Towing Jeepster 4 down. (Flat towing)

Jake · #1 02-17-2007, 09:52 PM

In searching thru past posts, I see that a number of you tow your Jeepster 4 down, Some with the tranny and tc in neutral and some disconnect the driveshaft too. My question has more to do with the vehicle doing the towing, particularly an empty pick-up. It seems that a lightly loaded rear end in the pickup could be pushed a bit by the Jeep resulting in loss of control. Is this something to be concerned about? How fast do you go when you tow? Do you use a braking system on the jeepster such as is used on vehicles being towed by RVs?

clffhnger · #2 02-17-2007, 11:58 PM

I have flat towed my jeepster with both my rv and my pick up. I must admit I feel it more with the p/u than I do with the rv, but never had an issue either way. I don't think I would do it with a mini truck. I've never used or needed the brake system, but it is required in some states. I now mostly tow with a trailer, but still sometimes flat tow.

WalterX · #3 02-18-2007, 03:45 AM

I flat towed my '43 many times with a V-6 Dakota. I never had problems with handling. Just stopping. I would never consider driving up or down Highway 5 at Grapevine. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/puke.gif[/img]
I always disconnected both driveshafts. The early Dana 18 supposedly has issues and I didn't want to take chances. This would be a great episode for Mythbusters. See if they could burn up a Dana 18 and 20 by simulating flat towing. I wish I had a spare transfer case and a big Milwaukee drill. Set it on the bench, cut out the top to see if oil really does sling around the inside. Let it go for a few thousand bench miles.

clffhnger · #4 02-18-2007, 01:49 PM

I've definitley flat towed a few thousand miles on my d20 with no problems. I'd guess almost 4000 miles.

dbricco · #5 02-18-2007, 06:47 PM

I flat tow mine with a Chevy 2500HD. Flat ground is fine, up hill is fine. Down hill is scary. Don't hit the brakes anywhere near a corner. The Jeepster will want to push the rear end around. I usually drop down a gear and slow down to about 50 or less going downhill. I can't wait t get a car trailer with brakes.

Oh yeah, I have a Toyota transfer case behind a 700r4. Tranny in park, T-case in neutral. I don't know for sure about all automatics but a 700r4 only moves fluid if the input shaft is spinning the pump. I leave it in park so that there's no chance of the gear oil in the t-case creating resistance and in turn spin the output shaft in the tranny. Right or wrong thats the way I've always done it.

Jake · #6 02-18-2007, 10:55 PM

Since our towing would include mountain driveing with 6-7% grades, it sounds like the way to go would be a trailer with brakes. I'm comfortable with towing a 6500 lb travel trailer on this route with a weight distribution hitch. But the thought of that Jeep back there on a tow bar without brakes scares me. Still it would make things convient at times. I guess we have some time to think about it before next hunting season.

AandMjeepster · #7 02-19-2007, 09:07 PM

I flat tow my '71 Jeepster with D20 quite a bit and haven't had any problems. I pull it with my Dodge 2500 4x4 Cummins. It is big and powerfull and I hardly notice the Jeepster is even behind me. I have never fealt it push me but then again we do not have mountains down here in Texas. Oh yea, tranny and tcase in neutral.