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I have a need to tow my Heep

V

VanDerKen

NAXJA Forum User
Location
Norwalk, Ca.
Hello folks, I'm a long time listener and a first time caller so now I'm looking for some good info. I have a need to start towing my '87 behind an RV, but haven't really found some good options for tow plates. Of course that just means that I'm kinda cheap and to match I only have a Ritz cracker budget. So, if anyone has a good idea and some pics, I would be very thankful.
 
What i did to be able to tow mine, was check on craigslist, and watch for tow bars. I don't tow mine behind a RV, i got it just in case i need to tow the beast home. And even when i had CJ's and VW's i would always keep a tow bar handy for the who knows whens..


hopefully this will help ya out a little..
 
Your best option is to find one used if you're trying to save money, but please don't go cheap when it comes to pulling a ~3,500 pound vehicle behind your RV unless you like endangering the lives of others. A one time tow is one thing, but if you're towing it thousands of miles behind an RV you really want to do it right. Blue Ox makes a great system and is what I use. Here's the one we have on our Cherokee:

http://www.aemfg.com/pdfs/BX1110.pdf

I bought it brand new from a guy that bought it and never installed it and then sold the Jeep, so I got it a little cheaper than retail. I have seen them used, but you have to be patient. They sell pretty quickly too. With the Blue Ox system you'll also need a tow bar which you can also find used.
 
I would fab up something like Detours "Backbone".
xjbb01.jpg
 
I attached class-III receivers to a pair of Hi-Country tow-hook brackets (strongest I could find) with the intention of using it for recovery and/or flat-tow.

Brackets_and_Receivers_Mounted_Side.jpg


Front_Recovery_Installed_Side.jpg


The "real" tow-bar setups are all made to use their own brackets so I thought this would be more flexible but I haven't gotten around to fabricating a bar yet. My plan is to buy one with double jointed ends and replace the tips with class-III inserts. HF sells one for $70 that I wouldn't recommend to anybody but it marks the bottom of the market.
 
Thanks for the reply folks.:yelclap:

First and formost of course is that I would not take a chance on safety for any reason. :soapbox:
What I was considering is a tow plate from Tomken that would bolt under the tow hook brackets, but would have to modify the mount to connect a Roadmaster tow bar that I already have. I was just wondering how the rest of the populous tows their Heeps.

For the record though, keep the info coming...:paperwork
 
I have towed the XJ for several years and about 30,000 miles behind our MH. I used a tow bar and baseplate from my 97 Dodge Dakota. It was modifed to attach to the XJ, using the same method Roadmaster uses.
http://www.roadmasterinc.com/pdfinst/1418-3.pdf

Baseplate construction photos
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lwade/2659524173/in/set-72157604557867782/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lwade/2659521453/in/set-72157604557867782/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lwade/2659521805/in/set-72157604557867782/
Later, when the winch was added, the side plates were extended rearward, on both sides, for additional bolts (steering box), similar to the C-ROK bracket. At that point, I added the spacers and a C-ROK inner plate.

You can use the receivers for recovery points.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lwade/2659521877/in/set-72157604557867782/

Check your state laws on the need for towing brakes.
I use a SMI brake unit.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lwade/sets/72157603323570942/
 
ehall said:
That's a nice setup, but aren't those receivers some kind of weird custom size? That was a big deal for me and why I made my own--with my setup I can use any class-III gear
Click to expand...

Nope, it 1 1/2" square tube and it's all Roadmaster-baseplate, adaptor and tow bar. Bought it all at Camping World many years ago and it's still available. Good company and great customer service.

Tow bar
http://www.roadmasterinc.com/products/towbars/index.html#stow
Original base plate- 97 Dodge Dakota
http://www.roadmasterinc.com/pdfinst/246-5.pdf
Cherokee base plate
http://www.roadmasterinc.com/pdfinst/1418-1.pdf
 
[FONT=&quot]
ehall said:
Yeah 1.5" isn't a standard receiver size. Class III and IV are 2" while Class I and II are 1.25"
Nothing wrong with making your own inserts but let's be honest that's what you gotta do
Click to expand...

Excuse me, what are you talking about?
This tread is about tow bars not trailer hitches.
1 1/2" is a standard TOW BAR insert size used by Roadmaster for many years.
As I indicated in my previous posting, the entire tow bar system is available off-the-shelf, nothing needs to be custom made or fabricated

If you are referring to the recovery inserts, well then yes, I made them but that has nothing to do with the original tow bar question. I just added that to show what else the base plate can be used for when not towing. [/FONT]
 
Hello again folks,
Once again thanks for the information.
Mr. lazyxj, the Stowmaster link is the same type of tow bar that I have waiting for Jeep towing service, I was just more concerned with losing my hooks in the front but like you did mention there is an option of making a couple of D ring shackles to fit too.

Mr. Christiansen, I think that the tow plate you mentioned is the Tomken that I had seen in the Jeeps-R-Us (Quadratec) catalog, one little issue with that one is that I would have to modify it for the Stowmaster tow bar have it custom built by Tomken (which they will do for some extra $).

In the end, at least there are some options available that I was not acutely aware of and I appreciate everyones input. Thanks.
 
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