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Towing With Tow Bar

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by Dauntless1971, Aug 29, 2019.

  1. Dauntless1971

    Dauntless1971 Member

    I just picked up a folding collapsing tow bar. The issue is once opened up all the way it is the exact same as the frame. Which means two of four bolts would have to left off to use. My question is if I offset the mounting 3 or 4 inches off center would it still tow right. Well except of course the tires would be tracking different than my truck.
     
    Dauntless1971, Aug 29, 2019
    #1
    jjdebarros likes this.
  2. jpflat2a

    jpflat2a what's that noise?

    I think I would make/fabricate brackets that bolt thru the bumper on either side of the frame rails (or offset), that the tow bar can then attach to.
    That's what I would do (and have done).
    Your method might work for a short haul, but it wouldn't be my method.

    If you don't want to drill holes in/thru the bumper, maybe sliding plates that clamp to the bumper.
     
    jpflat2a, Aug 29, 2019
    #2
    dozerjim and Thean like this.
  3. Dauntless1971

    Dauntless1971 Member

    I am the process of moving so I will not bother with photos right now. But I am sure with a photo or two it would be easier to understand. I have no problem with drilling holes in the c-channel bumper. In addition to frame rails exactly where the two inside bolts go, the old side beam brackets are welded directly in front of the frame rails. Good chance I will have to just put the old CJ5 on my car trailer.
     
    Dauntless1971, Aug 29, 2019
    #3
  4. Boyink

    Boyink Super Moderator Staff Member

    Boyink, Aug 29, 2019
    #4
  5. FinoCJ

    FinoCJ 1970 CJ5 Staff Member

    I flat tow mine a lot...flat towed to Cali for the Rubicon run this summer....I have my tow bar brackets set up directly in line with the frame rails - and one of the mounting bolts goes through the bumper and the frame - saves drilling new holes and figured it was stronger that way bolting directly into the frame. Thus my tow bar mounts are always on the bumper/frame - looks a bit strange but got used to it. Sounds like you can't open the tow bar up wider, so as to mount just outside of the frame rails, as that would be my second choice. Third choice is to mount just inside of the frame rails - I think that would allow for more 'side to side sway' of the jeep when towing, but guessing if everything is aligned evenly and balanced, it wouldn't be a problem. My experience says the alignment and caster of the jeep front wheels controls how easily it tows more so than anything else (and maybe the size of the tow vehicle).
     
    FinoCJ, Aug 29, 2019
    #5
    Tom_Hartz likes this.
  6. Boyink

    Boyink Super Moderator Staff Member

    And the length of the tow bar, IMHO. Longer = better.
     
    Boyink, Aug 29, 2019
    #6
    Tom_Hartz and FinoCJ like this.
  7. jjdebarros

    jjdebarros Sponsor

    jjdebarros, Aug 29, 2019
    #7
  8. Rick Whitson

    Rick Whitson Detroit Area 2024 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    I bolted a 4" Channel towing forward to the factory front bumper face to face and welded mounts for my tow bar to the 4" channel, it makes for a strong hook up and can be unbolted as one unit. Good Luck
     
    Rick Whitson, Sep 2, 2019
    #8
  9. Boyink

    Boyink Super Moderator Staff Member

    Homemade.
     
    Boyink, Sep 2, 2019
    #9
  10. Tom_Hartz

    Tom_Hartz Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Looks like some from Curt or Draw Tite will work with the shackles.
     
    Tom_Hartz, Sep 2, 2019
    #10
  11. nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    This.
     
    nickmil, Sep 4, 2019
    #11