Flat tow bar

[Lumpy Grits]

Grease is best.
I spliced my wiring and used diodes to prevent back/cross feeding of turn sigs and brake lights. No need to unplug the harness this way.
I just plug in my pig-tail to my front bumper mounted trailer connector. You can see the connector in the picture I posted of my tow-bar. It's on the p/side of my bumper.
You need 4 leads,'run-r/turn-l/turn-gnd.
LG

 

[Torxhead]

Are you talking about the steering column plug?
I was under the impression that the brake/turn lights were not connected to anything unless the brake was pushed and/or the blinker switch was engaged.

I may just run the wires all the way to the lights and install another bulb inside the taillight housing. I've seen where several people have done it that way.

The rear light/fuel sender harness is located under the driver side entry. Just follow that under the dash for the plug. Most guys just install those rear trailer lights with magnetic bases for simplicity.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

The Jeep brake/turn signals are routed through the turn sig. switch on the steering column.
When the Jeeps turn sig switch is not active and the tow vehicle uses it's turn sigs. It can/will 'backfeed' in the Jeep and both side tail lights may flash. That's what the diode stops.
Wish I could find my notes when I did my 22+ yrs ago. Still look'n for'em.
LG

 

[dtrojcak]

10-4
I took electronics in college and I'm a cableTV system tech, so I'm familiar with diodes and their functions.
Is there a particular brand/model that jeep owners prefer?
Or do I simply need one that can handle 14volts and a couple of amps?
Depending on how easy it is to run the wires, I may just run them all the way to the taillights. That way I could easily install a separate light just for towing. I saw a thread, I think on this forum, where someone had done that. The entire towing light system would be totally separate from the jeep electrical system.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

10-4
I took electronics in college and I'm a cableTV system tech, so I'm familiar with diodes and their functions.
Is there a particular brand/model that jeep owners prefer?
Or do I simply need one that can handle 14volts and a couple of amps?
Depending on how easy it is to run the wires, I may just run them all the way to the taillights. That way I could easily install a separate light just for towing. I saw a thread, I think on this forum, where someone had done that. The entire towing light system would be totally separate from the jeep electrical system.

Got mine from Radio Shack-
With your background-You know to use a heat-sink when you solder them in-line.
LG

 

[mtnwhlr]

Got mine from Radio Shack-
LG

Radio Shack was a great place to go for all kinds of stuff Jeep related but now about all they are is a Cell Phone store that will not be around much longer.

 

[dtrojcak]

There's not a radio shack close to me, so it may be a while before I can get the diodes.
In the meantime, would it work if I splice into the wires after the column turn signal connector, then unplug that connector when I flat tow?
Or are the wires connected somewhere else also?

I may have to go with my original idea and get another bulb and socket from tractor supply and just run an independent system.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

You can order the diodes on line.
http://www.radioshack.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=2032269
LG

 

[hagar]

Here you go LG:

Updating an older post with Smittybilt tow bar pics from the catalog.
Horizontal brackets could be had that were bolted to the bumper.
Vertical brackets could be had that slid over the bumper rails and clamped with 4 bolts each.
The tow bar was heavy duty construction as shown.
There were two models for Jeeps, the only difference being the center cross support was moved higher up for winch clearance when you raised the bar to secure it.
I have a set of tow bar brackets bolted to my draw bar on my '47 2A.
The tow bar also acts as my spare tire carrier.
The idea (back then) was you always had a tow bar in case of catastrophic failure.
I recently purchased for $50 on craigslist a HD75W model that was very lightly used. So now I have 2 because when I want to tow my Jeep I don't have to take the tire off anymore. (I tow once in 4 years maybe).
I have another set of brackets that are bolted to the front bumper.
Anyway, the catalog shot of the tow bar:

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Thanks for find'n that.
Wonder when they stopped making them. Best made towbar I have seen.
LG

 

[GARGOYLEJEEPER]

FWIW,
You can also get the 1157 bulbs w/2 wires installed.
Radio Shack 1N1004 Diode.