[bubbabud]

Even though I have read that and think I might understand, I also know that folks have driven Jeeps all over the place with no front drive shaft installed without issues....kind of makes you wonder what the difference would be.

The difference is while its being driven the engine is running and the trans is turning and the transfer case oil pump is turning if it is being towed with the transfer case in neutral the oil pump is driven by the front drive which is not turning if its on a dolly so no oil is being pumped to the transfer case

 

[rdvkb]

There are many of us that tow four down. It's less weight to drag, easier connects and disconnects, less parking issues for a trailer (when you're off Jeepin)....just a much more simple setup.


We have a 16' Clark trailer with ramps,....bet I haven't used it twice for Jeep haulin....projects, yes!

We bought a 2000 Wrangler Sport tj recently and are weighing our options regarding towing behind the motorhome. We see Jeeps 4 down all over the country..and hardly ever see them trailered.
Our question is this...does the convenience of 4 down towing outweigh the wear on the tires, etc.?

Those who pull a trailer, say... less wear on the Jeep and easier maneuverability (we have pulled an enclosed trailer for many years) .. and we know you cannot backup a towed 4 down vehicle.


We will appreciate any more feedback in helping us make this decision. We are looking forward to the Jeep experience !!


Kay and Ron

 

[Offroad1]

I went from flat towing, to a steel and wood car trailer, to an open 16' aluminum car trailer. After making the switch to aluminum I'll never go back. Yes the aluminum is expensive, but it doesn't rust and weighs 1/2 what a comparable steel trailer weighs. I tow it and my built LJ on 35" tires behind a 1/2 ton Ram and barely know it's there. As I said, not the cheapest option, but another one to consider.

 

[rdvkb]

I went from flat towing, to a steel and wood car trailer, to an open 16' aluminum car trailer. After making the switch to aluminum I'll never go back. Yes the aluminum is expensive, but it doesn't rust and weighs 1/2 what a comparable steel trailer weighs. I tow it and my built LJ on 35" tires behind a 1/2 ton Ram and barely know it's there. As I said, not the cheapest option, but another one to consider.

Thank YOU ! We are looking at aluminum trailers as well. Do you feel the 16' better serves the need than a 14' ? our Sport is 10.5' long .. since we know nothing...we are exploring all our options.


k

 

[Gottagofast]

The only benefit of flat towing is not having to have a trailer... don't have to buy it, tag it, store it, maintain it, or park/ secure it at ur destination....

Btw, contrary to popular belief, you absolutelu CAN back up a jeep on a tow bar.... the front tires go full lock and scrub and squall and people come running waiving their arms and yelling stop stop stop but it doesn't hurt the jeep other than minimal additional wear on the tires....

I have even backed my jeep on a towbar behind my 38' fifth wheel behind my crew cab dually about 100' and then around a corner.... now that's fun....

 

[Offroad1]

Thank YOU ! We are looking at aluminum trailers as well. Do you feel the 16' better serves the need than a 14' ? our Sport is 10.5' long .. since we know nothing...we are exploring all our options.
k

A 16' is the minimum I'd consider for hauling. As the three bears say, It's not to long, it's not to short, it's just right. FWIW, in addition to the LJ, I also have a TJ Sport that gets hauled on the trailer (one at a time of course) and, from my perspective, it fits nicely, leaving room for for other items.

To be clear, Gottagofast hit on another important item to consider, i.e. do you have a safe place to store a trailer when not in use? If so, then it's a good option. If not, flat towing would be a cheaper and better option.

Lastly, trailering does also mean some work on your part. You have to hook up the trailer, load the Jeep, and strap it down securely for transport. At this point I have it down to a science and can have everything ready to roll in under 30 minutes. If you end up going the trailer route, do yourself a favor. Get a lockable aluminum storage box and mount it to the trailer tongue. This will give you a place to store a jack, lug wrench, fluids, tools, straps, etc. I picked up one from Tractor Supply and it works fantastic.

If pictures would help, send me a contact number in a PM and I'll snap a few in the next couple days.

 

[rdvkb]

A 16' is the minimum I'd consider for hauling. As the three bears say, It's not to long, it's not to short, it's just right.

If pictures would help, send me a contact number in a PM and I'll snap a few in the next couple days.

thank you for your reply...all points made taken...
Ron is very comfortable pulling a trailer, as this is how we have traveled with our motorcycles for many years (including a hitch mount rack for the dual sport when not taking the dresser) … we do, indeed, have a tool box which would be a good addition to the trailer! ,, check !
We have plenty of room to store the trailer when not in use...check !
Ron understands/knows the difference between loading & pulling/backing a trailer vs a toad...thus making it more compatible to his abilities/knowledge.

I will pm you for some photos !


k

 

[rdvkb]

The only benefit of flat towing is not having to have a trailer... don't have to buy it, tag it, store it, maintain it, or park/ secure it at ur destination....

Btw, contrary to popular belief, you absolutelu CAN back up a jeep on a tow bar.... the front tires go full lock and scrub and squall and people come running waiving their arms and yelling stop stop stop but it doesn't hurt the jeep other than minimal additional wear on the tires....

I have even backed my jeep on a towbar behind my 38' fifth wheel behind my crew cab dually about 100' and then around a corner.... now that's fun....

Thanks for your comments ! sooo. our thought after your graphic description of the lengthy backup...is...if a person is in that position/predicament … would it make sense for the spouse to get in the toad and grab the steering wheel to help guide it in the correct backward direction?

 

[Gottagofast]

Not really... the steering wheel will agressively fight you...

You CAN lock the steering wheel in the center position but honestly the correct approach is to plan ahead and only back up if you make a mistake....
I have flat towed many thousands of miles over 10 plus years and and only backed up a few hundred feet total in all that time.... I am almost always alone.... with a second person it takes about a minute to unhook the jeep and the other person could drive it to a safe place to hook back up.... OR just let the tires scrub n go for it.

 

[rdvkb]

not really... The steering wheel will agressively fight you...

You can lock the steering wheel in the center position but honestly the correct approach is to plan ahead and only back up if you make a mistake....
I have flat towed many thousands of miles over 10 plus years and and only backed up a few hundred feet total in all that time.... I am almost always alone.... With a second person it takes about a minute to unhook the jeep and the other person could drive it to a safe place to hook back up.... Or just let the tires scrub n go for it.

thank you ! It was just a thought !