Community Forums

Fancy · 11-15-2012, 06:55 PM

OK so now I need to figure out how to tow our 2011 Jeep Wrangler Sport 2 dr.
Soooo I do have a hitch so I have that already. Now do I use a tow bar?
My husband and sons are use to towing our boat. I see talk here about brake systems etc...
On our boat trailer it has a built in braking system.
My youngest son said that with us towing the jeep he didn't think that would be a necessity. Having a braking system? Why would I tow 4 down vs 2 down?
Thank You!

adehaan86 · 11-15-2012, 07:11 PM

4 down vs 2 down is perference and it is also depending on what you are towing. A jeep you can put transfer case in neutral and be towed. Jeeps are best toads.

As far as a braking system you do not need one but most recommend it because it will greatly increase your breaking system.

I personally would use a tow bar and if budget allows get a braking system.

KIX · 11-15-2012, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adehaan86

As far as a braking system you do not need one but most recommend it because it will greatly increase your breaking system.

I personally would use a tow bar and if budget allows get a braking system.

I think the OP should check the regulations in the state he lives in. Most states do require auxiliary brakes.
The brakes on your tow vehicle are designed to stop the tow vehicle and not the tow vehicle plus another vehicle.

Mr_D · 11-15-2012, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adehaan86

4 down vs 2 down is perference and it is also depending on what you are towing. A jeep you can put transfer case in neutral and be towed. Jeeps are best toads.

As far as a braking system you do not need one but most recommend it because it will greatly increase your breaking system.

I personally would use a tow bar and if budget allows get a braking system.

Some four wheel drive Jeeps are not towable four down, it depends on which system it has.

Braking MAY or MAY NOT be required by the OP's state of residence. BUT if ANY state you go into requires towed brakes then you must have them, there is no reciprocity on equipment laws like there is on drivers licenses.

AFAIC brakes are required just for the safety factor, although there are those out there that ignore the laws of the land and of physics and tow without them. I've never heard someone say: Gee I wish my brakes weren't so good. But I have heard people say: Gee, I wish I could have stopped sooner!

Fancy · 11-15-2012, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adehaan86

4 down vs 2 down is perference and it is also depending on what you are towing. A jeep you can put transfer case in neutral and be towed. Jeeps are best toads.

As far as a braking system you do not need one but most recommend it because it will greatly increase your breaking system.

I personally would use a tow bar and if budget allows get a braking system.

Ok so does it matter what size of a tow bar? I saw one say 5000 like for a 5000lb tow bar??
Is there lbs or sizes i need to watch for? Remember I know nothing.

KIX · 11-15-2012, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fancy

Ok so does it matter what size of a tow bar? I saw one say 5000 like for a 5000lb tow bar??
Is there lbs or sizes i need to watch for? Remember I know nothing.

The physical size of tow bars are all about the same. The rating is what is important. To be accurate you could have your Jeep weighed when full of fuel and then use that figure for determining what tow bar rating you should use. Unless you use the Jeep as a on-road storage trailer I would think a 5000# tow bar would be adequate.

John H... · 11-15-2012, 07:57 PM

Get a good tow bar and also install an auxilary brake system.

Fancy · 11-15-2012, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John H...

Get a good tow bar and also install an auxilary brake system.

So what is a good tow bar??
Name brand?

KIX · 11-15-2012, 08:12 PM

Demco makes an excellent one. there are others too but I like Demco

njs42 · 11-15-2012, 09:22 PM

Look at the Readybrake . I think if I were to get another system I would give it a serious look. It is a surge system for braking and the brake system is combined with the tow bar. This allows you to get everything in one unit and save some serious money at the same time. Readybrake RV Tow Bars and RV Surge Braking Systems for Car Towing - NSA RV Products

LandKinaMoho · 11-15-2012, 10:23 PM

Yup, readybrake is a good one..I am happy with it on Rangeee
Lots of good ootions out there but for simplicity RB rules.

okmunky · 11-15-2012, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by njs42

Look at the Readybrake . I think if I were to get another system I would give it a serious look. It is a surge system for braking and the brake system is combined with the tow bar. This allows you to get everything in one unit and save some serious money at the same time. Readybrake RV Tow Bars and RV Surge Braking Systems for Car Towing - NSA RV Products

Ditto ... and easier to use than most tow systems.

CampDaven · 11-16-2012, 05:20 AM

If yer doin it, do it real good.

My toad is a 2012 Wrangler Sport. Transfer case in N, trans in P, lock it and go. It's near 4000 lbs with normal load. A brake system with a break-away feature meets all state regs.

I've had my Brake Buddy since 2001. It works! Feels good to stop in 2/3 the distance.

I tow with a Roadmaster Stowmaster 5000. A bit clunky for some folks, but I love it.

Happy Trails!

John H... · 11-16-2012, 05:56 AM

I use the Ready Brake with my Jeep Liberty, but there are a lot of good tow bars out. Reese, Roadmaster and Draw-tite to mention a few. Google Jeep towing or Jeep tow bars and you will get a lot of ideas. Good luck...