flat towing instructions
#101
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: flat towing instructions
>I just got a tow vehicle which is only rated to tow 4800 lbs.... so it
>> can tow my CJ, but not the CJ + trailer.
You are correct that you will be severely overloaded with a CJ on a trailer.
Although some may scoff at your 4400 lb weight estimate for the CJ, you are not
far off for a CJ with big tires, winch, roll cage, body armor, spare parts and
gear. Mine weighs 4200 lbs loaded, and I have friends whose CJs weigh 4400
loaded.
Before you say "Hey, my 4400 lb CJ is under my 4800 lb tow limit so no
problemo," you need to add in some other things, like the weight of passengers
and gear in your tow vehicle. That weight must be subtracted from your tow
rating because the factory tow ratings assume driver only and no gear. Thus,
you will be close to maxed out flat towing and simply don't have the tow
capacity to add in 1600 lbs for a typical 16' car hauler trailer. You really
need something like a Suburban or a 3/4 ton truck to have adequate capacity for
a jeep on a car hauler trailer. (Some say a 1/2 ton truck is plenty, but I
think those people are just plain wrong and/or in a state of denial.)
Since you have floating rear hubs, my suggestion would be to unlock all hubs,
make sure your steering is unlocked, then flat tow away. One caution though -
you will be doubling the weight that your tow vehicle must stop. Be sure the
tires and brakes on your tow vehicle are in absolutely perfect condition, keep
your speed down, maintain extra distance between you and the vehicle in front,
downshift on downgrades to use compression braking as much as possible and to
prevent your tow vehicle brakes from cooking, and be constantly vigilant for
the unexpected. The last thing you want to do is "experiment" with your
braking capacity in a panic situation.
That being said, I flat tow my CJ behind my F250 all the time. Never had a
problem.
Robert Bills
KG6LMV
Orange County CA
'83 CJ-7
'46 Bantam BT3C
'87 Ford F250 4x4 Diesel
http://www.outdoorwire.com/4x4/jeep/...p-l/billsr.htm
>> can tow my CJ, but not the CJ + trailer.
You are correct that you will be severely overloaded with a CJ on a trailer.
Although some may scoff at your 4400 lb weight estimate for the CJ, you are not
far off for a CJ with big tires, winch, roll cage, body armor, spare parts and
gear. Mine weighs 4200 lbs loaded, and I have friends whose CJs weigh 4400
loaded.
Before you say "Hey, my 4400 lb CJ is under my 4800 lb tow limit so no
problemo," you need to add in some other things, like the weight of passengers
and gear in your tow vehicle. That weight must be subtracted from your tow
rating because the factory tow ratings assume driver only and no gear. Thus,
you will be close to maxed out flat towing and simply don't have the tow
capacity to add in 1600 lbs for a typical 16' car hauler trailer. You really
need something like a Suburban or a 3/4 ton truck to have adequate capacity for
a jeep on a car hauler trailer. (Some say a 1/2 ton truck is plenty, but I
think those people are just plain wrong and/or in a state of denial.)
Since you have floating rear hubs, my suggestion would be to unlock all hubs,
make sure your steering is unlocked, then flat tow away. One caution though -
you will be doubling the weight that your tow vehicle must stop. Be sure the
tires and brakes on your tow vehicle are in absolutely perfect condition, keep
your speed down, maintain extra distance between you and the vehicle in front,
downshift on downgrades to use compression braking as much as possible and to
prevent your tow vehicle brakes from cooking, and be constantly vigilant for
the unexpected. The last thing you want to do is "experiment" with your
braking capacity in a panic situation.
That being said, I flat tow my CJ behind my F250 all the time. Never had a
problem.
Robert Bills
KG6LMV
Orange County CA
'83 CJ-7
'46 Bantam BT3C
'87 Ford F250 4x4 Diesel
http://www.outdoorwire.com/4x4/jeep/...p-l/billsr.htm
#102
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: flat towing instructions
>I just got a tow vehicle which is only rated to tow 4800 lbs.... so it
>> can tow my CJ, but not the CJ + trailer.
You are correct that you will be severely overloaded with a CJ on a trailer.
Although some may scoff at your 4400 lb weight estimate for the CJ, you are not
far off for a CJ with big tires, winch, roll cage, body armor, spare parts and
gear. Mine weighs 4200 lbs loaded, and I have friends whose CJs weigh 4400
loaded.
Before you say "Hey, my 4400 lb CJ is under my 4800 lb tow limit so no
problemo," you need to add in some other things, like the weight of passengers
and gear in your tow vehicle. That weight must be subtracted from your tow
rating because the factory tow ratings assume driver only and no gear. Thus,
you will be close to maxed out flat towing and simply don't have the tow
capacity to add in 1600 lbs for a typical 16' car hauler trailer. You really
need something like a Suburban or a 3/4 ton truck to have adequate capacity for
a jeep on a car hauler trailer. (Some say a 1/2 ton truck is plenty, but I
think those people are just plain wrong and/or in a state of denial.)
Since you have floating rear hubs, my suggestion would be to unlock all hubs,
make sure your steering is unlocked, then flat tow away. One caution though -
you will be doubling the weight that your tow vehicle must stop. Be sure the
tires and brakes on your tow vehicle are in absolutely perfect condition, keep
your speed down, maintain extra distance between you and the vehicle in front,
downshift on downgrades to use compression braking as much as possible and to
prevent your tow vehicle brakes from cooking, and be constantly vigilant for
the unexpected. The last thing you want to do is "experiment" with your
braking capacity in a panic situation.
That being said, I flat tow my CJ behind my F250 all the time. Never had a
problem.
Robert Bills
KG6LMV
Orange County CA
'83 CJ-7
'46 Bantam BT3C
'87 Ford F250 4x4 Diesel
http://www.outdoorwire.com/4x4/jeep/...p-l/billsr.htm
>> can tow my CJ, but not the CJ + trailer.
You are correct that you will be severely overloaded with a CJ on a trailer.
Although some may scoff at your 4400 lb weight estimate for the CJ, you are not
far off for a CJ with big tires, winch, roll cage, body armor, spare parts and
gear. Mine weighs 4200 lbs loaded, and I have friends whose CJs weigh 4400
loaded.
Before you say "Hey, my 4400 lb CJ is under my 4800 lb tow limit so no
problemo," you need to add in some other things, like the weight of passengers
and gear in your tow vehicle. That weight must be subtracted from your tow
rating because the factory tow ratings assume driver only and no gear. Thus,
you will be close to maxed out flat towing and simply don't have the tow
capacity to add in 1600 lbs for a typical 16' car hauler trailer. You really
need something like a Suburban or a 3/4 ton truck to have adequate capacity for
a jeep on a car hauler trailer. (Some say a 1/2 ton truck is plenty, but I
think those people are just plain wrong and/or in a state of denial.)
Since you have floating rear hubs, my suggestion would be to unlock all hubs,
make sure your steering is unlocked, then flat tow away. One caution though -
you will be doubling the weight that your tow vehicle must stop. Be sure the
tires and brakes on your tow vehicle are in absolutely perfect condition, keep
your speed down, maintain extra distance between you and the vehicle in front,
downshift on downgrades to use compression braking as much as possible and to
prevent your tow vehicle brakes from cooking, and be constantly vigilant for
the unexpected. The last thing you want to do is "experiment" with your
braking capacity in a panic situation.
That being said, I flat tow my CJ behind my F250 all the time. Never had a
problem.
Robert Bills
KG6LMV
Orange County CA
'83 CJ-7
'46 Bantam BT3C
'87 Ford F250 4x4 Diesel
http://www.outdoorwire.com/4x4/jeep/...p-l/billsr.htm
#103
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: flat towing instructions
>I just got a tow vehicle which is only rated to tow 4800 lbs.... so it
>> can tow my CJ, but not the CJ + trailer.
You are correct that you will be severely overloaded with a CJ on a trailer.
Although some may scoff at your 4400 lb weight estimate for the CJ, you are not
far off for a CJ with big tires, winch, roll cage, body armor, spare parts and
gear. Mine weighs 4200 lbs loaded, and I have friends whose CJs weigh 4400
loaded.
Before you say "Hey, my 4400 lb CJ is under my 4800 lb tow limit so no
problemo," you need to add in some other things, like the weight of passengers
and gear in your tow vehicle. That weight must be subtracted from your tow
rating because the factory tow ratings assume driver only and no gear. Thus,
you will be close to maxed out flat towing and simply don't have the tow
capacity to add in 1600 lbs for a typical 16' car hauler trailer. You really
need something like a Suburban or a 3/4 ton truck to have adequate capacity for
a jeep on a car hauler trailer. (Some say a 1/2 ton truck is plenty, but I
think those people are just plain wrong and/or in a state of denial.)
Since you have floating rear hubs, my suggestion would be to unlock all hubs,
make sure your steering is unlocked, then flat tow away. One caution though -
you will be doubling the weight that your tow vehicle must stop. Be sure the
tires and brakes on your tow vehicle are in absolutely perfect condition, keep
your speed down, maintain extra distance between you and the vehicle in front,
downshift on downgrades to use compression braking as much as possible and to
prevent your tow vehicle brakes from cooking, and be constantly vigilant for
the unexpected. The last thing you want to do is "experiment" with your
braking capacity in a panic situation.
That being said, I flat tow my CJ behind my F250 all the time. Never had a
problem.
Robert Bills
KG6LMV
Orange County CA
'83 CJ-7
'46 Bantam BT3C
'87 Ford F250 4x4 Diesel
http://www.outdoorwire.com/4x4/jeep/...p-l/billsr.htm
>> can tow my CJ, but not the CJ + trailer.
You are correct that you will be severely overloaded with a CJ on a trailer.
Although some may scoff at your 4400 lb weight estimate for the CJ, you are not
far off for a CJ with big tires, winch, roll cage, body armor, spare parts and
gear. Mine weighs 4200 lbs loaded, and I have friends whose CJs weigh 4400
loaded.
Before you say "Hey, my 4400 lb CJ is under my 4800 lb tow limit so no
problemo," you need to add in some other things, like the weight of passengers
and gear in your tow vehicle. That weight must be subtracted from your tow
rating because the factory tow ratings assume driver only and no gear. Thus,
you will be close to maxed out flat towing and simply don't have the tow
capacity to add in 1600 lbs for a typical 16' car hauler trailer. You really
need something like a Suburban or a 3/4 ton truck to have adequate capacity for
a jeep on a car hauler trailer. (Some say a 1/2 ton truck is plenty, but I
think those people are just plain wrong and/or in a state of denial.)
Since you have floating rear hubs, my suggestion would be to unlock all hubs,
make sure your steering is unlocked, then flat tow away. One caution though -
you will be doubling the weight that your tow vehicle must stop. Be sure the
tires and brakes on your tow vehicle are in absolutely perfect condition, keep
your speed down, maintain extra distance between you and the vehicle in front,
downshift on downgrades to use compression braking as much as possible and to
prevent your tow vehicle brakes from cooking, and be constantly vigilant for
the unexpected. The last thing you want to do is "experiment" with your
braking capacity in a panic situation.
That being said, I flat tow my CJ behind my F250 all the time. Never had a
problem.
Robert Bills
KG6LMV
Orange County CA
'83 CJ-7
'46 Bantam BT3C
'87 Ford F250 4x4 Diesel
http://www.outdoorwire.com/4x4/jeep/...p-l/billsr.htm
#104
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: flat towing instructions
That's not what the previous poster was claiming. Vis:
On Sat, 29 Jan 2005, it was written:
> The rules have changed a lot in the last few years, and not all states
> and providences are the same. In general, however, anything you tow
> that weighs more than 1,500 lbs. total needs auxiliary brakes.
> Doesn't matter if you flat tow or put it on a trailer. Check the
> requirement in the state(s) where you plan to tow.
"Doesn't matter if you flat tow" was the part I was responding to.
On Sun, 30 Jan 2005, L.W.([iso-8859-1] Bill) ------ III wrote:
> They're not a trailer.
> God Bless America, Bill O|||||||O
> mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/
>
> Lee Aryan wrote:
>>
>> But but but... I see a lot of out-of-state half-million dollar "camper"
>> coaches flat-towing a variety of cars, including Cherokees. How does the
>> laws you mention below apply to them?
>
--
"I defer to your plainly more vivid memories of topless women with
whips....r"
R. H. Draney recalls AFU in the Good Old Days.
#105
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: flat towing instructions
That's not what the previous poster was claiming. Vis:
On Sat, 29 Jan 2005, it was written:
> The rules have changed a lot in the last few years, and not all states
> and providences are the same. In general, however, anything you tow
> that weighs more than 1,500 lbs. total needs auxiliary brakes.
> Doesn't matter if you flat tow or put it on a trailer. Check the
> requirement in the state(s) where you plan to tow.
"Doesn't matter if you flat tow" was the part I was responding to.
On Sun, 30 Jan 2005, L.W.([iso-8859-1] Bill) ------ III wrote:
> They're not a trailer.
> God Bless America, Bill O|||||||O
> mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/
>
> Lee Aryan wrote:
>>
>> But but but... I see a lot of out-of-state half-million dollar "camper"
>> coaches flat-towing a variety of cars, including Cherokees. How does the
>> laws you mention below apply to them?
>
--
"I defer to your plainly more vivid memories of topless women with
whips....r"
R. H. Draney recalls AFU in the Good Old Days.
#106
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: flat towing instructions
That's not what the previous poster was claiming. Vis:
On Sat, 29 Jan 2005, it was written:
> The rules have changed a lot in the last few years, and not all states
> and providences are the same. In general, however, anything you tow
> that weighs more than 1,500 lbs. total needs auxiliary brakes.
> Doesn't matter if you flat tow or put it on a trailer. Check the
> requirement in the state(s) where you plan to tow.
"Doesn't matter if you flat tow" was the part I was responding to.
On Sun, 30 Jan 2005, L.W.([iso-8859-1] Bill) ------ III wrote:
> They're not a trailer.
> God Bless America, Bill O|||||||O
> mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/
>
> Lee Aryan wrote:
>>
>> But but but... I see a lot of out-of-state half-million dollar "camper"
>> coaches flat-towing a variety of cars, including Cherokees. How does the
>> laws you mention below apply to them?
>
--
"I defer to your plainly more vivid memories of topless women with
whips....r"
R. H. Draney recalls AFU in the Good Old Days.
#107
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: flat towing instructions
My tow vehicle is a G3500 (1ton chassis) Long Wheel Base Express window van.
The engine is the 5.7L with HD transmission and 3.73 rearend. The curb
weight is around 6300 lbs.
When I pull, I generally have 4 people plus camping gear, loaded coolers,
food, roof racks, canoes, kayaks, paddling gear, etc. that probably gets the
gross weight up around 7500 lbs or more.
I now pull a Jeep Cherokee 4WD. Prior to the Cherokee, I was pulling a
Grand Cherokee. I have had both through mountains including the Rockies.
The roughly 1000lbs difference in between the Cherokee and heavier Grand
Cherokee is an IMMENSE difference. The Grand Cherokee weight was just over
half the gross weight of the Van. Stopping was an issue and brake wear was
rapid. With the lighter Cherokee, I still have to maintain an increased
safety distance for braking. The amount of influence of the towed vehicle
on the van is much less.
In case you wondered, the towing hardware is a RoadMaster stainless steel
set up that stays directly attached to the van receiver and remains with the
van when disconnected. This tow bar articulates with what is essentially a
HD double U-joint affair.
Weight and wheelbase matter!
- MikeinIN
(I have my eye on an Unlimited Rubicon. It should tow no worse than the
Grand Cherokee.)
"Robert Bills" <rdbillsjr@aol.comxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:20050130171402.01100.00000343@mb-m04.aol.com...
> >I just got a tow vehicle which is only rated to tow 4800 lbs.... so it
> >> can tow my CJ, but not the CJ + trailer.
>
> You are correct that you will be severely overloaded with a CJ on a
trailer.
>
> Although some may scoff at your 4400 lb weight estimate for the CJ, you
are not
> far off for a CJ with big tires, winch, roll cage, body armor, spare parts
and
> gear. Mine weighs 4200 lbs loaded, and I have friends whose CJs weigh
4400
> loaded.
>
> Before you say "Hey, my 4400 lb CJ is under my 4800 lb tow limit so no
> problemo," you need to add in some other things, like the weight of
passengers
> and gear in your tow vehicle. That weight must be subtracted from your
tow
> rating because the factory tow ratings assume driver only and no gear.
Thus,
> you will be close to maxed out flat towing and simply don't have the tow
> capacity to add in 1600 lbs for a typical 16' car hauler trailer. You
really
> need something like a Suburban or a 3/4 ton truck to have adequate
capacity for
> a jeep on a car hauler trailer. (Some say a 1/2 ton truck is plenty, but
I
> think those people are just plain wrong and/or in a state of denial.)
>
> Since you have floating rear hubs, my suggestion would be to unlock all
hubs,
> make sure your steering is unlocked, then flat tow away. One caution
though -
> you will be doubling the weight that your tow vehicle must stop. Be sure
the
> tires and brakes on your tow vehicle are in absolutely perfect condition,
keep
> your speed down, maintain extra distance between you and the vehicle in
front,
> downshift on downgrades to use compression braking as much as possible and
to
> prevent your tow vehicle brakes from cooking, and be constantly vigilant
for
> the unexpected. The last thing you want to do is "experiment" with your
> braking capacity in a panic situation.
>
> That being said, I flat tow my CJ behind my F250 all the time. Never had
a
> problem.
>
>
> Robert Bills
> KG6LMV
> Orange County CA
>
> '83 CJ-7
> '46 Bantam BT3C
> '87 Ford F250 4x4 Diesel
> http://www.outdoorwire.com/4x4/jeep/...p-l/billsr.htm
>
#108
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: flat towing instructions
My tow vehicle is a G3500 (1ton chassis) Long Wheel Base Express window van.
The engine is the 5.7L with HD transmission and 3.73 rearend. The curb
weight is around 6300 lbs.
When I pull, I generally have 4 people plus camping gear, loaded coolers,
food, roof racks, canoes, kayaks, paddling gear, etc. that probably gets the
gross weight up around 7500 lbs or more.
I now pull a Jeep Cherokee 4WD. Prior to the Cherokee, I was pulling a
Grand Cherokee. I have had both through mountains including the Rockies.
The roughly 1000lbs difference in between the Cherokee and heavier Grand
Cherokee is an IMMENSE difference. The Grand Cherokee weight was just over
half the gross weight of the Van. Stopping was an issue and brake wear was
rapid. With the lighter Cherokee, I still have to maintain an increased
safety distance for braking. The amount of influence of the towed vehicle
on the van is much less.
In case you wondered, the towing hardware is a RoadMaster stainless steel
set up that stays directly attached to the van receiver and remains with the
van when disconnected. This tow bar articulates with what is essentially a
HD double U-joint affair.
Weight and wheelbase matter!
- MikeinIN
(I have my eye on an Unlimited Rubicon. It should tow no worse than the
Grand Cherokee.)
"Robert Bills" <rdbillsjr@aol.comxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:20050130171402.01100.00000343@mb-m04.aol.com...
> >I just got a tow vehicle which is only rated to tow 4800 lbs.... so it
> >> can tow my CJ, but not the CJ + trailer.
>
> You are correct that you will be severely overloaded with a CJ on a
trailer.
>
> Although some may scoff at your 4400 lb weight estimate for the CJ, you
are not
> far off for a CJ with big tires, winch, roll cage, body armor, spare parts
and
> gear. Mine weighs 4200 lbs loaded, and I have friends whose CJs weigh
4400
> loaded.
>
> Before you say "Hey, my 4400 lb CJ is under my 4800 lb tow limit so no
> problemo," you need to add in some other things, like the weight of
passengers
> and gear in your tow vehicle. That weight must be subtracted from your
tow
> rating because the factory tow ratings assume driver only and no gear.
Thus,
> you will be close to maxed out flat towing and simply don't have the tow
> capacity to add in 1600 lbs for a typical 16' car hauler trailer. You
really
> need something like a Suburban or a 3/4 ton truck to have adequate
capacity for
> a jeep on a car hauler trailer. (Some say a 1/2 ton truck is plenty, but
I
> think those people are just plain wrong and/or in a state of denial.)
>
> Since you have floating rear hubs, my suggestion would be to unlock all
hubs,
> make sure your steering is unlocked, then flat tow away. One caution
though -
> you will be doubling the weight that your tow vehicle must stop. Be sure
the
> tires and brakes on your tow vehicle are in absolutely perfect condition,
keep
> your speed down, maintain extra distance between you and the vehicle in
front,
> downshift on downgrades to use compression braking as much as possible and
to
> prevent your tow vehicle brakes from cooking, and be constantly vigilant
for
> the unexpected. The last thing you want to do is "experiment" with your
> braking capacity in a panic situation.
>
> That being said, I flat tow my CJ behind my F250 all the time. Never had
a
> problem.
>
>
> Robert Bills
> KG6LMV
> Orange County CA
>
> '83 CJ-7
> '46 Bantam BT3C
> '87 Ford F250 4x4 Diesel
> http://www.outdoorwire.com/4x4/jeep/...p-l/billsr.htm
>
#109
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: flat towing instructions
My tow vehicle is a G3500 (1ton chassis) Long Wheel Base Express window van.
The engine is the 5.7L with HD transmission and 3.73 rearend. The curb
weight is around 6300 lbs.
When I pull, I generally have 4 people plus camping gear, loaded coolers,
food, roof racks, canoes, kayaks, paddling gear, etc. that probably gets the
gross weight up around 7500 lbs or more.
I now pull a Jeep Cherokee 4WD. Prior to the Cherokee, I was pulling a
Grand Cherokee. I have had both through mountains including the Rockies.
The roughly 1000lbs difference in between the Cherokee and heavier Grand
Cherokee is an IMMENSE difference. The Grand Cherokee weight was just over
half the gross weight of the Van. Stopping was an issue and brake wear was
rapid. With the lighter Cherokee, I still have to maintain an increased
safety distance for braking. The amount of influence of the towed vehicle
on the van is much less.
In case you wondered, the towing hardware is a RoadMaster stainless steel
set up that stays directly attached to the van receiver and remains with the
van when disconnected. This tow bar articulates with what is essentially a
HD double U-joint affair.
Weight and wheelbase matter!
- MikeinIN
(I have my eye on an Unlimited Rubicon. It should tow no worse than the
Grand Cherokee.)
"Robert Bills" <rdbillsjr@aol.comxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:20050130171402.01100.00000343@mb-m04.aol.com...
> >I just got a tow vehicle which is only rated to tow 4800 lbs.... so it
> >> can tow my CJ, but not the CJ + trailer.
>
> You are correct that you will be severely overloaded with a CJ on a
trailer.
>
> Although some may scoff at your 4400 lb weight estimate for the CJ, you
are not
> far off for a CJ with big tires, winch, roll cage, body armor, spare parts
and
> gear. Mine weighs 4200 lbs loaded, and I have friends whose CJs weigh
4400
> loaded.
>
> Before you say "Hey, my 4400 lb CJ is under my 4800 lb tow limit so no
> problemo," you need to add in some other things, like the weight of
passengers
> and gear in your tow vehicle. That weight must be subtracted from your
tow
> rating because the factory tow ratings assume driver only and no gear.
Thus,
> you will be close to maxed out flat towing and simply don't have the tow
> capacity to add in 1600 lbs for a typical 16' car hauler trailer. You
really
> need something like a Suburban or a 3/4 ton truck to have adequate
capacity for
> a jeep on a car hauler trailer. (Some say a 1/2 ton truck is plenty, but
I
> think those people are just plain wrong and/or in a state of denial.)
>
> Since you have floating rear hubs, my suggestion would be to unlock all
hubs,
> make sure your steering is unlocked, then flat tow away. One caution
though -
> you will be doubling the weight that your tow vehicle must stop. Be sure
the
> tires and brakes on your tow vehicle are in absolutely perfect condition,
keep
> your speed down, maintain extra distance between you and the vehicle in
front,
> downshift on downgrades to use compression braking as much as possible and
to
> prevent your tow vehicle brakes from cooking, and be constantly vigilant
for
> the unexpected. The last thing you want to do is "experiment" with your
> braking capacity in a panic situation.
>
> That being said, I flat tow my CJ behind my F250 all the time. Never had
a
> problem.
>
>
> Robert Bills
> KG6LMV
> Orange County CA
>
> '83 CJ-7
> '46 Bantam BT3C
> '87 Ford F250 4x4 Diesel
> http://www.outdoorwire.com/4x4/jeep/...p-l/billsr.htm
>
#110
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: flat towing instructions
I am not trying to turn a deaf ear to the advice I have received here,
however selling the Durango and getting a different tow vehicle is not
an option. I bought the Durango *6 days ago* for the express purpose
of towing the CJ. I did so after taking the CJ to a scale to be
weighed and learning that it weighed 4400 lbs, reading up about the
various mid size SUVs on the market, and specifically selecting one
with a tow capacity above 4400 lbs. (I turned down a good deal on a
Nissan Xterra, a vehicle which I would otherwise have preferred, for
that reason.) I am now in a 5 year finance contract on the Durango, so
for my towing needs, the Durango it will be.
I guess I will just have to unlock my hubs, drive slow and cautiously,
and hope for the best. I live in flat, mild-climate east texas,
(which is why I don't need to bring the doors with me when wheeling,)
so most of the time the driving shouldn't be terribly treacherous,
although I am planning a trip to Moab for the fall so I'll just have to
cross my fingers for that.
Two follow-up questions:
1. I have the optional 5.9L engine in the Durango. According to the
owner's manual, this engine configuration would actually permit me to
tow up to 7,150 lbs, *IF* I had the higher 3.93 axle ratio, which I
do not. So one possible cheaper option is to simply upgrade the
Durango axle. Am I correct in thinking, however, that the axle ratio
would not have any meaningful impact on the handling/steering concerns
that this group has voiced, and that the only reason it should make a
difference from the perspective of the owner's manual is that it would
reduce the burden on the Durango's auto tranny? (And, since I'll
still only be towing 4400 lbs, upgrading the axle really wouldn't get
me a whole lot?)
2. Would it mediate any of the flat tow steering/hanfling issues if I
towed the jeep backwards (rear axle first)?
however selling the Durango and getting a different tow vehicle is not
an option. I bought the Durango *6 days ago* for the express purpose
of towing the CJ. I did so after taking the CJ to a scale to be
weighed and learning that it weighed 4400 lbs, reading up about the
various mid size SUVs on the market, and specifically selecting one
with a tow capacity above 4400 lbs. (I turned down a good deal on a
Nissan Xterra, a vehicle which I would otherwise have preferred, for
that reason.) I am now in a 5 year finance contract on the Durango, so
for my towing needs, the Durango it will be.
I guess I will just have to unlock my hubs, drive slow and cautiously,
and hope for the best. I live in flat, mild-climate east texas,
(which is why I don't need to bring the doors with me when wheeling,)
so most of the time the driving shouldn't be terribly treacherous,
although I am planning a trip to Moab for the fall so I'll just have to
cross my fingers for that.
Two follow-up questions:
1. I have the optional 5.9L engine in the Durango. According to the
owner's manual, this engine configuration would actually permit me to
tow up to 7,150 lbs, *IF* I had the higher 3.93 axle ratio, which I
do not. So one possible cheaper option is to simply upgrade the
Durango axle. Am I correct in thinking, however, that the axle ratio
would not have any meaningful impact on the handling/steering concerns
that this group has voiced, and that the only reason it should make a
difference from the perspective of the owner's manual is that it would
reduce the burden on the Durango's auto tranny? (And, since I'll
still only be towing 4400 lbs, upgrading the axle really wouldn't get
me a whole lot?)
2. Would it mediate any of the flat tow steering/hanfling issues if I
towed the jeep backwards (rear axle first)?