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homemade tow bar?

Discussion in 'Builds and Fabricators Forum' started by pjstud1v, Aug 6, 2006.

  1. Aug 6, 2006
    pjstud1v

    pjstud1v Member

    Monroe, Mi
    Joined:
    May 31, 2005
    Messages:
    54
    Has anyone here made tow bar for their Jeep? As much as I want a car hauler there is just o place to keep one right now. It doesn't seem to difficult to make a tow bar for the Jeep so I can get to and from the trail with a bit more comfort. My front bumper is too narrow to use with a conventional tow bar, so I figure I would need to custom make one.

    Anyone try this on here?
     
  2. Aug 6, 2006
    Boyink

    Boyink Super Moderator Staff Member

    Tulsa, OK
    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2002
    Messages:
    6,193
    I know JohnnyJeep did a while ago...might try a few searches.

    General rule of thumb seems to be to go long - mine's (made by my dad years ago) around 44" IIRC - a longer tow bar seems to mitigate some of the flat-tow issues people report. Least-wise, I've never had any issues with tires not returning to center, etc.

    I love flat-towing - tow bar stores easy and no big trailer to store/maintain.
     
  3. Aug 6, 2006
    pjstud1v

    pjstud1v Member

    Monroe, Mi
    Joined:
    May 31, 2005
    Messages:
    54
    i did a search and nothing popped up. i will try another round now.
     
  4. Aug 6, 2006
    Rampdog

    Rampdog knuckle buster

    Sandy, Oregon
    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2006
    Messages:
    105
    Just a quick question, is there any issue with too long? I need to tow behind my truck with a humongus camper. The short tow bar I have now is not long enough to make any sort of turn without damaging my "rolling hotel"
    Mike
     
  5. Aug 6, 2006
    Ghetto Fab.

    Ghetto Fab. Member

    Atascadero, Ca.
    Joined:
    Jan 13, 2005
    Messages:
    512
    I think the jeep will "cut the corners" more with a longer tow bar, however it may not be that much of a difference.

    I made one last year. I'm surprised your search didn't come up with it. Oh well, here are some pics.
    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    Its roughly 4ft from ball to mounts. It tows just fine. Only thing I don't like about flat towing is a lack of brakes, but what can you do. Just stay focused and think ahead.

    Hope that helps
    Kevo
     
  6. Aug 6, 2006
    Rampdog

    Rampdog knuckle buster

    Sandy, Oregon
    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2006
    Messages:
    105
    Kevo,
    Right now I have a bar that is three feet, but if I hook that up to the rig with camper on, no way can I turn, the camper hangs over the rear bumper by that much. I'm not sure a four foot would be enough to make a turn. I did search right after I posted the question, shudda done that sooner, sorry. I do like the set up you made, just wonder if it could be made longer.Thanks,
    Mike
     
  7. Aug 7, 2006
    ljspop

    ljspop Lurking Bronco Dude

    San Diego, CA
    Joined:
    Jan 29, 2003
    Messages:
    394
    Seems like you'd want to extend the hitch and have the pivot point out from under the camper?
     
  8. Aug 7, 2006
    Rampdog

    Rampdog knuckle buster

    Sandy, Oregon
    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2006
    Messages:
    105
    I read from sombody here that doing that was not the ideal set up. I don't mind a longer draw bar, I can fab one from what I have now. I'm just wondering how far is too far. Heck, I might as well get busy with it, and then see what happens. I can always shorten it and try again.
     
  9. Aug 7, 2006
    nuttcase5fan

    nuttcase5fan nuttcase5fan

    bernalillo NM
    Joined:
    Jun 23, 2006
    Messages:
    74
    If you want to do it cheap. U-Haul sells a complete tow-bar kit for $127.00. I have one on my 71 and it took 30 minutes to install. Heavy duty too and it folds up and fits in a high lift mount.
     
  10. Aug 7, 2006
    Rampdog

    Rampdog knuckle buster

    Sandy, Oregon
    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2006
    Messages:
    105
    I just measured it up, and I need a 6 foot length between the ball and the front bumper of my jeep to make it work. I also have to make it narrow enough to clear the camper jacks while turning. I don't think I could find one commercially made that would fit. I've been wrong before though!:oops:
     
  11. Aug 7, 2006
    CJ Joe

    CJ Joe Truckhaven Tough!

    Pinon Hills, CA
    Joined:
    Nov 9, 2002
    Messages:
    390
    Long is OK. The long ones tow straighter, less sway. I fabbed mine. Twice. :oops: I'll try to post a pic and measurements this evening.
     
  12. Aug 7, 2006
    nuttcase5fan

    nuttcase5fan nuttcase5fan

    bernalillo NM
    Joined:
    Jun 23, 2006
    Messages:
    74
    If your going to pull triple style I suggest the order of truck, Jeep then trailer! the jeep is going to out turn the trailer so your track should be good. if yours is a 70 or 71 watch the steering bind and don't EVER try to back it up! Got 2 jacked up fenders from that!
     
  13. Aug 7, 2006
    Boyink

    Boyink Super Moderator Staff Member

    Tulsa, OK
    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2002
    Messages:
    6,193
    Backing up slow, straight and for short distances is possible. For longer back-ups, put someone in the Jeep to steer.
     
  14. Aug 7, 2006
    Rampdog

    Rampdog knuckle buster

    Sandy, Oregon
    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2006
    Messages:
    105
    Can't do that in this state, nor do I want to. I have a camper with a whopper of an overhang, so that is why it has to be llllloooooonnnnnngggg. Six foot from ball to jeep front bumper. I was wondering if anyone had any experience with a tow bar that long. If not, I guess I'm the designated mad fabber.
     
  15. Aug 7, 2006
    CJ Joe

    CJ Joe Truckhaven Tough!

    Pinon Hills, CA
    Joined:
    Nov 9, 2002
    Messages:
    390
    This one is 57" from ball to pins. The jeep trails straight as an arrow at any speed. You just want to avoid backing up, REALLY. My first tow bar was a "temporary" that lasted about 5 years. It was much lighter weight. I got smug about backing up and pretzeled it one day. It failed at the neck, which is why I made this one with a strong neck. That's 2x2 sq tubing. Overkill, yes, but I also had about 20' lying around at the time. The attachment points (at the jeep) are angled to allow the bar to swing up (vertical). It's too big for the trail, but it's convienient for moving around camp or other vehicle logistics.

    [​IMG]
     
  16. Aug 7, 2006
    pjstud1v

    pjstud1v Member

    Monroe, Mi
    Joined:
    May 31, 2005
    Messages:
    54
    very nice joe. i am liking yours best so far. that looks very heavy duty for a tow bar.
     
  17. Aug 7, 2006
    Rampdog

    Rampdog knuckle buster

    Sandy, Oregon
    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2006
    Messages:
    105
    Joe,
    That is similar to what I have in mind. Did you have to drop it much to keep it somewhat level to the ball, or just let the angle dangle? I figured to come off the jeep at a drop angle, then run the four and a half to five feet straight to the ball. I've got a little over a foot difference from my ball to the mounts on the bumper.
    I don't forsee backing up with it, but I understand you!!
    Thanks a lot, you've given me some great ideas.
     
  18. Aug 7, 2006
    tomcam

    tomcam Member

    Savannah Tn.
    Joined:
    Jul 31, 2005
    Messages:
    89
    The toebar I have on my 76 waggy is 84" from the ball to the bumper, don't know why I guess its just made that way but it pulls and tracks great with 9.50x31 tires FWIW.
     
  19. Aug 8, 2006
    Posimoto

    Posimoto Hopeless JEEP Addict

    Minden, Nevada
    Joined:
    Aug 7, 2003
    Messages:
    4,538
    I've tried backing up with me steering the Jeep and my with driving the truck and it ain't happening. It seemed logical that it would work, but it doesn't. Just try not to put yourself in a situation where you have to back up, cuz you'll be scr#&*d.
     
  20. Aug 18, 2006
    Tuxedo Lark

    Tuxedo Lark Cracked out on Sun Drop

    Winston-Salem,...
    Joined:
    Aug 6, 2006
    Messages:
    13
    Bear in mind that longer bars must be made of stouter material to maintain the same rigidity. Also, if ever you are using the Jeep as the tow vehicle, it would probably be a good idea for the ball to be a good bit lower than the hinge pin axis on the towed vehicle, in order to transfer weight to the rear of the Jeep on braking. Otherwise, the towed car goes where it wants and takes the rear of the Jeep with it. Especially true on early short wheelbase Jeeps.

    Sometime in the not-too-distant future (engine swap gets priority), I'll be finalizing a design for and fabbing up a "takes-one-to-tow-one" bar for the Tuxedo Park and for my 66 Volvo wagon...hoping to make them interchangeable. When not in use as a towbar, one leg detaches and flips over (so that it runs parallel with the other leg), and the whole thing mounts hinged vertically on the rear, doubling as a swing-away spare tire mount. I'll be able to supply CAD files to anyone who can open them. I'm not an engineer, so copy at your own risk!
     
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