Community Forums

BT2 Zeke · 06-20-2020, 09:24 PM

We have a '95 Jeep Wrangler we want to tow behind our Class C. I've been wondering which towing method would make life easier on the Wrangler. I have heard that flat towing is hard on front tires of the toad so I've been looking a two wheel tow dolly system.

I'd like opinions from you all on which method is better and why.

Thanks in advance.

Charles L · 06-20-2020, 10:01 PM

is your jeep 4 x 4? I may only be towable 4 down or on a trailer.
4 down is easier, less stress, and cost about 4K to get a shop to install it. Dolly is a hasle, tows good, costs aboutn2k. I recommend 4 down.

Biljol · 06-20-2020, 10:10 PM

I just setup my new Jeep grand charrokee for 4 down tow 2500 total cost.

We used to dolly prefer the 4 down

steve11669 · 06-21-2020, 01:33 AM

I've done both over the years. 4 down is easiest! I recently decided I want a nice comfortable car so I went back to a dolly to haul a luxury car (front wheel drive). Both are good options, just whichever fits the need.

boomersooner · 06-21-2020, 04:51 AM

Had my RV for 7 months (first one). Thought I wanted to dolly tow, so bought new Master Tow in January. Friday my new F150 goes in to get fitted for 4 down tow, and dolly will be up for sale.

Dolly pulls good, but to get it all hooked up and put the pin in the Master Tow is to much on my back/knees/hips. It is getting much harder for me to get up off the ground, so taking the loss (and the lessen) and switching to four down.

2cyber71 · 06-21-2020, 05:01 AM

Go 4 down
The day you buy a tow dolly is the first day you begin to sell it.

Roy-c · 06-21-2020, 05:06 AM

We have done both and prefer 4 down with a 2015 Wrangler. I believe your Jeep can only be towed 4 down or on a trailer. I don't remember what year Jeep did away with a steering column lock. You would need to check on that and remove it if yours has one. We use a NSA Ready Brute tow bar with Ready Brake system. Simple to use and install, all mechanical, nothing exotic to fail. Add a plug and play wiring harness and no drain on Jeep electrical system while towing.

pushtrk99 · 06-21-2020, 05:21 AM

If you do a little research you will find out your jeep can not be towed on a dolly -your choices are 4 down or drive it up on a trailer- Now you didn't say but I assume the Jeep is Automatic, and if it were stick it might be a different story--Sorry RICH

yeloduster · 06-21-2020, 07:13 AM

I tow a 1998 Jeep Cherokee, picture included. I think the engine, transmission and transfer case are the same for 1995 and 1998. I have a 5 speed manual but for this conversation the transmission is not relevant.

Towing these Jeeps require you to put the transfer case in neutral, the transmission in Park or 1st gear and the ignition switch in the unlock column mode. The front and rear differentials are connected in the transfer case and if you try to dolly tow, the Jeep will try to climb off the dolly.

I have towed my Jeep on a dolly because of necessity but I had to remove the rear drive shaft to do it.

I have towed the Jeep for about 50,000 miles over the last 13 years and driven it about 50,000 miles over the same time frame. I have not noticed ANY unusual tire wear. When you tow with the Jeep set as required by Jeep the odometer on the Jeep does not register. My last set of tires clocked about 35,000 miles on the odometer which meant they rolled about 70,000 miles if you add the towed miles to the driven miles.

I use a Ready Brute tow bar with integrated Ready Brake surge brake. I think the Ready Brake is the least expensive, easiest to use and most reliable brake system currently on the market. I've used mine for about 50,000 trouble free miles. The tow bar has become a little loose. Ready Brute (Night Shade Automotive) sent repair parts for FREE.

I have also towed the Jeep on a trailer. That was pretty nice but I don't own a trailer!

**Lt Dan** · 06-21-2020, 11:34 AM

Four wheel drive Jeeps are not dolly towable without disconnecting the rear driveshaft. Your only options are flat tow, rear driveshaft disconnect, or trailer. The front wheels can not be stationary while the rear wheels are turning like on a dolly or you will burn up the transfer case.

BT2 Zeke · 06-23-2020, 09:12 AM

So here is what I've gathered from all of your replies:

1) Flat tow
2) Manual tranny in 1st gear (will any of the other gears work?).
3) Transfer case in neutral
4) Steering column unlocked

If there's anything I've missed please point it out. Thanks for the help.

yeloduster · 06-23-2020, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BT2 Zeke

So here is what I've gathered from all of your replies:

1) Flat tow
2) Manual tranny in 1st gear (will any of the other gears work?).
3) Transfer case in neutral
4) Steering column unlocked

If there's anything I've missed please point it out. Thanks for the help.

Probably any gear would work...that is just what Jeep specifies for towing. I think it helps assure that the engine does not turn while being towed. I test mine while setting up by putting the transmission in first with the engine running. Place the transfer case in neutral. Let out on the clutch slowly to be sure the Jeep doesn't try to move.

Be sure to get a supplemental braking system!

johninsd · 06-23-2020, 12:12 PM

Owner's manual for my 2004 Wrangler just says to put the transmission "in gear" - I use second, don't know why it just seems right somehow. No problems in 8 years and about 50,000 towing miles so far. I had a key made without the chip so I can leave it in the ignition turned to the unlock position and it won't start the Jeep so it doesn't matter if I forget it's in there and someone tries to steal the Jeep (not that I go to places where that's likely anyway).