towing a jeep XJ with a tow bar???

[Burger]

hi guys, so ive been wondering if it would be possible to tow a 1997 jeep XJ with a tow bar behind a pickup? its got a dan 30 up front and chrysler 8.25 in back, with the quadratrac 4x4 system. anyone know if it is possible to tow those things on the road? no lockers in the axles yet but will be going there eventually. thanks for the help

 

[Root Moose]

I looked into this when I was shopping for my MJ.

You have to fab something to go behind the front bumper that is strong enough to support the loads. The OEM bumper is just pressed sheet metal.

In my case I shit canned the flat tow idea and borrowed a proper car trailer.

There may be products out there... wondering if an RV shop might sell a tow bar hookup that recycles the front tow hook holes. I still think that if you have to tow the truck you are better off borrowing/renting a trailer. Money is better spent that way IMO.

 

[Root Moose]

you also have to make sure that the geometry is dead on flat for that tow bar! If if dives down you run the risk of jacking the front of the truck under emergancy braking. I'd rent a trailer.

This is true. When I towed the Scrambler back from Montreal with the stock XJ it generally sucked for this reason (Scrambler was on 35s). I never got above 80 km/h.

 

[Burger]

hrmmm... so it is possible tho. put the jeep and transfer case in neutral along with checking my angles and towbar strenght and it can be done. good to know. just checking my options. i really dont want to sell my xj but might have to if i cant come up with an affordable way to wheel it. thanks tho gentlemen. and believe me id rather trailer it but funds got spent on the rig... lol

 

[dwcjwerfner]

Well judging by your signature you will be towing an XJ with a 1/2 ton, it is not like he is trying to tow a vehicle with a equal or smaller vehicle, you will just have to drive cautiously obviously especially since your tow vehicle is lifted which does make it less stable as a tow vehicle. People have been towing XJ's behind motorhomes for years and millions of miles specifically because they are one of the few vehicles that still had a true neutral although most of those are the NP231 and not the NP242 I believe you have.

dj

 

[Burger]

ya i think it is the NP242... but i also will be towing it with a 1996 Dodge Cummins so that will make it a bit better. we shall c

 

[mudturtle]

make sure if u are using a tow bar the mounts of tow bar are bolted to frame not the bumper,,mto laws say that it has to be secured to frame and the opp can and will charge u if u mount it to the bumper,,,i learnt this the hard way and its not a cheap fine

 

[Burger]

ok good to know... but with the way things are going i think im going to go ahead and sell it and just play with my 1500 Ram. save me all the issues, plus i need a commuter car. so if anyones looking for a 1996 modified XJ, let me know!