Question Thank you very much for your prompt response Shayne. What would you suggest for using a braking system to tow the Jeep Wrangler. Where and what would I be looking for?
Thanks in advance,
Mat
You are here: Experts > Home/Garden > Auto Repair > Towing Issues > Towing a Jeep Wrangler
Topic: Towing Issues
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Expert: Shayne Peterson
Date: 10/27/2006
Subject: Towing a Jeep Wrangler
Question
I own a 2005 GMC Yukon. I wish to tow my 1990 Jeep Wrangler for camping purposes. The distances traveled will vary from maybe 50 miles one way to 800 miles one way. This could be either flat terrain or mountain travel. What is the best way to tow this vehicle? Do you need to keep the engine running at all times? Disconnect the drive shaft?
Mat
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Answer
Mat,
You do not need to keep the engine of the Wrangler running when you tow it (in fact this can cause overheating and build-up in the exhaust system). I would use a tow bar to tow the Wrangler four wheels down, just put the transfer case in neutral and the transmission in park or a high gear (if standard shift).
I, personally, would not tow it with a Yukon as there isn't a huge weight difference between the vehicles and the Wrangler might try to push the Yukon around.
Be sure to check the laws for the states you will be travelling through as most will require a braking system on the Wrangler (as it will be over 3,000 lbs). Even if the law doesn't require it, your Yukon's owner's manual probably does. If not, I will highly reccommend it, as it will be a huge help and I wouldn't feel comfortable towing a dinghy that heavy without brakes (behind a Yukon).
Good luck,
Shayne Peterson
MobileHitch
http://www.mobilehitch.ca/
AnswerMat,
I personaly reccomend the Unified Tow Brake by US Gear. It is completly installed in the Wrangler with just a controller mounted in the Yukon. It is however an eight hour installation and the kits sells for CAN$1,200.
The are other systems around including the Roadmaster Even Brake and the Blue Ox Luxor, to name a couple. I do not like boxes that are lifted in and out of the towed vehicle since it is too easy for someone to get lazy and not install it before leaving camp. Also, there have been instances of these boxes bending the front of the driver's seat from pushing so hard on the brake pedal.
Check out a local RV dealer and take a look at some of the braking systems available for towed vehicles.
Enjoy,
Shayne Peterson
MobileHitch
http://www.mobilehitch.ca/
