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Open Roads Forum > Dinghy Towing

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Dave n Alice

South Texas

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Posted: 02/29/12 10:07am

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Just traded our 5th wheel for a Class A so the towing thing with a MH is new issue. I have a 2003 Wrangler. Seriously considering the NSA Ready Brute/Brake setup. I'm concerned about a couple of items. Our MH hitch (5k capacity) is fairly high off the ground. I measured it the other day and the bottom of the receiver is about 24 inches high. The Jeep looks to be about 16 to 17 to the bottom of the bumper. I was planning on a Demco tow bracket on the Jeep but how does one deal with the 8 inches difference (plus or minus depending on terrain and road)? If you have to use a drop down adapter does this cause any stability issues (wandering or fish tailing) on the highway? Would I be better off with a tow dolly instead of 4 down? I would welcome and on the subject. Thanks.

mowermech

Billings, MT

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Posted: 02/29/12 10:14am

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I think a drop adapter is available from NSA (good choice, by the way! IMO, the ReadyBrute towbar/brake system is the best there is!)
There are setups available that replace the hitch pins with bolts to remove all the slack from the receiver/ball mount joint. I recommend finding one of those systems, and it should take all wander and/or stability issues out of the equation.
The towing instructions for your Wrangler are in the Owners Manual.
You may NOT tow a Wrangler on a dolly unless you disconnect or remove the rear drive shaft.

CM1, USN (RET)
2002 Fleetwood Southwind 32V, Ford V10
Toad: 2006 Jeep Rubicon LJ
Other toad: '06 PT Cruiser, Kar Kaddy dolly
Toy: 1977 Dodge W100 CC SWB, 3/4 ton axles & springs
"When seconds count, help is only minutes away!"

Southwind98

Maryland

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Posted: 02/29/12 10:21am

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We tow our 2005 jeep four down, to be honest I wouldn't consider a tow dolly. The Wrangler was made to be towed four down, and it makes towing easy. At first I thought I would need a drop down, but after installing the base plates and road master all terrain tow bar it was close to level. Well within the three inches that I think they recommend. If you do have to use a drop down the biggest thing you lose is tongue weight, not stability.

Will & Michelle
2008 Fleetwood Bounder 38P
2005 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
1990 Jeep Wrangler

bluwtr49

Green Valley, AZ

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Posted: 02/29/12 10:29am

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I would suggest you rig the jeep with all the backets, tow bar and etc. first than decide on the drop adapter. Get it right the first time.

Dick

2000 40" DP Beaver Patriot Thunder Cat C-12 425 HP, 1550 Tq
1997 Jeep GC Limited ---toad
2008 Toyota Tundra Crew Max Limited TRD (Retired)
2009 Cougar 268 RLS ~8700 lbs road wt (Retrired)
2006 Jeep Liberty Turbo Diesel.....TV in Training

daveshan

Durango Colrado

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Posted: 02/29/12 10:46am

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As has been mentioned your owner's manual says not to tow on a dolly, all 3 of our Jeeps ('01 Wrangler and '98 & '00 Cherokees) specifically prohibit it.

Drop/rise adapters are available from many sources, I just got THIS ONE to tow my lifted Wrangler, I have to use it as a rise as the attachment points are on top of the bumper (custom fab') but it can be used as a drop also, they're also available in 2" and 4" so once you get everything set up just figure out the difference and you're good.

Most tow bars seem to limit the height difference to 2-3" between MH and tow.

'99 Alpine 36SDS/8.3 ISC 330 Cummins
Or
'05 Lance 845
'06 Super duty SC/SB 6.0
Upgrades include: StabilLoads, Air Bags & Timbrens,Swaybars

Usually towing an '01 Wrangler, lifted/locked on 35"s or a mildly built '98 Cherokee on 33"s (only one locker)

haddy1

Chesterfield, MO

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Posted: 02/29/12 11:42am

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Someone, I believe it was Blue Ox, made a baseplate for your vintage Wrangler that mounted on top of the bumper. I used it for a reference when I made my own baseplate for my 97 Wrangler.

The top mount should line up perfectly.

2012 Tiffin Phaeton 36QSH
2007 Jeep Wrangler Toad

Effy

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Posted: 02/29/12 12:19pm

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Curious, if you can tow a vehicle 4 down , what would inhibit towing it 2 down? Assuming the same process was followed. You would have to strap it tight if the front axle were free, but I am curious of the reason.

2012 Thor ACE 29.1