Community Forums

SeattlePirat · 06-08-2014, 09:47 AM

We tow a 2003 Chev Tracker. Bought it new in 2003 and have at least 50 K tow miles on it. Manual tranfer/automatic tranny. Easy to tow and set up.

We also have a 2011 Silverado 4 x 4 which can be towed 4 down. Chev gives you instructions for towing in the manual. We have never towed it because it weighs 6300 lbs and our hitch is rated at 5000.

We owned two Jeep products, dont think I would recommend them as we had nothing but trouble with them.

Dont know about the new ones, but those made in the 90's were trash.

Coma · 06-08-2014, 11:20 AM

My wife and I like pickups. A full size Size one. Silverado 1500 4x4. Ready Brute with surge brake. Hardly can tell its back there, even when loaded with my GS and bicycles.

GlenninTN · 06-16-2014, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AggieDad

A lot of discussion here is mentioning manual transmissions. Well almost any manual can be towed - pick one.

So keep in mind -- do you want to shift or not?

NOT all manuals can be towed - ex. 2004 Mustang w/manual can be towed, but the 2005 to present can't. Many that have been found to be towable (but not towable according to the manufacturer) will not have a towing system built for them. A specially built tow bar might cost much more than one ready built.

rbr · 06-19-2014, 06:12 PM

Well, I'll just add my 2-cents (opinion may not be worth much more)...

Over the years I've towed a manual trans Acura, two generations of Jeep Wranglers (the second being a fully loaded 4-dr. Rubicon), a previous generation (WK) Grand Cherokee, and currently have a manual trans MINI Cooper that I tow - all with a now old Brake Buddy, and the last four with Blue Ox tow bars and base plates.

Moving into retirement mode where we'll be gone on months-at-a-time trips, I've just bought a Grand Cherokee Summit and will have a Blue Ox baseplate and an AirForce One brake system installed in a couple of weeks. Based on my experience and study, for us the Grand Cherokee has the best balance of comfort as a primary car, utility for hauling people or stuff or trailers, and easy towability. The 4-door Wrangler had great utility, but once I got over wanting to do serious off-roading it was way too uncomfortable to be our primary vehicle. We've had the Summit for about a month now and we both love it. With us both retired now, it'll be very interesting to see how much use the MINI gets.

Re: brake systems - I've used the Brake Buddy for years with good results and I can hook it up quickly - but any of the box systems or systems that require you to to install something at time of use are always going to be a bit of a hassle. The ease of hookup and simplicity of the AirForce One, coupled with dozens of in-person testimonials from owners I've talked to have convinced me to try it.

ymmv...

flangley · 07-01-2014, 09:39 AM

We talked about a toad and the DW was ok with it.

Now that I did all the research thanks to you people

and found a Jeep Wrangler at a great price, older low mileage, tow ready, hard and soft top, she doesn't think she can drive the MH with it behind her.

I was all excited

ready to buy me a jeep and I got my bubble popped!

Does it matter whether the transmission is manual or automatic on the jeep?

rbr · 07-02-2014, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flangley

Does it matter whether the transmission is manual or automatic on the jeep?

Not on a 4WD Wrangler - they all have a manual transfer case that you place in neutral to tow 4-down.

jerichorick · 07-03-2014, 06:14 PM

I just bought a 2014 Honda CR-V LX. Hasn't come in yet. I wanted a Odyssey but everything I have read says not to tow. I just ordered a Air Force One for the breaking system and I am looking at getting the Blue Ox base plate, tow bar and light kit. It will be a real joy not to have to deal with a tow dolly any longer.

Any advise about setting up or equipment I may be overlooking is greatly appreciated.