jbigs

I want to flat tow my XJ, kind of loaded down, with a Harbor Freight bar and a pickup. I tried it once and the bumper ripped right off. Turns out the earlier ones (I have a 93) have a forward facing Torx screw and the bumper just ripped right off of it. So I thought I'd go to the JY and get a bumper from a later model and put it on.

Then I'd reinforce the bumper with a little angle iron and drill holes to install this: https://www.harborfreight.com/5000-l...bar-61625.html

Then hopefully tow safely. Please tell me if this is a good or bad idea.

TrailerTrash

Is renting a tow dolly out of the question?

jbigs

Yeah, this is just about whether I can tow this way safely. Do you have any thoughts on that topic?

BruceB

First I am no expert....so this is just my opinion.
When I tow anything, I plan on the worse and hope for the best.
I wouldn't tow the Jeep by the bumper, even with the reinforcement bar.
Depending on how often you plan to tow or how long, it would think it would be safer for you and all others to remove the bumper and attach a tow bar assembly to the bumper brackets on the frame.
Going straight and flat down the road is one thing, but when something darts out in front of you, or cuts you off and you have to pull a driving wizard out of your butt, the last thing you want is a 3800 lb Jeep going it's own way with you attached to it..
Again, just my opinion...
Hope this helps

lawsoncl

Bad idea, please don't. I don't relish the idea of that ripping off while you're cruising down the highway. You'll just rip out the metal where the bumper bolts to the rails. A proper tow bar will have it's own brackets that attach to the rails, instead of the cosmetic bumper.

jbigs

Please explain this?

ridesdirt

I have never flat towed my XJ, but I do know it isnt as simple as hooking up a tow bar and taking off. I recommend reading the owners manual. There are several things to worry about when flat towing an XJ (or any vehicle).

you asked, so I'll give you my opinion; do not hook a tow bar to a stock front bumper, the factory bumper is basically cosmetic. It is too thin. Adding more metal behind it will not do the trick. You will have to fabricate a bracket that ties to the frame. I would contact an RV specialist. There is the issue of connecting a tow bar to the XJ. The other issue is the transmission, you may need to pull the driveshafts to tow it without damaging the transmission. Again, read the owners manual, I am pretty sure it addresses flat towing.

lawsoncl

Take a good look at where the bolts attach the bumper to the brackets. If you only attach to the bumper, I think you'll rip the holes out.

jbigs

Again, please explain what you're trying to communicate. Also, how do you rip a hole? I'm interested in what you're saying but you're not being clear.

doublechaz

He's saying that the front "bumper" is made out of roughly the same sheet metal as a door skin. It has essentially *zero* structural strength. Anything involving towing not directly bolted to the frame rails *will* result in a serious accident and what ever liability arises from that accident.

By rip a hole he means the fastener will pull right through the metal. Picture putting an eye bolt through the roof skin. Then try to pick up the jeep by that eye bolt. It would pull right through the roof skin at somewhere before 200 pounds force. I expect the bumper would last at least as far as 400 pounds. Consider that normal acceleration would involve easily double that force.

To put it another way I straightened my bent bumper with hand tools, no hitting, no pressing, no hydraulics or winches, just slip a wrench over the edge and bend it back to shape. Took maybe 50 pounds of force.

I hate to be so forceful, but you seem to want to refuse to understand what several people have said.

jbigs

You're not being forceful. Nothing at all to feel bad about here.

Actually you're the first person to actually say anything, and I appreciate it.

What's the cheapest way to set up for flat towing? I already spent the money on a brake buddy, wiring kits, tow bar, etc.

lawsoncl

Use something like this to do it right. https://www.etrailer.com/towbar-1993_Jeep_Cherokee.htm. Or just rent a car dolly. Honestly, it;s not much more to get something stout like a Smitty bumper and add the tow hook option.


If you look at the bumper mounting bolt indicated in red, you'll see that there's maybe 1/2" width of relatively thin metal. That will rip out and the bumper will depart the front of the vehicle. The bumper was never made to withstand pulling.

jbigs

That makes sense. Thank you!

That's a little steep for me.

That's not an option, and not what this thread is about. Also I think it's not legal where I am, I was looking into it.

Honestly I wasn't asking your advice and we obviously have different ideas about what "much more" means. Thanks for your help but keep your life advice to yourself please.

lawsoncl

Um, okay....

Yes, those mounting plates are spendy and there may be cheaper brackets that bolt to the frame rails out there. I was just commenting that since it's approaching the cost of a stout bumper with tow brackets, that might be an option if you were interested. Also, I would suggest checking your state laws regarding flat towing. Most treat flat towing the same as a trailer, and trailers over a certain weight need trailer brakes - or in this case the towed vehicles brakes to be activated by the towing vehicle. The intent is to prevent jack-knifing or a runaway vehicle if it breaks loose. https://rvibrake.com/pages/flat-towing-law

Spencer_P

Wow, you did ask for advice and you asked if it was a good or bad idea. You've been told it's a terrible idea but insist on cutting corners, putting not only yourself but others at risk. Not once was "life advice" given but instead very cleary and kindly stated that you need to do some more thinking to tow safely.