyone can give a definative answer, or supply a link, then I'd be grateful.
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and get a pair of these for the support on the rear bumper......
(http://http://img.photobox.co.uk/2221570052ad965b9c051beaafe816efc1ae108bf2fb6b604ba2e90f.jpg)
peter henry
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In answer to your question, Warn's rear bumper is NOT rated for towing, :x the function of the integrated 2" receiver allows for the mounting of accessories, such as shackle bracket, receiver mount tow hook, even receiver mounting of prortable winch, not to mention the varied and ingenious array of products our American friends have thought of to fit into a receiver bracket! one that comes to mind is a picnic table :idea:
However, ball mounts are available in a variety of 'drops' from no drop to 8 inches or so including an adjustable ball mount, so long as these are fitted with a 50mm European Peg Ball they will accomodate European hitches. :cry:
Hope this helps
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so in short warns bumpers are a bit wank....................but very trendy
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Nope. They're up to the job of recovery, but not built for towing. Mind you, the powder coating IS crap.