How to Flat tow your 80 series... safely.
- Thread starter Mikesta
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I did this. Worked out better than I expected.
Moved from a ARB bumper to a Slee Shortbus so changed up my flat towing equipment a bit before a ~1,000 mile road trip from Seattle to Glacier NP. Worked with a local welding shop to make a copy of the baseplate @oilbrnr shared photos of with a few changes. I used Rugged Ridge D ring shackle brackets that work with my Blue Ox tow bar mounts.
I also added some Blue Ox permanently installed safely chains looped over the frame as a backup in case of failure.
It all worked out flawlessly on this trip.
I also added some Blue Ox permanently installed safely chains looped over the frame as a backup in case of failure.
It all worked out flawlessly on this trip.
So you’re saying there is a Blue-Ox fork that fits over that single bow shackle finger?
Yes - it's their off-road bumper adapter. Comes in 7/8" and 1" versions, bolts onto a Blue Ox tow bar.
Interesting, though not useful with our Slee's. Too high and thin. Does make for two additional recovery points in your case. Like I said before, I've questioned just how strong their multi finger mount is I'm using. I think 10k, but it has been many years since I had that done.
Makes you wonder if there are some wacky Jeep dudes out there using this new bow shackle towbar adapters, and having extreme angles from the bumper down to the RV receiver...
Makes you wonder if there are some wacky Jeep dudes out there using this new bow shackle towbar adapters, and having extreme angles from the bumper down to the RV receiver...
Just finished an approximate trip of 5300 miles pulling the lx450 for the first time.
Ready brute tow bar rated at 8k
Two cables rated at 12k
Blue ox adjustable height hitch rated 10k.
The arb bumper had two tabs welded on, one on each side and the original recovery tabs were made smaller for the pin.
I also used the hitch clamps to tighten things up but after a while they would need to be tightened again plus the clamps don’t alleviate the side to side motion.
I don’t know why the hitches and receivers are built with so much play.
Anyway, did the whole trip without incident .
I found it easier to put the key to accessories and back off just a hair.
My braking system is an RVI brake and I used wireless magnetic lights on the Slee bumper
Thanks to everyone that shared their knowledge and ideas.
Ready brute tow bar rated at 8k
Two cables rated at 12k
Blue ox adjustable height hitch rated 10k.
The arb bumper had two tabs welded on, one on each side and the original recovery tabs were made smaller for the pin.
I also used the hitch clamps to tighten things up but after a while they would need to be tightened again plus the clamps don’t alleviate the side to side motion.
I don’t know why the hitches and receivers are built with so much play.
Anyway, did the whole trip without incident .
I found it easier to put the key to accessories and back off just a hair.
My braking system is an RVI brake and I used wireless magnetic lights on the Slee bumper
Thanks to everyone that shared their knowledge and ideas.
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What goes on in that motor home, 40 foot and only one little window
I’m just glad to see Bessie get some use again after the time I spent on the new short block and heart transplant.
all business.What goes on in that motor home, 40 foot and only one little window