Towing my FJ40 (1 Viewer)

[knuckle47]

I have towed trailers and boats for some time never thinking of the requirements of the axles and wheels simply because all there was are brakes and bearing to grease. I’ve never towed a vehicle before. My FJ40 has a bumper for the winch along with these brackets. I would like to get a Towbar to attach to them.

What special considerations are needed for getting a tow bar since I have seen them for $100 to $1200..

Then, what needs to be done to the drive train on the FJ40 in order to safely tow it? Is there such thing as a Towbar that won’t run over $500.00?

Thanks….

 

[kirvesmies]

@knuckle47 , simple, build your own to fit. a basic "a" frame about 4' long. width to match your brackets with double shear on the end. use 5/8" hitch pins. very easy. back in the dark ages when i flat towed, i built mine using 11/2" - 3/16 wall square tube. it's still performing yeoman duty in emergencies.
re: driveline prep, i never did any other than the obvious, in neutral, both t-case n trans. steering unlocked. i did notice that both ends of the tow bar should be as close to the same height as possible. the towee seemed to follow better in the tighter turns

 

[Waorani]

I've had a Draw-Tite folding tow bar for years. Haven't used lately but I've flat-towed a lot of vehicles with it. Two plates bolt on bumper and tow bar attaches to them with quick release pins. Main thing is a solid enough bumper/plate for the task. Quick release is nice, folding makes for easier storage and mounting plates stay on the vehicle. Looks like a lot of cheaper versions out there today so I suggest looking at the quality before buying one or get a name brand like Draw-Tite, Reese, Curt (~ $150).

As far as towing a manual, all I ever did was make sure vehicle was in neutral and brake was off. If you want lights look at some of the magnetic towing lights.

DRAW-TITE | 63180 | Adjustable Tow Bar, 5,000 lbs. Capacity

Draw-Tite Trailer Hitches & Towing Accessories. Since 1946, Draw-Tite has always strived to provide the right trailer towing system for each application. This is why we offer as many as ten different trailer hitches for a single vehicle. Whether it's weight capacity, ease of installation...

www.draw-tite.com

 

[clrussell]

In my opinion..

Buy a trailer and properly strap it down. Those attachment points don’t look the best (although I’ve seen WAY sketchier)

I’ve just never liked tow bars.

 

[45Kevin]

Many jurisdictions these days have requirements for towed vehicle braking.
This involves an expensive set up.
Check your local laws.

I have flat towed my 45 several time successfully. I use a cheap, simple tow bar and a set of magnetic lights.
I make sure the front hubs are unlocked and the t-case is in neutral.
Maybe a couple of times I pulled the rear driveshaft. But it is not necessary.

 

[knuckle47]

Thanks guys… while investigating this further…the PO may have towed this 40 around in Washington as I have discovered and traced a 4 pin trailer light connection to the rear stock lights …plugged it into the Silverado and it works. For me, towing would be limited to 50 miles maximum and mostly likely, no more than 20. The setup on the bumper is substantial so my need is simply what kind to get. In my decades of driving I have seen tons of Jeeps behind motorhomes but never once even looked at the system they had.

As for laws … that I have no clue and will check. My purpose: I live very close to the Pine Barrens and other reserve lands…..I would usually just drive over and do some trail riding and head home but, since the FJ40 has this “option”, it might be an idea once in a while to do this and having the tow bar is the key.

 

[knuckle47]

According to this “guide’. The FJ40 is the most perfect towed vehicle on the planet…

What Cars Can Be Flat-Towed? | Edmunds

Flat towing can be an ideal way to bring your car along for a road trip. Click the link to learn which cars can be flat-towed and what else you need to know.

www.edmunds.com

Thanks to,all for the great head start!

 

[kirvesmies]

According to this “guide’. The FJ40 is the most perfect towed vehicle on the planet…

What Cars Can Be Flat-Towed? | Edmunds

Flat towing can be an ideal way to bring your car along for a road trip. Click the link to learn which cars can be flat-towed and what else you need to know.

www.edmunds.com

Thanks to,all for the great head start!

no, that guide is wrong, it should read " the FJ40 is the most perfect driven vehicle on the planet......"