Towing Question

frankatp · 03-09-2013, 08:42 AM

Alright nobody laugh, but do you leave the steering unlocked when you tow? If so (which is what I suspect) how do you deal with the battery drain? We are setting up a 20 year old Jeep to tow. Thanks Frank

Ditchooker · 03-11-2013, 04:48 PM

pretty much all vehicles have an "off" position before the steering lock engages, older vehicles used to have a button to push or you had to push the key in to get the ignition to turn to the "lock" position to remove the key. Just have a second key handy to unlock the doors

If it is an automatic, it shouldn't allow you to put it into lock without putting it into park either, but it will turn to "off"

GASPEDDLER · 03-11-2013, 08:00 PM

We tow a 1995 wrangler. There is an ignition key position half way between the off position and the run position. See below.

frankatp · 03-11-2013, 09:47 PM

Thanks so much. We have only had the jeep a week. Do you need a supplemental braking system as well?

GASPEDDLER · 03-11-2013, 10:43 PM

I don't use an additional braking system but that's not to say it's a bad idea. In fact my understanding is that a braking system is a must in some states. I tow short distances and have never felt the need to use additional braking ( knock on wood). Be safe.

Taranwanderer · 03-11-2013, 11:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by frankatp

Thanks so much. We have only had the jeep a week. Do you need a supplemental braking system as well?

I think the answer to this depends a lot on what you're towing the YJ with. I used to flat tow my YJ (before I got smart and bought a trailer) with my '01 Ram 2500 CTD. It towed well, but the truck was a 5 speed, so I could downshift for slowing. If the Jeep is stock it weighs in around 3500-3800# (depending on engine and trans combo.) X2 on the unlocking the steering without having to turn the key all the way to the "on" position. Also, I always kept my t-case in 2-hi and my (manual) trans in neutral, but there's many opinions about that floating around. If you post up what year Jeep, and what engine and trans you have, I can help a little more.

frankatp · 03-12-2013, 02:33 PM

Thanks for the info on brake systems. Our YJ is a 93 Sahara. Frank

OffPavement · 03-22-2013, 09:39 AM

Your 93 Wrangler needs to have the transfer case in neutral, and transmission in a gear, any gear, or park if an automatic transmission.

Here is an informative article about the physics of towed vehicles and braking... The Physics of Towed Vehiclesl

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