Towing a Jeep

[Pete Masterson]

Scott,

Go to the Blue Ox web site and read about their tow bars. You'll see
the differences between the various styles. The cheap ones are
lighter/less easy to use. The more expensive ones allow easier
connection/disconnection in a variety of conditions -- and heavier
tow weights. Roadmaster is another maker of tow bars.

The cheapest bars require near-perfect alignment between the toad and
the hitch when hooking up. They may be near-impossible (due to stress
on the bar) to unhook in a "situation" when a quick disconnect is
desired.

I purchased the Blue Ox Aventa LX as I particularly liked it's
sophisticated "spherical joint" design. It appeared to be likely to
be very reliable. It remains attached to the coach when the toad is
disconnected. (Locking pins offer a modest level of security.) The
down side is that it's really quite heavy (with the drop receiver I
needed for my hook-up) and awkwardly balanced when it's off the coach.

You'll also need a "base plate" for the Jeep. Generally it must be
the same brand as the tow bar, although adaptors are available to
convert between brands. (the connection pins may be different.)

The jeep may not be as 'lightweight' as you think ... but it probably
only needs a class III (5000 lb rated) tow bar. Make sure you don't
need a Class IV.

Light kits come with most tow bars (or are optionally available). I
also got a light kit with my lube pump (necessary for my toad). Light
kits are also available at most auto parts stores. Some Jeeps
actually have extra sockets in the tail lights for bulbs connected to
the tow system.

You may need a supplementary braking system. (In California, one is
required for any towed vehicle over 1500 lbs -- which, in practical
terms, is any toad.)

See:
<http://www.blueox.us/Towbars/towbars.htm>
<http://roadmasterinc.com/products/towbars/index.html>

Pete Masterson
aeonix1@...
'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42'
El Sobrante, CA




On Mar 13, 2007, at 4:19 PM, Scott Forman wrote:

> Hello all,
>
> I have found a Jeep Wrangler (99 model) to use as a tow vehicle. Can
> anyone offer advice on:
>
> 1. A good tow bar...I have found units priced from $79 to $700...what
> do I really need for a lightweight Jeep?
>
> 2. How do I wire up the Jeep taillights so that they run off the bus?
> Is there a kit or something I can get?
>
> All my previous vehicle towing has been with a dolly, so this is all
> new to me.
>
> Thanks
> Scott Forman
> 82 FC35RB
> Memphis



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