PDA

View Full Version : Towing with a towbar?

Menzenski
November 15th, 2006, 20:37
Who here tows their XJ with a towbar? I'm seriously considering one, since I have a tow rig (F-250 with towing package), but there's no way I'd be able to afford a trailer. Is it better to build a bumper with towbar mounts on it or to just buy towbar mounts? Are there XJ-specific mounts or are there just generic ones that would need to be adapted to fit on the Cherokee? How much clearance do you lose with those mounts sticking out?
Lawn Cher'
November 15th, 2006, 20:50
I used to flat tow. Had some scary moments. Save up and scrounge around for the right deal on a trailer.
Menzenski
November 15th, 2006, 20:54
Save up and scrounge around for the right deal on a trailer.
The only way I'd be able to afford a trailer would be to split the cost of one with my brother, but he wants an enclosed trailer for his dirt bikes.
Lawn Cher'
November 15th, 2006, 20:56
Dude, I found one recently for $500... they are out there you just gotta look.
JohnX
November 15th, 2006, 21:47
I used to tow with a bar until last week when my ball broke. Yeah...I could have broken the ball with a trailer too, but when it happened with a bar it was the Jeep that took the abuse. The bar hit the ground and catapulted the front bumper on the Jeep. Bent the "frame" and sheared off a bolt. Had to drive both vehicles home. I also got some nice dents in my new Dodge where I used it to stop the Jeep.

Anyway...Damage would be a lot less had it been on a trailer. I will be using a trailer from now on.
Kurt04
November 16th, 2006, 23:00
Have you thought about a dolly? I dunno how big of tires you have so they might not fit on the dolly, but its a thought.

If you do go with a tow bar I'd recommend going with a Rigid Pintle Hook and tow ring. Like these. (http://www.putnamhitch.com/products_pintle.html#)Instead of a ball. If its good enough for the military it should be good enough for you.
KSXJ
November 17th, 2006, 12:22
Dude, I found one recently for $500... they are out there you just gotta look.


is it still for sale? If so pm with details please!!!!
Lawn Cher'
November 17th, 2006, 12:36
is it still for sale? If so pm with details please!!!!

PM'ed a list of Craigs List ads with affordable trailers. Enjoy.