[jbrown78cj7]

I understand a negative to doing this will be tire wear, but besides that do you have any opinions on using a tow bar? Have you ever used a tow bar, and if so, is there anything special you need to do to the jeep besides hooking the tow bar up and lights? I'm just looking for a quick fix to get my jeep to trails in town less than 30 miles one way; I will be borrowing a car hauler for long hauls.

78 CJ 7 v8-304. dana 30/20. tcase-dana20. 3spd manual. 31in tsl boggers

[GrimJeeper91]

Nothing wrong with flat towing. More rigs are dragged to the trails via flat towing than trailers. I probably have 20k flat towing miles on my YJ without a single issue. Just make sure the tow bar is properly mounted (used safety chains) and the drive line is set properly (TC in N, tranny in gear) and go.

[jbolty]

What he said. ^^^^ tow mine all the time

[SpoiledRotten]

Towed mine 1100 miles in one trip.... behind my fiver. No problems.

[armyRN]

I've flat towed my flat-fender across the country so many times I've lost count (Army moves) with no issues. In addition to what others have already said:

If your Jeep needs to have the key in and turned to unlock the steering wheel be sure and do that before towing your Jeep (so the wheels will turn).

Make sure you have a full-size matching spare for your Jeep. Driving with a mis-matched spare is one thing, towing with such is another.

[cvd]

As with any towing, another 4,000 lbs behind your towing vehicle is not something to take lightly (no pun intended). Know your vehicles towing capability (pulling, stopping, controlling in wind, etc.). Think about auxiliary brakes in the TJ. Many tow without an extra braking system. I chose to get one (Brake Buddy).

On the other hand, a "4 wheel down" towed vehicle is about the easiest way to tow, as it adds nearly zero tongue weight. Do a little research, know what you’re getting into, and it works great.

A good source of info - http://rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseac...s/forum/31.cfm

Cliff

[abattani]

I am trying to tow a 2001 jeep wrangler from San Diego to Houston behind a U-Haul. Its about 1500 miles. Anyone have the best way to do this and anything I should be sure to do prior to towing?

[Eaallred]

Originally Posted by abattani

I am trying to tow a 2001 jeep wrangler from San Diego to Houston behind a U-Haul. Its about 1500 miles. Anyone have the best way to do this and anything I should be sure to do prior to towing?

Everything above covers about all of it.

But remember one VERY important thing when towing with a tow-bar.

DO NOT BACK UP. You can't, so don't try or you'll mess something up. It really gets things binding.

I personally put my Transfercase and Transmission in neutral in my 62 when towing it.

[Contra]

it is ok, to tow from a stock bumper

i would assume that is how most people do it
i guess the "d" ring needs to be as close to the frame as possible?

[TJDaveX]

I tow mine with a Roadmaster frame mounts behind our motorhome. Most of it is removeable, except the two receiver like pieces that mount to the frame. The good: It lessens the need for a tall stinger on the tow vehicle for towing a lifted Jeep and it is very sturdy. The bad: They are kind of spendy, and they hang under the bumper. I have not bashed them yet, but it will happen. You can see the part that stays with the Jeep after you take all the towbar crap off of it.

[cvd]

Originally Posted by TJDaveX

I tow mine with a Roadmaster frame mounts behind our motorhome. Most of it is removeable, except the two receiver like pieces that mount to the frame. The good: It lessens the need for a tall stinger on the tow vehicle for towing a lifted Jeep and it is very sturdy. The bad: They are kind of spendy, and they hang under the bumper. I have not bashed them yet, but it will happen. You can see the part that stays with the Jeep after you take all the towbar crap off of it.

I have the same setup. They are rock solid tow points. However, if I were to do it again, I would take the money I spent on the mounts, get an after market bumper, and have tabs welded on that matched the tow bar connect point (different tow bars require different connection tabs).

I wouldn't tow from the stock bumper. Too thin in my opinion (however, some do it).



http://www.jeepforum.com/gallery/sho...5&ppuser=75779

[Contra]

so i gotta drill into the frame in the front to mount the hook up points

i can't imagine anyone uses the OEM bumper for towing
it is thin metal

[coastiejohn]

With my jeeps lift height even with a raised ball hitch the angle is terrible. have any info on mounting the towbar to the front axle?

[TJDaveX]

Originally Posted by coastiejohn

With my jeeps lift height even with a raised ball hitch the angle is terrible. have any info on mounting the towbar to the front axle?

I have never heard of anyone flat towing from the front axle!It does not sound very safe.

As far as the raised hitch, a buddy of mine has a tall YJ with the towbar on the bumper. He has a crazy tall raised hitch to keep his towbar level. It looks goofy, but it works. He has not had any problems towing his behind his motorhome. I am not sure where he got it...not something you can find at Walmart! I think he had it made at a local hitch shop. The thing must be at least 18" tall! I think he needs to invest in a trailer.

[RikRotorhead]

Not to the axle, but I have seen shackles that have tow bar mounts. Drop hitch?
It is important when flat towing that the tow bar is level.

I flat tow my YJ all the time. I have an Aussie in the front too. No problems at all. I only know it's back there when I turn a corner and look in the rear view mirror.
That said, I want a trailer for it. That way I can throw my kids' quads on the trailer, gas cans, fire wood, etc... But most importantly, if I break, I can get it home myself. And you need to be aware that if you need to back up, you can't without disconnecting the Jeep. It does not cooperate.
Also, when you flat tow, you are still racking up mileage on the odometer.