Welcome to RVForums.com

  • Register now and join the discussion
  • Friendliest RV Community on the web
  • Modern site for PC's, Phones, Tablets - no 3rd party apps required
  • Ask questions, help others, review campgrounds
  • Get the most out of the RV Lifestyle
  • Invite everyone to RVForums.com and let's have fun
  • Commercial/Vendors welcome

New to Towing a Vehicle

Welcome to RVForums.com

  • Register now and join the discussion
  • Modern secure site, no 3rd party apps required
  • Invite your friends and let's have fun
  • Commercial/Vendors welcome
  • Friendliest RV community on the web
So I'm ready for the flack on this!

5000 is based on hitch weight. The hitch can handle 500. An equalizer hitch can change that 5000 number!

What concerns me is the warning about the vehicle capacity!!! Most front engine MHs have extended frames, and the joint has been known to fail. This applies to toweds as well as pull trailers.

In short, a class 3 receiver should be capable enough with an equalizer hitch, to pull the trailer loaded with your Jeep!!!! Just remember my warning about that compromised frame!!!
 
There are only three aftermarket bumpers rated for flat towing Jeep Wranglers, RockHard, LOD and Smittybilt. I have the Smittybilt which I installed myself. Roadmaster makes bumper D-ring adapters which also fit Demco tow bars. Blue Ox D-ring adapters only fit Blue Ox tow bars. You can buy a DIY plug n play wire harness with diodes for lights. All in, my JK was ready to be flat towed for less than $500. For supplemental braking cost/options, you need to determine what you need to be legal in your home jurisdiction only. Once compliant at home, reciprocity takes care of the rest.
I am DEFINITELY no expert on this, but I understood supplemental braking requirements had to be met for the specific state you are driving in. Your drivers license requirements fall under the reciprocity agreements but I don't believe that applies to requirements for supplemental braking systems.
 
I have the rockhard bumper on my 2020 rubicon. It is a great hitch.

One thing that is often overlooked is the need to be within 2 inches of center between the RV tow hitch and the bumper centerpoint.

Gas coaches often have a higher hitch receiver than the diesel coaches. I had to use 12" riser hitch from Gen-Y to get mine within 1.5" of center.
 
Regarding Supplemental brakes--I can tell you from personal experience that you want them. I had a breakaway this summer where my front bumper separated from the towbar on one side. This was a very scary moment. I was able to get the vehicle stopped using the one remaining connection, but this was a struggle to do while going down hill on a 2 lane highway. The jeep was in the oncoming lane, and required me to move over to shoulder a lot more than I wanted to. Had it broke away at that point, it would have killed someone in oncoming traffic.

I don't care about the laws, rules, or any other reasoning--Supplemental brakes are just common sense and will save a life.

If my vehicle killed someone because I was too cheap to do it right, I don't think I could live with myself.
 
Regarding Supplemental brakes--I can tell you from personal experience that you want them. I had a breakaway this summer where my front bumper separated from the towbar on one side. This was a very scary moment. I was able to get the vehicle stopped using the one remaining connection, but this was a struggle to do while going down hill on a 2 lane highway. The jeep was in the oncoming lane, and required me to move over to shoulder a lot more than I wanted to. Had it broke away at that point, it would have killed someone in oncoming traffic.

I don't care about the laws, rules, or any other reasoning--Supplemental brakes are just common sense and will save a life.

If my vehicle killed someone because I was too cheap to do it right, I don't think I could live with myself.
What he said!!!!
In the OP's case, he is trying to tow a Jeep with a gas motorhome, he will need all the auxiliary braking he can get in a panic stop.
 

Latest resources

Back
Top