Tow bar hitch specs?

for what it is worth.

early M38A1 with chevy 350 roll cage no top 1974 running gear weighs in at 2700 pounds

no winch or spare or rack just the basic running jeep

 

Ive been wanting to build me one, but hadnt decided on if I want to build a folding one or a soild one. Yalls look good thanks for the ideas .

 

I was figuring the jeep weighed around 3600 or so. Don't really know. I think the chevy weighs in at 5500 and it has HUGE breaks on it!

My first tow test will be tonight after work. I'll post more pics later.

I was going to make a folding towbar and just keep it on the jeep 'just in case', but now I have a tow vehicle so why bother. Its a good idea if you drive your jeep to the trail.

Kevo

 

geez yalls stuff is heavy mine wieghs 2440 with tools , gear and a full tank, no tire carrier no winch,but all my rear ,tires back sheet metal is 1/8 inch plate.

 

Man am I beat!

Left the house at roughly 8:00pm on my initial test tow. All went well. Really surprised how much of a strain that is on the tow rig. Glad I went for a heavier duty truck. Seems to tow well, jeep tracks very well. Stopping was interesting, abs on the chevy definately works. Even so it stopped straight with no issues. Went out on the highway and then up and down a curvy, steep local road.

Here are some pics of the setup:



Let me know if ya'll spot anything wrong.

Anyhow, have to pack tommorrow evening and should be pullin outa here friday at 5am.

Thanks for the help guys!
Kevo

 

Did you disconect your rear driveline? If your jeep has a D18 transfer case you have to disconect the rear diver shaft other wise the transfer case will turn on dry bearings as the tranny flows oil to the transfer case if the tranny ain't turning the transfer case ain't getting oil.

On later models I have no idea. But it's always safer to tow with the driveshaft disconected.

 

Your safety chains should not allow the hitch to touch the ground if the hitch is disconected. Otherwise as you stop (if it comes unhitched) the trailer hitch towbar will dig in and can cause the towed vehical to jump the towbar. BAD news. shorten up the chains. And cross them side to side under the hitch. Leave just enough slack to catch the hitch before it touches the ground and to make your turns.

I drive Dump truck with a trailer every day. I hook and unhook my 45,000Lb trailer some times ten times a day. I know towing!

 

Wheres patrick , How did he tow, lol . I need to buy some metal and get my but to work. It would be nice to be able to tow my jeep down to the beach for a weekend. OK I have a question to add , how does lenth effect towing the jeep . I know you need it to be long enough to clear the towing rig in a turn but is there advanage to having it a little longer.

 

It looks good. but yeh I agree go with some shorter chain.

 

Boyink is correct...longer is better

a 4 wheeled critter tows a LOT different than a 2 wheel critter.
Look at how far back from the hitch the axle on any trailer is. Those wheels are fixed and don't turn(steer); one will turn faster than the other in a turn, but it's sort of a controlled drag around a corner.
With the Jeep, the front wheels steer; the closer to the hitch and they are affected by movement of the tow vehicle bumper; the longer the tow bar, the farther back those wheels are; it's easier for them to turn with the tow vehicle; they get better traction on the pavement, and won't usually cross up when going thru a sharp dip on a turn. Once the fronts start to turn the rears will follow easily; otherwise you are just dragging the Jeep around corners. IMO opinion it's easier on the Jeep steering components as well.
DO NOT lengthen the ball mount to increase the length. This increases load/strain/leverage on the ball mount. It can also cause swaying problems while towing. Lengthen only the tow bar if need be.
It's also advisable for the ball mount and the tow bar to be level or at the same height.
my o.2 worth

 

Thanks for the info gents!

Not worried about the drivetrain at all really. I have a full float rear and I just removed the warn driveflange inserts the other night. Kinda a pain but it eliminates other headaches. I'll have to get my old locking hubs warranteed and reinstall them, but for now this works.

Other wise I got it all hitched up tonight and allmost everything is packed in preperation for an early am start. I did shorten the chains a bit. Hopefully all my welds hold

Thanks again!
Kevo

Ps. Look for pictures next week!

 

Thanks guys , Now if steel would go down in price lol

 

Lane this is Jim Lybarger