Towing this pig
- Thread starter 4Lo4Sho
- Start date
No, bad idea. Your connection should be direct to the frame. Can't imagine a reputable shop doing this anyway knowing you'll be using the bumper they modified to tow with, too much liability for them.
I'm thinking hard about re-designing my front bumper setup. I'm sure it weigh's more than it needs to, and with all do respect to others running a similar setup, it's a bit "busy/clunky" in my view. I also think the airflow to the radiator can/should be improved whenever possible.
I'm finding that the RockHard4x4 freedom bumper might be a good way to go for weight savings, looks and functional improvements.
It's a chunk of change ($$) but honestly, the last rig we had was SO expensive to modify with bumpers starting in the $1800-2500 range - something high quality starting at $450 seems reasonable to solve several issues at once.
from this
to this (not sure on optional light bar, since i'm not sold on the idea that I need fog lights with the HID/LED lights - they're pretty darned bright alone!)
I'm finding that the RockHard4x4 freedom bumper might be a good way to go for weight savings, looks and functional improvements.
- 50lbs overall
- integrated winch plate
- Pre-drilled for Roadmaster/ReadyBrute flat-tow brackets (and comes with them included for a good price)
- should clear our Teraflex S/T swaybar kit
- light hoop should accommodate our fog lights (still deciding on this part)
- provides two stout D-ring mounts
It's a chunk of change ($$) but honestly, the last rig we had was SO expensive to modify with bumpers starting in the $1800-2500 range - something high quality starting at $450 seems reasonable to solve several issues at once.
from this
to this (not sure on optional light bar, since i'm not sold on the idea that I need fog lights with the HID/LED lights - they're pretty darned bright alone!)
Turn those light on in thick fog and you will be blinded. Use fog lights for thick fog. Andy
deadbeat son
TJ Addict
Good call with the dolly. After experiencing this, I don't recommend it:
Luckily, I wasn't going far.
Buddy of mine towed his TJ to Kentucky on a Uhaul behind a Grand Cherokee...Those U-haul trailers are ridiculously heavy.
deadbeat son
TJ Addict
Yes they are. I'm not sure how the U-Haul system said the '19 4R was sufficient to tow my TJ, but it did. The next day, the Boulder U-Haul store called and told me they gave me the wrong trailer and should have given me a lighter one, but it was too late at that point. I had a 2 day rental, and their trailer was sitting on the opposite side of town with @hosejockey61 while the TJ was getting new gears.
I'm interested in more info on your setup. Did you buy this bar? What breakaway brake/surge brake are you using?
You need 10-15% of total trailer weight on the tongue to minimize sway - might have been a bit better performing if you reversed the Jeep onto the trailer. You had the bulk of the weight in front of the trailer axles. Also max inflation for rear tires if you didn't do that.
Andy
deadbeat son
TJ Addict
That's a good point. I knew I was loaded front heavy, but didn't consider backing it on. Luckily, I didn't experience any sway issues. The biggest drawbacks were starting and stopping. Regardless, I don't plan to do it again. (At least with the 4R as a tow vehicle.)
alittleoff
TJ Addict
IIRC, I think my 14' Big Tex weights about 1,600#. But I've put wider wheels and heavier tires on it.
I've also got air bags on the rear of the 4R. All said and done, my combo would have been about +/- 6,500 # for that trip.
That why I'm going with the tow dolly.
LitleTankTJ, here is the information on my set up for flat towing.
Base Plate: Blue Ox (BX1120)
Tow Bar: Ready Brute Elite
Break-Away: NSA Ready Stop Break-Away (RS-5000)
Taillight: Bulb and Socket Taillight (BX8869)
Base Plate: Blue Ox (BX1120)
Tow Bar: Ready Brute Elite
Break-Away: NSA Ready Stop Break-Away (RS-5000)
Taillight: Bulb and Socket Taillight (BX8869)