Let’s Talk About Demco 9518112 Classic Baseplate For Jeep Jeep & Jeep Cj 1980 1996 *9
The Demco 9518112 Classic Baseplate For Jeep Jeep & Jeep Cj 1980 1996 *9 isn’t exactly the sexiest piece of gear, but for those of us who love hitting the open road with our classic Jeeps in tow, it’s an absolute necessity. Demco has a reputation for building robust and reliable towing solutions, and this baseplate appears to continue that legacy. It’s designed specifically for 1980-1996 Jeep and Jeep CJ models, providing a secure attachment point for a tow bar without sacrificing the aesthetic of your beloved vehicle.
My old ’86 CJ-7 is my pride and joy, but sometimes I need to bring it along on longer trips behind my RV. Finding a reliable and non-intrusive towing solution has been a real challenge; I didn’t want some universal bracket that looked like an afterthought bolted onto the front of my Jeep. I needed something robust, vehicle-specific, and as discreet as possible, and that’s what led me to the Demco 9518112 Classic Baseplate For Jeep Jeep & Jeep Cj 1980 1996 *9.
Upon unboxing, the Demco baseplate made a solid first impression. The steel construction feels incredibly robust, and the powder-coated finish looks durable and ready to withstand years of road grime and abuse. It’s heavier than I expected, which is a good sign, and the welds are clean and consistent, suggesting a high level of manufacturing quality.
I considered a Blue Ox baseplate, given their widespread availability and reputation. Ultimately, I chose the Demco because of the compatibility with Blue Ox tow bars offered by the “9” designation, giving me flexibility without locking me into a single ecosystem, and the Demco seemed to have a slightly less obtrusive design when installed. I was definitely excited, albeit cautiously, hoping this baseplate would live up to its promises of easy installation and rugged performance, making towing my CJ-7 a breeze.
Real-World Testing: Putting Demco 9518112 Classic Baseplate For Jeep Jeep & Jeep Cj 1980 1996 *9 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first real test of the Demco 9518112 Classic Baseplate For Jeep Jeep & Jeep Cj 1980 1996 *9 came during a weekend trip to Moab, Utah. I towed my CJ-7 behind my RV for about 500 miles, a mix of highway and some bumpy backroads leading to our campsite. Installation took me the better part of an afternoon in my garage.
The baseplate performed flawlessly during the tow. The Jeep tracked perfectly behind the RV, with no noticeable sway or instability, even when encountering crosswinds. I was especially impressed with how solid the connection felt.
I didn’t encounter any rain on this trip, but there was plenty of dust and dirt on the backroads. I paid careful attention to any unusual noises or vibrations, but everything remained tight and secure, giving me confidence in the Demco baseplate’s reliability.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months and thousands of miles of towing, the Demco 9518112 Classic Baseplate For Jeep Jeep & Jeep Cj 1980 1996 *9 continues to impress. There are no signs of cracking or bending, and the powder coat has held up remarkably well, even after being exposed to road salt and gravel. I’ve taken the Jeep on a few shorter tows of 100 miles each, and the peace of mind it brings is worth every penny.
Maintenance is incredibly simple. I usually give the baseplate a quick wash with soap and water after each trip and inspect the mounting bolts to ensure they’re still properly torqued. I also apply a bit of grease to the tow bar attachment points.
Compared to my previous makeshift towing setup (which involved some questionable jury-rigging), the Demco baseplate is a night and day difference. I trust this baseplate to safely and reliably tow my CJ-7 anywhere I need to go. It drastically outperforms any other towing solution I’ve used in the past.
Breaking Down the Features of Demco 9518112 Classic Baseplate For Jeep Jeep & Jeep Cj 1980 1996 *9
Specifications
The Demco 9518112 Classic Baseplate For Jeep Jeep & Jeep Cj 1980 1996 *9 is designed specifically for 1980-1996 Jeep and Jeep CJ models. The estimated install time is approximately one hour, but realistically, plan for a few hours, especially if you’re working alone.
The width between the attaching ears on the base plate, center to center, is 24 inches. It is crucial to verify these measurements with your specific tow bar to ensure proper compatibility. The base plate attaching pin height is not specified.
The fact that this Demco baseplate is fit-specific means it’s engineered to integrate seamlessly with the Jeep’s frame. This ensures a stronger and more reliable connection than a universal baseplate. Furthermore, the compatibility with Blue Ox tow bars, as indicated by the “9” designation, adds versatility, allowing you to choose from a wider range of tow bar options.
Performance & Functionality
The Demco 9518112 Classic Baseplate For Jeep Jeep & Jeep Cj 1980 1996 *9 excels at its primary job: providing a secure and stable connection point for towing. Once installed, the baseplate is virtually invisible, blending seamlessly with the Jeep’s front end.
The main strength of this baseplate is its robust construction and vehicle-specific design. However, the installation instructions could be clearer. A more detailed step-by-step guide would be helpful, especially for those with limited mechanical experience.
The baseplate far exceeds my expectations. It’s more durable and less obtrusive than I initially anticipated. I have no doubts about its ability to handle years of regular towing.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Demco 9518112 Classic Baseplate For Jeep Jeep & Jeep Cj 1980 1996 *9 is excellent. The steel is thick and strong, and the powder-coated finish provides good corrosion resistance. The baseplate is surprisingly heavy, but that weight translates to a feeling of solid reliability.
From a user standpoint, the design is straightforward. While installation can be a bit time-consuming, the end result is a clean and unobtrusive towing solution. However, I would like the base plate to sit back another inch or two on my application; but, that is just my personal preference.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience so far, I expect the Demco 9518112 Classic Baseplate For Jeep Jeep & Jeep Cj 1980 1996 *9 to last for many years. The steel construction and powder-coated finish are well-suited to withstand the rigors of regular use. Proper maintenance, such as regular cleaning and bolt tightening, should further extend its lifespan.
Maintaining the baseplate is easy. A quick wash and inspection after each trip is all that’s needed. Occasional greasing of the tow bar attachment points will keep everything moving smoothly.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Demco 9518112 Classic Baseplate For Jeep Jeep & Jeep Cj 1980 1996 *9 doesn’t come with any accessories beyond the necessary mounting hardware. However, its compatibility with Blue Ox tow bars provides a wide range of options for tow bar selection.
You can customize your towing setup with different tow bars, safety cables, and lighting solutions. The baseplate itself doesn’t offer much in the way of customization, but it’s designed to work seamlessly with a variety of aftermarket accessories. Ensure that any accessories you choose are compatible with both the baseplate and your tow vehicle.
Pros and Cons of Demco 9518112 Classic Baseplate For Jeep Jeep & Jeep Cj 1980 1996 *9
Pros
- Robust steel construction provides exceptional durability. The thick steel ensures the baseplate can handle the stresses of towing without bending or cracking.
- Vehicle-specific design ensures a perfect fit and optimal strength. The baseplate is engineered to integrate seamlessly with the Jeep’s frame.
- Powder-coated finish provides excellent corrosion resistance. The powder coat protects the steel from rust and other environmental damage.
- Compatible with Blue Ox tow bars, offering flexibility in tow bar selection. The “9” designation means you’re not locked into a single brand of tow bar.
- Relatively unobtrusive design blends well with the Jeep’s front end. The baseplate doesn’t detract from the classic Jeep look.
Cons
- Installation instructions could be clearer and more detailed. A step-by-step guide with photos would be helpful.
- Install may take much longer than the estimated install time, depending on experience.
Who Should Buy Demco 9518112 Classic Baseplate For Jeep Jeep & Jeep Cj 1980 1996 *9?
The Demco 9518112 Classic Baseplate For Jeep Jeep & Jeep Cj 1980 1996 *9 is perfect for Jeep enthusiasts who frequently tow their 1980-1996 Jeep or Jeep CJ behind an RV. It’s also a great choice for anyone who wants a reliable and unobtrusive towing solution that doesn’t detract from the classic Jeep look. This is ideal for overlanders who want to bring their Jeep to serve as a local transport at their destination.
If you’re looking for a universal baseplate that can be adapted to multiple vehicles, this isn’t for you. Also, if you’re uncomfortable with basic mechanical work, you may want to have a professional install it.
A must-have accessory is a high-quality tow bar. Also, consider investing in safety cables and a lighting solution to ensure safe and legal towing.
Conclusion on Demco 9518112 Classic Baseplate For Jeep Jeep & Jeep Cj 1980 1996 *9
Overall, the Demco 9518112 Classic Baseplate For Jeep Jeep & Jeep Cj 1980 1996 *9 is an excellent towing solution for classic Jeep owners. Its robust construction, vehicle-specific design, and compatibility with Blue Ox tow bars make it a worthwhile investment.
At $229.99, the price is justified, considering the quality of materials and the peace of mind it provides. I would personally recommend it to any Jeep enthusiast who wants to safely and reliably tow their vehicle.
If you value quality, reliability, and a clean installation, the Demco 9518112 Classic Baseplate For Jeep Jeep & Jeep Cj 1980 1996 *9 is a solid choice. Upgrade your towing setup today!