Jeff and Ana
California
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Hello all,
I am looking at a 2008 Wrangler that has a slight lift, and 35 inch tires on it. I would like to tow it behind the MH using the ready brute towbar set up. Will this work with a lifted vehicle and oversize tires? Or are any modifications needed? Thanks for any advice.
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Healeyman
Carrollton, TX
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Joined: 09/08/2006
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In my mind, TWO things are of concern:
1) That the towbar is level or has a slight upgrade from the Jeep to the MH.
2) That there is enough caster in the Jeep's front end so that the Jeep will follow the MH through a turn and straighten out after a turn.
Many times when a car/Jeep has been fitted with large diameter tires, spacers or large offset wheels are used to get the tires out far enough that the front wheels will still turn lock-to-lock without the tires hitting the frame/body.
When the tires are set out, the king pin (vertical center of wheel turning) no longer lines up with the center of the tire-to-ground contact patch. Frequently when that is the case, there is not enough caster in the front end alignment to allow the front wheels to self-straighten after a turn.
I'd suggest that you slowly drive the Jeep in a fairly tight circle (each direction) and let go of the wheel. If the wheels self straighten and the Jeep turns to drive straight ahead, The Jeep front end geometry and alignment should be OK for towing it.
If not, have the front end realigned with enough caster added so the wheels will self straightened.
Of course, there are also accessory braking and lighting issues.
Tim
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mowermech
Billings, MT
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The "Ready Brute towbar setup" is an integrated towbar/braking system that is simple, mechanical, and works very well, so that is of no concern.
As for the lifted Jeep, my Rubicon Unlimited has a 2.5 inch suspension lift, a 1.25 inch body lift, a tummy tuck, and a 1 inch engine mount lift, along with oversize tires.
I have encountered no troubles towing the Jeep with my Tioga 29H Class C.
I use magnetic lights, with the wiring harness permanently installed in the Jeep.
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Off Pavement
SW Nebraska
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Healeyman pretty much nailed it. In addition to his comment, I'd like to mention that lifted Jeeps can also experience caster wobble, or commonly called "death wobble". This is also a steering geometry issue and is correctable if the Jeep even has the problem.
We flat tow a 97 modified TJ with 5" suspension lift and 35's. The poor old thing has been drug 60K with no problems yet. A hitch adaptor will likely be all you will need to get a tow bar of any type to align safely for towing. With our setup, we use a 10" up/down adaptor with a Blue Ox tow bar.
As mentioned, don't forget supplemental brakes for your towed vehicle. Those 35's are harder to stop rolling so you may want to keep that in mind when you are selecting a braking system.
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Jeff and Ana
California
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Thanks for the advice, I will take a look at how it turns. What are the issues with the lighting? Is it because the vehicle is lifted or is it just something with jeeps in general? Thanks again.
Jeff
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gone2dadesert
Encinitas, Ca
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Off Pavement wrote: With our setup, we use a 10" up/down adaptor with a Blue Ox tow bar.
I have 08 JKU Rubicon 4.5" TeraFlex LCG long arm lift with 35's, I also use a 10" up/down adapter, Blue Ox Adventa LX, Blue Ox 10k safety cables with Cooltech lights.
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Healeyman
Carrollton, TX
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Jeff and Ana wrote:What are the issues with the lighting?
As you probably already know, in most states, you need brake & turn lights on the back of the Jeep, also tail lights if you run at night.
Tim
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Jeff and Ana
California
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Very good! I have been doing a little internet research on the equipment need to set the vehicle up. All of your help is appreciated.
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