long distance tow

I,am towing a 76 cj-5 from columbus,oh to savannah,ga about 700 miles. should i use a tow bar or rent a trailer. any advice would help thanks

 

I would think a trailer if you have the option. But that is just me.

 

http://www.earlycj5.com/forums/search.php?searchid=419611

 

Linky no worky!



I'd get a trailer. I've never flat towed, but if you have the trailer option, then you dont have to worry about pulling driveshafts or making sure the steering is locked.

 

As suggested, this has been covered many times before... That being said, I would use the trailer option. My reason is that you could use any extra space on the trailer for strapping down and storing totes, toolboxes, gas cans, kids, wife, significant other, etc... (OK, maybe not the kids.R))

 

If you ABSOLUTELY cannot find a trailor and have to pull her, put the transfer case and the tansmission in neutral and see if you can lock them somehow, also you may want to tie the steering wheel with not too much play. Also, I would tow her backwards.......you may even want to remove the driveshaft.

 

I'm not too sure about that... I watched an accident happen on the freeway when a car pulled behind a vehicle being towed backwards, realized there were headlights and a windshield pointed at them, and panicked. They slammed on their brakes and swerved into the next lane and side-swiped a P/U. When the smoke cleared, 5 vehicles were involved (not me thankfully), all without injuries tho.

 

http://www.earlycj5.com/forums/search.php?searchid=419868

 

Ewww.....bad deal.

 

...what an idiot...
...back on subject. A trailer if you have or can rent one solves lot of ills. Or you could try(looking for picture of Flatfender Jeep in bed of chevy pu).....

 

Dolly...less wear and tear over long distances. I guess tying the wheel does seem a bit silly. Maybe better for reverse than forward???

 

I believe this is to keep the steering from going to full lock and then not straightening back out after the turn. Needs to be loose but not allow the wheel to spin all the way around.

 

Caster set right makes a huge difference as well. If the vehicle doesn't drive well then it won't flat tow well either.
I vote trailer. Never tow a vehicle backwards. They will be all over the road. Did it once on a vehicle with a locked up rear end. NEVER again. Tow trucks do it but only for short distances and the drivers I've spoken to about it said they hate doing it.

 

The caster is not set up for going in reverse it will try to go to full lock, your not going to want that on the highway!!
I flat towed 300 miles last month and it was even easier than the trailer i used the year before, it time it took to pop out the rear driveshaft is less than tieing it down.

I would recommend tying a piece of bright colored rope, or something on the steering wheel so you can see if its tracking alright by just looking in the mirror.

 

just get the trailer and save yourself lots of wear and headaches.

if you've ever flat towed anytihng, its not very fun. trailers have brakes. flat towing does not have brakes. makes stopping a ton of fun. also cornering and stuff are better with a trailer.

i'd go full trailer before a dolly. but dolly if you have no other options.