Wishbone tow bars

[ColonelMustard]

I got no responses in the "Trailer Tech" forum, so I'll ask here because of the high activity. I want to get a wishbone tow bar to tow my 40 behind my excursion. They are selling some on ebay
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/TowB...4QQihZ002QQcategoryZ33653QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

and want to know if these are good or junk. $21 seems kind of cheap for one of these. If junk, what brand is recommended. I would hate to loose my rig due to a faulty tow bar.

Thanks
M

 

[CruisinGA]

never been a huge fan of those fold-up jobs...

I've put in a few thousand miles towing my 40 behing my lifted '93 FZJ80 with a smittybuilt solid tow bar I bought from SOR.

You could probably find it cheaper somewhere else, it is definatly a sturdy unit.

 

[Fast Eddy]

I suppose that would make a good start if you had a welder and some fab skills. Look how small the bumper bolts are. [shudder]

Look at the 3rd item from the bottom on the 'specials' page, then give Mark a call.

http://www.marksoffroad.net/index2.html

Pics reposted from the other tow bar thread. Manly! The chains have been fixed and I've added the bumper gussets.

 

[Mace]

I have towed thousands of miles with one of the fold up units..

But I have to think that it is a heaver duty unit than that one..

$17.00 seems mighty cheap..

 

[Ripley]

I've noticed that not many people seem to be running trailer "harnesses" for brakes and signals.....am I missing something? I'd assume this to be a NO NO for most jurisdictions.

Looking to set up my towing arrangement here soon and just taking notes.;p

 

[Vitesse_6]

I've noticed that not many people seem to be running trailer "harnesses" for brakes and signals.....am I missing something? I'd assume this to be a NO NO for most jurisdictions.

Looking to set up my towing arrangement here soon and just taking notes.;p

When I flat towed mine, I used the $50.00 towing lights that slip into the rear door/trunk, bought a 7 into 4 pin adapter, pluged that into a 7 pin plug on my truck.
They did have magnetic lights as well.
Worked great.
Good luck

 

[yellowstoner]

Tranny in gear and TC in neutral for flat towing?

I have heard different ways to flat tow a 40. From everything in neutral to the trans in gear and TC in neutral to removing rear driveline.

What have you flat towers done and why?

Thanks

 

[CruisinGA]

SEARCH!

I know I've typed all this up before in detail...

Here is a quick rundown-

1) Magnetic tow lights

2) Make sure the tow bar has at least a slight downward angle (hitch end lower than bumper end) This will put downforce on your rearend when braking.

3) If suspesion/steering is not stock, make sure you have enough caster. This was an issue for me at one point, after I installed a suspension lift and before I installed some caster shims. Caster is what will cause the towed vehicle's front wheels to track and return to center. Lower tire pressures in the front tires can help if you are having a slight issue.

4) I have always just unlocked the hubs, and put the transfer/transmission in neutral. I have never had a problem for 1000's of miles of towing. Removing or modifying your transfercase shifter so you don't have to shift into 4wd to put the transfer in neutral is a good idea. You can remove the rear driveshaft if you want, (just unbolt the axle end and bungee it up out of the way).

5) Bungees or anything attached to the steering wheel are not necessary and are dangerous.

6) Folding the windshield down does make a difference.

7) Know that braking and particularly highway turning performance are very affected, handling is affected much more than when just towing a standard trailer of the same weight.

 

[yellowstoner]

Very helpful

Sorry--shoulda done a search. I usually do try and search on a topic before posting up a question. Thanks for the info. I definitely need to have the caster corrected once I install my new springs & shackles.

 

[Ian Rogers]

I suppose that would make a good start if you had a welder and some fab skills. Look how small the bumper bolts are. [shudder]

Look at the 3rd item from the bottom on the 'specials' page, then give Mark a call.

http://www.marksoffroad.net/index2.html

Pics reposted from the other tow bar thread. Manly! The chains have been fixed and I've added the bumper gussets.

x2 i run the marks off road tow bar. I have not used it much but i think of it as cheep insurance (its a lot easer to find a truck with a 2" hick ball than a flatbed if you ever had to tow it home) About the lights it is a big NO NO to not have them but i have done it, when it starts to get dark out stop and turn on the running light on the cruiser.

 

[DaveWest5150]

I have also towed many miles with the fold up style... I have never had any problems. I have seen the solid type fold up(due to jack knife) not that it was the tow bars fault. The for 17.00 seems kinda cheap and has wimpy chain.
Also when towing, I like the tow bar to be level. Any time one end pushes down the other side has to go up. Last thing anybody wants is thier rig in the back of the truck after a panic stop.

 

[Waorani]

I've used one of the foldups for years with no problems. Cost a lot more than the ones on ebay so I'm thinking it might be heavier duty. Just towed a 60 for Godwin a few weeks ago with it. Even with what appears to be an inflated shipping charge - I can't believe the ones on ebay are truly quality.