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Flat towing 1990 yj 6cyl automatic

3K views 7 replies 4 participants last post by  Raoul 
#1 ·
Hey guys, i fully understand the flat tow procedure, my question is regarding brakes. I have a 2017 GMC Yukon. The Jeep is pretty stock. Must i have suplimental brakes to tow it? How much will i feel it if i do not go with sup brakes. i very much dont want the sup brakes, in fact i just wont ever tow it if i need them. thanks
 
#2 ·
Most if not all states require trailer brakes on something that weight.
Yes that includes flat towing
 
#3 ·
I have a 2004 F-150 extra cab, long bed, 7700 series (3/4 ton F-150). Tow capacity is 5000#. 5.4 auto, 4X4.

I flat towed my Jeep to the media blaster (and back) with no supplemental braking system. About 35 miles each way and I had no problems. I didn't feel as if there was any peril or scary circumstances. It was a combination of rural roads, 4 lane highway and city streets. I used a tow bar and HF tow lights.

Gottagofast states that "most if not all states require trailer brakes on something that weight".
I was unaware of that when I towed my Jeep.

I suggest that you check the Texas state website for the towing regulations there, plus any state that you plan to tow to.

I wouldn't expect there to be any problem towing without supplemental brakes (as long as your Yukon is tow rated for over what the Jeep weighs) unless there was an accident. Then even if the accident wasn't your fault, you could be in a world of hurt if supplemental brakes are required by law.

Good Luck, L.M.
 
#5 ·
I Googled "How much does a Jeep YJ weigh"?

It looks like a stock YJ is 3200# and one with heavy bumpers, larger tires, underbody armor and whatnot could hit 3900#-4000#.

Looks like you're good to go in TX but NM could be iffy. You state your Jeep is pretty stock. Take off the top, back seat and whatever loose gear you can unload and take it to a weigh station with a close to empty tank (Google "Black Cat truck stop"). If it might make a difference, stay out of the Jeep while it's being weighed. If you can get a weight certificate under 3000# you might be good to go in NM.

I have a teardrop trailer that I used to pull with a Cherokee. The Cherokee brakes were all stock and were good enough for the Jeep but I didn't trust them pulling a 1500# trailer. I built the trailer with a 2000# axle and electric brakes. The Cherokee had an electric brake controller.
I usually pull it with my truck, but if I decide to pull it with my Wrangler, I'll put a controller in the Jeep.
Yeah, I know 1500# is a lot for a teardrop. Most are well under 1000#, but I built it super heavy duty to go off road. In 6 years of travelling all that I've had to do is grease the wheel bearings and replace one set of tires.

Good Luck, L.M.
 
#6 ·
I have a 1990 yj, the vehicle registration reads Empty Weight 2993 lbs.
I do remove the the top & doors and sometimes drop the windshield for debris.

I figure authorities in any state would go by the weight on the registration, plus the obvious parts removed put me well under 3k.

Don't know of any States on the East coast that require brakes under 3k but, you should check your route. There are some squirrelly rules about the tow vehicle being >60% of the towed that you need a slide rule to figure out.

I pull it with a Ram 1500 that weighs around 5k.
Don't have any issues but I know it's back there.
 
#7 ·
#8 ·
That link has some misleading info but, when you consider they sell brake systems for a living it's understandable.

They have New York listed in Yellow @ 1,000 lbs.
I've flat towed through NY without issue.

The NY 1,000 lb limit is for an unladened trailer.
The NY Gross limit is actually 3,000 lbs ( Trailer + Load)
A flat tow vehicle limit (gross) without brakes is 3,000 lbs in NY.
 
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