towing decision??

[lilgreek7]

I have a 2003 National Dolphin LX 36' and planning on f/timing this fall. still have to sell house and belongings. I have a tow dolly now and have been towing 2003 Ford Escort with no problems, other than labor to hook and unhook toad. Maybe 10-15 mins. of time. I use tow lights on the trunk and plugged into mh. Decision: I want to tow my 2005 jeep grand cherokee limited. It weighs about 6900# vs. 3300# on the Ford. If I sold the dolly and purchased a bar and plate for the Jeep, what would the cost estimate to be, including a brake system? I didnt seem to have to use a brake system for the Ford. The dolly has a hydralic brake system on it. Thru these forums, it seems awfully confusing about brake system, brake lights, dead batteries with tow bars. Also, my jeep has a neutral system that suppose to allows you to disengage the power train with a push of a penhead button on the gear selector. Ok, it disengages the drive train, but does it protect you from lubrication issues? Not sure what to do. years from now I may not feel like layiong on the ground to unhook safety chains on the dolly..lol Know what I mean? Any comments/suggestions would be helpful in my decision making. thanks again. Pat

[Mr_D]

What 4 wd system do you have? Some can be towed and some can't. We had a '97 Jeep GC with the QuadraTrak AWD, it had a true neutral in the transfer case and I towed it many miles with no problems.
Cost will be all over the place depending on what you can get used or have to buy new, you will need brakes so add another $800 - $1000 to the cost.
All new equip and having it done will be $2,500-$3,000 with brakes.

[Gary RVRoamer]

If the Cherokee in fact weighs 6900 lbs (doubtful, in my opinion), then it is far too heavy for your Dolphin. You have a 5000 lb max tow rating on the hitch receiver.

I suspect the Cherokee actually weighs in around 5000 lbs, but check your owner manual or vehicle title for the curb weight.

[lilgreek7]

My bad, the Ford weighs @ 3000# and the Jeep is @4700#. The Jeep has a Quadtrax II tranny system. I've pulled on the dolly before, just trying to decide wheather I should sell the dolly and invest in the towbar, plate, and brake system. Does the brake system come with a brake system or is it seperate? Thanks

[Gary RVRoamer]

Quote:

Does the brake system come with a brake system or is it seperate?

Say again??? Did you mean does the towbar come with a brake system? The answer is no, except for the Ready Brute Elite, which intergrates the Ready Brute tow bar with a Ready Brake Surge brake system.
Readybrake RV Tow Bars and RV Surge Braking Systems for Car Towing - NSA RV Products

[GaryKD]

Hi lilgreek7,
While cost is always a factor, there are times when it is less of a factor. The purchases you are about to make, for me is one of these times. All the different tow component choices work. The technologies are a commodity. These are one time purchases. Consider investigating the different choices. Have them demonstrated to you. You do what the salesman did. Are you comfortable with how each component works? Are you comfortable with what you must to to hook up and un hook? Are you comfortable with how the braking system communicates with you when driving down the road? Purchase what you are comfortable using. What works for one may not work well for another coach owner.

[lilgreek7]

Thanks friends. I just need to decide now. Maybe between Demco and Blue Ox. Not too sure about the braking system of the Demco product. Do you use this product, also with the Demco base Plate and Tow bar?

[Mr_D]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lilgreek7 My bad, the Ford weighs @ 3000# and the Jeep is @4700#. The Jeep has a Quadtrax II tranny system. I've pulled on the dolly before, just trying to decide wheather I should sell the dolly and invest in the towbar, plate, and brake system. Does the brake system come with a brake system or is it seperate? Thanks

The Jeep Quadratrack CAN NOT be towed on a dolly unless you disconnect the rear driveshaft or have locking/freewheeling hubs on the rear.

I used all RoadMaster equip. I like the fact that they use a finite stress analysis on all their towbars and brackets.

[336muffin]

I have a Blue Ox system I like. The removable bars are nice on the toad.

[njs42]

Weight needs to be a primary concern. You will have a difficult time managing your gvwr and your cgvwr in your Dolphin if you are full timing. We are seasonal and just to have the things that make our life interesting, fulfilling, comfortable for four/five months aboard it is a struggle---particularly over the rear axel.

As you make your decision I suggest a good weigh of your vehicle--then decide--in context with the other stuff you will have aboard.

[lilgreek7]

Thanks friends. I got a quote on installing the blue ox plate @ 385.00. Is that something you guys do yourself or pay to have it done. I guess it depends on your ability to install it. I think I can do it, I think I can do it! Have a great day. p.s. We only plan on moving a hand full of times each season. Not continue week to week traveling. Happy Rolling!