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Exactly as the title suggests. I don't know much about them, but was hoping to find a used one for cheaper off Craigslist. Plan is to bolt the mount to the bumper. The front is a wench bumper so it's plenty strong. I just don't know what I don't know about tow bars. If that makes sense.
This is the style that I have, It is a Reese, but it goes under different names. It is mounted off the front spring shackles that I made to level out the bar. Personally, I think there is an art to flat towing, so good luck with that. Right off hand the bar should be mounted level to the ground or a little bit higher at the ball side, this gives better control. Putting an extra 4000 lbs behind your tow vehicle really puts a lot of load on it especially when it comes to stopping it in a hurry.
Similar, if not identical to a number of other manufacturers including Reese. Rated for 5000 lbs, it has some adjust-ability. The mounts bolt through the stock bumper, or other flat bumper. When I had my winch bumper built, the attachments were converted to work with the D-rings:
You will need to either purchase a set of magnetic lights or work some diodes into the circuits so the voltage won't feed back. And cause weird stuff to happen. As an interim method, I stripped some under dash wiring from a junk yard CJ, and would disconnect the rear tail light harness from the rest of the CJ. This works, but not the best solution. Diodes are the best way, then it would be plug-n-pull.
The tow bar should be a close to level as possible. I've towed mine behind my 2002 Chevy Blazer (4.3L, auto) without problems. It did tow better behind my 1996 Ford F-AMC 150 , as having a tow vehicle with a longer wheelbase is desirable. My 2dr Blazer has 'about' the same wheelbase as a CJ7 . Braking is adequate, but you really don't ever want to get into a full blown panic brake situation.
Check your local laws with regards to towing vehicles. In Michigan, the towed vehicle must be registered if operable (which means license plate and insurance). Even on a 2 wheel car dolly (in Michigan), the towed vehicle must be registered if operable. Michigan considers a car dolly a 'coupling device (from Michigan State Police Field Update):
"Tow dollies are two-wheeled towing devices used to transport vehicles by supporting one axle on the dolly, with the other axle on the road. A 1985 agreement between the Michigan State Police and the Michigan Department of State considers them as “coupling devices” rather than trailers in Michigan. The Michigan Department of State will not issue a registration plate for a tow dolly. Do not stop vehicles or issue citations for failing to display a registration
plate on a tow dolly."
That being said, I towed my un-licensed CJ (both ways) from SE Michigan to Northern Kentucky, and was never stopped.
Got mine at Harbor freight, it works ok I guess but I sure like the trailer better. Torx is right , an art. you have to stay wired tight all the time and they do very definatly have a top speed. finding it can be exciting, as can cross winds, quick stops, big trucks. sudden lane changes.......
I would guess that a CJ is not the ideal vehicle to be towing as well, short, narrow and tall. And pay close attention to tire pressure and loading.
I got mine from 4Wheelparts looks like all the others is adjustable and came with the mounts for the bumper. Have been using it for around 10yrs with no problems. I tow it behind my 1ton pu with a big camper on it and will do highway speeds and high mountain passes no problem. The only time I can tell it's back there is stopping and starting. The rest of the time I'm checking my mirrors to see if it's still there.
1979 Jeep CJ7 TH400 Automatic 258 I6 Quadratrac Amc 20 rear & Dana 30 front, 32 x 11.5 x 15 tires. Currently a Complete Custom Rebuild in progress.
Also I own a 2001 Jeep Cherokee, White, all stock with 4.0L. automatic, and police package. Best part of that is it came with leather seats! This package also has the NP242 Transfer Case, 8.25 rear end, and trailer towing package.
I use to have a motor home that I towed a Cherokee behind. Went with a car hauler trailer because it is the only method you can back up with for any distance. I'm bad about going head first into some place I shouldn't. Rod
to be honest, the only time I used the tow bar was pulling the CJ with a Tacoma, a little light, and the reason I now drive a Tundra. I am sure that with a 1 ton and a big V8 you would hardly know it was there.
I got mine from 4Wheelparts looks like all the others is adjustable and came with the mounts for the bumper. Have been using it for around 10yrs with no problems. I tow it behind my 1ton pu with a big camper on it and will do highway speeds and high mountain passes no problem. The only time I can tell it's back there is stopping and starting. The rest of the time I'm checking my mirrors to see if it's still there.
I don't think I spent more than $50 on the towbar from HF but the best buy was the magnetic mount towing tail lights. worth every bit of the $10 they cost.
'85 CJ-7, 258/4.2L 6cyl. Bought new in 1985. Full cage, Warn 8274 winch, Ford 9" rear, front/rear Detroit Lockers w/4:88 R&P. T-5 tranny and 4:1 t'case. 33X12.50-15 BFG/AT, MSD ign, on board air---
Rod
