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Towing With Tow Bar

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

  1. Aug 29, 2019
    Dauntless1971

    Dauntless1971 Member

    Bend, OR
    Joined:
    Oct 22, 2004
    Messages:
    227
    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.
     
    jjdebarros likes this.
  2. Aug 29, 2019
    jpflat2a

    jpflat2a what's that noise?

    Hermosa, SD
    Joined:
    Jul 30, 2003
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    8,513
    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.
     
    dozerjim and Thean like this.
  3. Aug 29, 2019
    Dauntless1971

    Dauntless1971 Member

    Bend, OR
    Joined:
    Oct 22, 2004
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    227
    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.
     
  4. Aug 29, 2019
    Boyink

    Boyink Super Moderator Staff Member

    Tulsa, OK
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    Sep 20, 2002
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  5. Aug 29, 2019
    FinoCJ

    FinoCJ 1970 CJ5 Staff Member

    Bozeman, MT
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    Jul 18, 2013
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    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).
     
    Tom_Hartz likes this.
  6. Aug 29, 2019
    Boyink

    Boyink Super Moderator Staff Member

    Tulsa, OK
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    Sep 20, 2002
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    And the length of the tow bar, IMHO. Longer = better.
     
    Tom_Hartz and FinoCJ like this.
  7. Aug 29, 2019
    jjdebarros

    jjdebarros Sponsor

    Spokane, WA
    Joined:
    Dec 26, 2017
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  8. Sep 2, 2019
    Rick Whitson

    Rick Whitson Detroit Area 2024 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    I live South of...
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    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
     
  9. Sep 2, 2019
    Boyink

    Boyink Super Moderator Staff Member

    Tulsa, OK
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    Homemade.
     
  10. Sep 2, 2019
    Tom_Hartz

    Tom_Hartz Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    North Carolina
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    Apr 9, 2014
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    Looks like some from Curt or Draw Tite will work with the shackles.
     
  11. Sep 4, 2019
    nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    Happy Valley, OR
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    Sep 23, 2002
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    This.
     
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