Towing Issues: Tow Bars, etc., mazda miata, jeep cherokee

Question
Shayne,
Everything that I had read indicated that I couldn't use a tow dolly without disconnecting the drive shaft since the Miata has rear wheel drive, but nothing said that I had to do the same for flat towing.  If that is the case, then coupled with the other issues, I won't do it.  I'm very glad you mentioned this in your response rather than just ASS-U-ME ing that I knew this.  Thanks again!
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The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
Dear Shayne,
I have experience towing campers and boats but I've never towed another vehicle before.  I'm planning to tow my '95 Mazda Miata from NY State to Florida with my 2000 Jeep Cherokee 4WD A/T that has a class II hitch.  I'm looking online at a couple different 3500 lbs. GVW tow bars, standard brackets that look like they'd go on and off easily with 3 bolts each, safety chains and magnetic towing lights.  Will this work OK?  Is there anything I'm not thinking of?
Thanks.
-----Answer-----
Rich,

I assume you are talking about the 711-2 from Roadmaster.  I am surprised they have listed these brackets as a three hour installation as it would probably take no more than an hour and a half.  

You are aware the 1995 Miata is not flat towable as-is.  You will need to install a driveshaft disconnect or disconnect the driveshaft from the differential before towing the car.  

As usual, I do not recommend towing a car with another car as it will not track the same as a trailer and puts more stress and force on the tow vehicle and hitch.  I would personally not tow a vehicle with a class II hitch as I don't feel they're strong enough for the job (even though they are rated to 3,500 lbs.)  That being said, this is far from the worst tow bar question that has been asked of me.  

I wouldn't highly recommend it, but of the same token I'm not going to say not to do it.  

One other thing I will recommend is a transmission cooler on the Cherokee as it will be working fairly hard.  

Good luck,
Shayne Peterson
MobileHitch
http://www.mobilehitch.ca/


Answer
Rich,

You're welcome.  Not all rear wheel drive cars need to have the driveshaft removed.  It depends on the design of the transmission.  In this case, it would need to be removed as the transmission fluid is circulated by the input shaft (engine side) rather than the drive side.  

Flat towing always needs to be checked for suitability whereas a tow dolly can tow any front wheel drive car since the drive wheels never touch the ground.

Enjoy,
Shayne Peterson
MobileHitch
http://www.mobilehitch.ca/