Flat towing my 8

[hole]

I've been researching about flat towing CJ's, and found alot of great advice on here how to do it. What I didnt find was what set-ups you guy's use? My parents have a place along the Colorado River in Arizona (Bullhead City) and there are quite a few trails to play on in the area. My wife and I would like to do some exploring out there this winter, but the 4 hour drive to get there with 2 50lb dogs in a 2 seat 1/2 cab doesnt excite her too much. This is where the tow bar idea came about. I just need some thing to safely tow my old girl 250-300 miles at a time.I've found 5k rated tow bars from as cheap as $75 up to $1500. I certainly dont want to be too cheap but $1k or more isnt going to work either. What do you guys use and have had good luck with?

 

[Sasquach]

This is what I use..
Tow Bars - Curt Tow Bar Kits, Curt Adjustable Tow Bars

It has been fully satisfactory, I don't use the bumper brackets it comes with but instead made some shackles that accept the pins. Whatever you choose to do make sure that the tow bar is level between the tow rig and your CJ. Then some magnetic trailer lights, safety chains and your good to go.

 

[mylittlecj5]

I have built a number of tow bars over the years. They don't have to be fancy, just have a good connection at both ends. The one I used a few years ago to haul my CJ 2100 miles is a universal style with a 'folding' (for lack of a better word) hitch on it. I don't recommend that style. the head gets loose to easy and makes the CJ wander too much.
Just remember, you have to plan ahead when flat-towing. It is extremely difficult if not impossible to back up while connected.

 

[Petescj]

My parents have a place along the Colorado River in Arizona (Bullhead City) and there are quite a few trails to play on in the area. My wife and I would like to do some exploring out there this winter. with?

I thought you were nuts till I read the word "Winter". That is one hot location.

 

[Busted Knuckles]

I think I have a reese tow bar, I dont think I paid over $125 for it, and Ive drug a CJ and a TJ from the midwest, to all over the west coast, thousands of miles behind a Silverado extra cab 1500 4x4. Im now towing with a 6700lb 3/4 Suburban.

My only advice, take on ramps and off ramps at speed or less, with no braking behind you, there is about 4k of kinetic energy that really wants to keep going straight. Ask me how I know.... and you really want good brakes on your tow vehicle. Ive got ceramic pads on my two towers, both are 4 wheel disc brakes, and it aint no big deal, just no very abrupt changes in direction, or you may have a problem.

I also would not tow with anything less than a 4 wheel disc brake 1/2 ton, and would recommend a heavy 3/4 or 1 ton for safety comfort level.

Just my 2 cents having been there and done that.

 

[hole]

Thanks guys! I appreciate all the advise. Pete,we are usually on our boat with a coldie when it's hot. Before my Dad lost his eyesight he kept an 06 Rubicon at the house, but sold it last year. With that at our disposal we did a bunch of winter exploring in the past, just want to get back to it this winter with the 8. Thanks again everyone