Andy

Thanks Matt!

My OTR experience won't hold water but I realize it sure takes longer to
stop (Like my rig) and is not the way for everybody. I simply don't ever
back up and my experience helps me there. I don't take off with the
motorhome wheels turned. I turn very slowly to prevent dragging the front
end. This is the same with my rig, it can mess up the trailer wheel
alignment.

I'll start looking for a flat trailer, used. I admit tow bar towing is not
the way to tow especially if you have little experience with all this.

So what do you think about my build up? A 4" lift sounds good? I want a
good ride on the dry and I've been told numerous times that a quality lift
will do this. Tire choice (33's) for mud mostly off road. Tire size and
width? What's a good 15" wheel, aftermarket?

Thanks,

Andy




"Matt Macchiarolo" <mlmacchia@aol.comspambgon> wrote in message
news:20031021001740.22081.00001308@mb-m17.aol.com...
> In article <yh_kb.839019$uu5.148175@sccrnsc04>, "Andy"
> <trailrider2008@hotmail.com> writes:
>
> >What are the problems encountered with flat towing?
>
> You're essentially towing a 3-4000 pound trailer with no brakes. It's
> impossible to back up without someone at the wheel of the Jeep. Increased
wear
> and tear on lower drivetrain.
>
> You're an OTR driver so you're probably qualified to handle the handling
and
> braking aspects of flat-towing. But if you plan to tow the Jeep a lot, you
> might seriously consider a trailer.
>
> One thing to remember...when flat towing a TJ, ignition key in unlocked
> position, tranny in gear (or park) and Tcase in neutral.
>
> Good luck.
> * * *
> Matt Macchiarolo
> www.townpeddler.com
> www.wolverine4wd.org
> http://wolverine4wd.org/rigs/macchiarolo_ml.html
>
>
>
>

Andy

Thanks Matt!

My OTR experience won't hold water but I realize it sure takes longer to
stop (Like my rig) and is not the way for everybody. I simply don't ever
back up and my experience helps me there. I don't take off with the
motorhome wheels turned. I turn very slowly to prevent dragging the front
end. This is the same with my rig, it can mess up the trailer wheel
alignment.

I'll start looking for a flat trailer, used. I admit tow bar towing is not
the way to tow especially if you have little experience with all this.

So what do you think about my build up? A 4" lift sounds good? I want a
good ride on the dry and I've been told numerous times that a quality lift
will do this. Tire choice (33's) for mud mostly off road. Tire size and
width? What's a good 15" wheel, aftermarket?

Thanks,

Andy




"Matt Macchiarolo" <mlmacchia@aol.comspambgon> wrote in message
news:20031021001740.22081.00001308@mb-m17.aol.com...
> In article <yh_kb.839019$uu5.148175@sccrnsc04>, "Andy"
> <trailrider2008@hotmail.com> writes:
>
> >What are the problems encountered with flat towing?
>
> You're essentially towing a 3-4000 pound trailer with no brakes. It's
> impossible to back up without someone at the wheel of the Jeep. Increased
wear
> and tear on lower drivetrain.
>
> You're an OTR driver so you're probably qualified to handle the handling
and
> braking aspects of flat-towing. But if you plan to tow the Jeep a lot, you
> might seriously consider a trailer.
>
> One thing to remember...when flat towing a TJ, ignition key in unlocked
> position, tranny in gear (or park) and Tcase in neutral.
>
> Good luck.
> * * *
> Matt Macchiarolo
> www.townpeddler.com
> www.wolverine4wd.org
> http://wolverine4wd.org/rigs/macchiarolo_ml.html
>
>
>
>

Andy

Thanks Matt!

My OTR experience won't hold water but I realize it sure takes longer to
stop (Like my rig) and is not the way for everybody. I simply don't ever
back up and my experience helps me there. I don't take off with the
motorhome wheels turned. I turn very slowly to prevent dragging the front
end. This is the same with my rig, it can mess up the trailer wheel
alignment.

I'll start looking for a flat trailer, used. I admit tow bar towing is not
the way to tow especially if you have little experience with all this.

So what do you think about my build up? A 4" lift sounds good? I want a
good ride on the dry and I've been told numerous times that a quality lift
will do this. Tire choice (33's) for mud mostly off road. Tire size and
width? What's a good 15" wheel, aftermarket?

Thanks,

Andy




"Matt Macchiarolo" <mlmacchia@aol.comspambgon> wrote in message
news:20031021001740.22081.00001308@mb-m17.aol.com...
> In article <yh_kb.839019$uu5.148175@sccrnsc04>, "Andy"
> <trailrider2008@hotmail.com> writes:
>
> >What are the problems encountered with flat towing?
>
> You're essentially towing a 3-4000 pound trailer with no brakes. It's
> impossible to back up without someone at the wheel of the Jeep. Increased
wear
> and tear on lower drivetrain.
>
> You're an OTR driver so you're probably qualified to handle the handling
and
> braking aspects of flat-towing. But if you plan to tow the Jeep a lot, you
> might seriously consider a trailer.
>
> One thing to remember...when flat towing a TJ, ignition key in unlocked
> position, tranny in gear (or park) and Tcase in neutral.
>
> Good luck.
> * * *
> Matt Macchiarolo
> www.townpeddler.com
> www.wolverine4wd.org
> http://wolverine4wd.org/rigs/macchiarolo_ml.html
>
>
>
>

Andy

Thanks Matt!

My OTR experience won't hold water but I realize it sure takes longer to
stop (Like my rig) and is not the way for everybody. I simply don't ever
back up and my experience helps me there. I don't take off with the
motorhome wheels turned. I turn very slowly to prevent dragging the front
end. This is the same with my rig, it can mess up the trailer wheel
alignment.

I'll start looking for a flat trailer, used. I admit tow bar towing is not
the way to tow especially if you have little experience with all this.

So what do you think about my build up? A 4" lift sounds good? I want a
good ride on the dry and I've been told numerous times that a quality lift
will do this. Tire choice (33's) for mud mostly off road. Tire size and
width? What's a good 15" wheel, aftermarket?

Thanks,

Andy




"Matt Macchiarolo" <mlmacchia@aol.comspambgon> wrote in message
news:20031021001740.22081.00001308@mb-m17.aol.com...
> In article <yh_kb.839019$uu5.148175@sccrnsc04>, "Andy"
> <trailrider2008@hotmail.com> writes:
>
> >What are the problems encountered with flat towing?
>
> You're essentially towing a 3-4000 pound trailer with no brakes. It's
> impossible to back up without someone at the wheel of the Jeep. Increased
wear
> and tear on lower drivetrain.
>
> You're an OTR driver so you're probably qualified to handle the handling
and
> braking aspects of flat-towing. But if you plan to tow the Jeep a lot, you
> might seriously consider a trailer.
>
> One thing to remember...when flat towing a TJ, ignition key in unlocked
> position, tranny in gear (or park) and Tcase in neutral.
>
> Good luck.
> * * *
> Matt Macchiarolo
> www.townpeddler.com
> www.wolverine4wd.org
> http://wolverine4wd.org/rigs/macchiarolo_ml.html
>
>
>
>

Andy

Thanks Matt!

My OTR experience won't hold water but I realize it sure takes longer to
stop (Like my rig) and is not the way for everybody. I simply don't ever
back up and my experience helps me there. I don't take off with the
motorhome wheels turned. I turn very slowly to prevent dragging the front
end. This is the same with my rig, it can mess up the trailer wheel
alignment.

I'll start looking for a flat trailer, used. I admit tow bar towing is not
the way to tow especially if you have little experience with all this.

So what do you think about my build up? A 4" lift sounds good? I want a
good ride on the dry and I've been told numerous times that a quality lift
will do this. Tire choice (33's) for mud mostly off road. Tire size and
width? What's a good 15" wheel, aftermarket?

Thanks,

Andy




"Matt Macchiarolo" <mlmacchia@aol.comspambgon> wrote in message
news:20031021001740.22081.00001308@mb-m17.aol.com...
> In article <yh_kb.839019$uu5.148175@sccrnsc04>, "Andy"
> <trailrider2008@hotmail.com> writes:
>
> >What are the problems encountered with flat towing?
>
> You're essentially towing a 3-4000 pound trailer with no brakes. It's
> impossible to back up without someone at the wheel of the Jeep. Increased
wear
> and tear on lower drivetrain.
>
> You're an OTR driver so you're probably qualified to handle the handling
and
> braking aspects of flat-towing. But if you plan to tow the Jeep a lot, you
> might seriously consider a trailer.
>
> One thing to remember...when flat towing a TJ, ignition key in unlocked
> position, tranny in gear (or park) and Tcase in neutral.
>
> Good luck.
> * * *
> Matt Macchiarolo
> www.townpeddler.com
> www.wolverine4wd.org
> http://wolverine4wd.org/rigs/macchiarolo_ml.html
>
>
>
>

Andy

Thanks Matt!

My OTR experience won't hold water but I realize it sure takes longer to
stop (Like my rig) and is not the way for everybody. I simply don't ever
back up and my experience helps me there. I don't take off with the
motorhome wheels turned. I turn very slowly to prevent dragging the front
end. This is the same with my rig, it can mess up the trailer wheel
alignment.

I'll start looking for a flat trailer, used. I admit tow bar towing is not
the way to tow especially if you have little experience with all this.

So what do you think about my build up? A 4" lift sounds good? I want a
good ride on the dry and I've been told numerous times that a quality lift
will do this. Tire choice (33's) for mud mostly off road. Tire size and
width? What's a good 15" wheel, aftermarket?

Thanks,

Andy




"Matt Macchiarolo" <mlmacchia@aol.comspambgon> wrote in message
news:20031021001740.22081.00001308@mb-m17.aol.com...
> In article <yh_kb.839019$uu5.148175@sccrnsc04>, "Andy"
> <trailrider2008@hotmail.com> writes:
>
> >What are the problems encountered with flat towing?
>
> You're essentially towing a 3-4000 pound trailer with no brakes. It's
> impossible to back up without someone at the wheel of the Jeep. Increased
wear
> and tear on lower drivetrain.
>
> You're an OTR driver so you're probably qualified to handle the handling
and
> braking aspects of flat-towing. But if you plan to tow the Jeep a lot, you
> might seriously consider a trailer.
>
> One thing to remember...when flat towing a TJ, ignition key in unlocked
> position, tranny in gear (or park) and Tcase in neutral.
>
> Good luck.
> * * *
> Matt Macchiarolo
> www.townpeddler.com
> www.wolverine4wd.org
> http://wolverine4wd.org/rigs/macchiarolo_ml.html
>
>
>
>

twaldron

I don't know how far you're towing, but another alternative and
compromise would be to use a tow dolly. That would lift your front end
off the ground, at least.

Andy wrote:

> Thanks Matt!
>
> My OTR experience won't hold water but I realize it sure takes longer to
> stop (Like my rig) and is not the way for everybody. I simply don't ever
> back up and my experience helps me there. I don't take off with the
> motorhome wheels turned. I turn very slowly to prevent dragging the front
> end. This is the same with my rig, it can mess up the trailer wheel
> alignment.
>
> I'll start looking for a flat trailer, used. I admit tow bar towing is not
> the way to tow especially if you have little experience with all this.
>
> So what do you think about my build up? A 4" lift sounds good? I want a
> good ride on the dry and I've been told numerous times that a quality lift
> will do this. Tire choice (33's) for mud mostly off road. Tire size and
> width? What's a good 15" wheel, aftermarket?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Andy

--
__________________________________________________ _________
tw
03 TJ Rubicon
01 XJ Sport

There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
-- Dave Barry

Pronunciation: 'jEp
Function: noun
Date: 1940

Etymology: probably from g. p. (abbreviation of general purpose)
A small general-purpose motor vehicle with 80-inch wheelbase,
1/4-ton capacity, and four-wheel drive used by the U.S. army in
World War II.

http://www.7slotgrille.com/jeepers/t...ron/index.html
(Please remove the OBVIOUS to reply by email)
__________________________________________________ _________

twaldron

I don't know how far you're towing, but another alternative and
compromise would be to use a tow dolly. That would lift your front end
off the ground, at least.

Andy wrote:

> Thanks Matt!
>
> My OTR experience won't hold water but I realize it sure takes longer to
> stop (Like my rig) and is not the way for everybody. I simply don't ever
> back up and my experience helps me there. I don't take off with the
> motorhome wheels turned. I turn very slowly to prevent dragging the front
> end. This is the same with my rig, it can mess up the trailer wheel
> alignment.
>
> I'll start looking for a flat trailer, used. I admit tow bar towing is not
> the way to tow especially if you have little experience with all this.
>
> So what do you think about my build up? A 4" lift sounds good? I want a
> good ride on the dry and I've been told numerous times that a quality lift
> will do this. Tire choice (33's) for mud mostly off road. Tire size and
> width? What's a good 15" wheel, aftermarket?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Andy

--
__________________________________________________ _________
tw
03 TJ Rubicon
01 XJ Sport

There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
-- Dave Barry

Pronunciation: 'jEp
Function: noun
Date: 1940

Etymology: probably from g. p. (abbreviation of general purpose)
A small general-purpose motor vehicle with 80-inch wheelbase,
1/4-ton capacity, and four-wheel drive used by the U.S. army in
World War II.

http://www.7slotgrille.com/jeepers/t...ron/index.html
(Please remove the OBVIOUS to reply by email)
__________________________________________________ _________

twaldron

I don't know how far you're towing, but another alternative and
compromise would be to use a tow dolly. That would lift your front end
off the ground, at least.

Andy wrote:

> Thanks Matt!
>
> My OTR experience won't hold water but I realize it sure takes longer to
> stop (Like my rig) and is not the way for everybody. I simply don't ever
> back up and my experience helps me there. I don't take off with the
> motorhome wheels turned. I turn very slowly to prevent dragging the front
> end. This is the same with my rig, it can mess up the trailer wheel
> alignment.
>
> I'll start looking for a flat trailer, used. I admit tow bar towing is not
> the way to tow especially if you have little experience with all this.
>
> So what do you think about my build up? A 4" lift sounds good? I want a
> good ride on the dry and I've been told numerous times that a quality lift
> will do this. Tire choice (33's) for mud mostly off road. Tire size and
> width? What's a good 15" wheel, aftermarket?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Andy

--
__________________________________________________ _________
tw
03 TJ Rubicon
01 XJ Sport

There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
-- Dave Barry

Pronunciation: 'jEp
Function: noun
Date: 1940

Etymology: probably from g. p. (abbreviation of general purpose)
A small general-purpose motor vehicle with 80-inch wheelbase,
1/4-ton capacity, and four-wheel drive used by the U.S. army in
World War II.

http://www.7slotgrille.com/jeepers/t...ron/index.html
(Please remove the OBVIOUS to reply by email)
__________________________________________________ _________

TJim

Welcome, Andy.
This is (mostly) a great group. As long as you show yourself to be a
straight up guy, you will be treated with respect (mostly) along with lots
of wisecracks and digs...

--
Jim

"Andy" <trailrider2008@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:rURkb.509872$2x.214643@rwcrnsc52.ops.asp.att. net...
> Hi everybody,
>
> First off I want to introduce myself. I am Andy and I am an over the road
> truck driver and I am semi retired. I'm getting home more often and using
> my Jeep off -road more and love it. I apologize for these stupid
questions
> to you experts but here goes. I imagine this has been discussed many
times
> but I am new to the group. I love the knowledge here. Thanks!
>
> I have a 2001 TJ sport I purchased new. I got the Dana 44, 5 speed, six
> cylinder and 30 inch wheels. No track lock - wasn't offered in some
groups.
> I believe it is a 3.73 ratio.

Sounds like a great combo to me.

>
> 1. Lift kit. What is the best for a TJ? Terra Flex, Old Man Emu,
Rubicon.
> I will use this Jeep on road, pulled behind my motorhome (with tow bar)
and
> off road. It will be mostly driven on road. How many inches on the
> suspension? I don't think I need a body lift?

My personal opinion is that a 4" lift along with 33" tires is an excellent
combination for on and off road. A 1" body lift will allow some extra
clearance as well as allowing other mods like a belly up skidplate, raising
the gas tank with a kilby gas tank skid, and 1" raised motor mounts in order
to improve your rear driveline angles. Tera and RE are excellent brands,
there are some others, too. Look for completeness. (You'll probably want a
Slip Yoke Eliminator (SYE) with a 4" lift)

>
> 2. Tires? What size and brand.

A lot of opinions on this one. Depends on what kind of wheeling you do.
Overall, I believe the Goodyear MT/R is an excellent all purpose tire. BFG
ATs and MTs are also very popular.

>
> 3. I was thinking of putting a locker in the Dana 44. Detroit elec.?

Can make a huge difference. If you're not going to regear, I'd choose one
of the lockers like the Detroit that (I believe) be installed without having
to re set you gears.

>
> What else, except body protection, is needed for some medium off road use.
> Winch, what brand?

There are a number of good brands and the "discussion" of "electric vs.
hydraulic" is on going. For electric, many here like Warn. Good quality
and customer service. Get one that is rated at least twice your vehicle's
weight. (a 4500 lb winch will not get your 4000 lb jeep out of axle deep
mud!)

>
> Thanks in advance. I have the Jeep itch and so does my wife. We love our
> Jeep. So far it runs just great and we have done some amazing things
stock.
> This is our third Jeep.

Enjoy. Have fun and let us know how you're doing.

>
> Andy
>
>
>
>
>
>
>