Aftermarket rear bumpers with tow hitch ADR?

[Ozian]

I'm looking for tow bar options for my 14JKU, and I'm weighing up between the Mopar kit (ADR compliant) or a full aftermarket rear bumper with integrated receiver (Smittybilt XRC Armor or similar). My concern is that the majority of rear bumpers aren't liated as ADR compliant, so am I asking for trouble in the event I have an accident?

It's just a bit hard to justify $600 for the Mopar kit, when for another $400 I could get a good full bumper.

Thoughts or experiences?

[Snort]

Have you checked out Kaymar?

[Rock God]

I would not worry about rear bumpers being adr, I just got a rwc with a american rear bar without adr no problems, however there very strict on the front bar. So going by that get what you like and there are heaps.

[Hanna]

I doubt that he is worried about a RWC when he mentioned his main concern is liability in an accident.

However unlikely it is, if the trailer hitch does not comply then it could cause you issues in the event of an accident. Insurance companies are always looking for a way out of paying up and if the damage/cost is significant from an accident, they will find something.

As I said, it is unlikely that the integrated trailer hitch would fail (if used within reason), I do have a close friend who has been crippled for life as a result of an accident where a trailer hitch failed on another car and the trailer crashed into the front of her car and crushed her leg.

Maybe ask if you can get one certified if you're concerned about the consequences?

[Rock God]

I spent the morning looking for a adr concerning the rear bar and failed to find anything, the closest I got was something to do with viewing angle of the rear tail lights.

[Ozian]

Thanks for the responses everyone. I may just get the Mopar kit and stick with the stock rear bumper for now to avoid any issues when towing a camper trailer.

I'm thinking that I'll follow some others lead and turn the stock rear bumper into an emergency water tank of those trips to far north Qld and NT. I'll only be going up to 33's, so won't need an aftermarket tyre carrier anyhow.

[MightyMouse]

As I understand it tow hitches are supposed to be compliant and have appropriate tags etc attached.

If you did have a failure and it got legal then there is an issue.

On the realistic side, I don't think I've seen a JK tow hitch or bumper with hitch that's I'd consider suspect - its more that its just not worth the manufacturers ( mostly overseas ) going to the effort of certification for such a small market.

And there are alternative LEGAL tow hitches to the MOPAR one..... DBOR have had theirs certified, and they are LOTS cheaper especially if you have a DIY streak.