What are you towing with?

[JohnX]

Picked up a new tow rig.

97 Ford F800
8.3 Cummins
Eaton Fuller 9 speed
Will pull anything...and anything...and everything.

I'll post up when I'm done. Plans are 4x4 conversion, Denali interior, Raptor paint in Jeep Liquid Charcoal Gray, Stereo, and power windows/locks.

Truck has been raptored in charcoal gray outside, black grill, black floor (over a bunch of dynamat), gray headliner, black door panels with carpet trim, and has front and rear Denali seats. Heated all the way around. Cold AC. Double Din Kenwood with backup camera. Tinted the windows. Turned up from 14psi (stock) to 28psi (estimate 350hp/1100lbft). Tows a jeep like it doesn't exist.

 

[JohnX]

 

[Spodie]

No pics yet, but I'm brand new to this and trying to set up my bone stock XJ for flat tow behind the motorhome.
I'm curious, what tow bars are you guys using? The price range is so drastic. $1,500 for a tow bar? Ouch.
Which combo tow bar/base plate have y'all found to work the best? Pros/cons? I don't mind spending a buck or two but geez, I'm just to figure out what's the best combo.

 

[paulhead]

No pics yet, but I'm brand new to this and trying to set up my bone stock XJ for flat tow behind the motorhome.
I'm curious, what tow bars are you guys using? The price range is so drastic. $1,500 for a tow bar? Ouch.
Which combo tow bar/base plate have y'all found to work the best? Pros/cons? I don't mind spending a buck or two but geez, I'm just to figure out what's the best combo.

I've been using this one for years with no problems. Added the D ring adapters cause of my bumper but you can use regular the mounts fine as long as they're mounted solid. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0016KBT2G/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 D-ring mounts https://www.amazon.com/Warrior-Prod...ior+d+ring&qid=1582145827&s=automotive&sr=1-2

 

[JohnX]

Pay attention to the angle of rides at...especially if you're using a lightweight truck. Flat is good, bar at a steep angle is bad.

 

[raneil]

We just completed the maiden towing voyage of our latest tow rig: a 2018 Yukon Denali. We traveled from N. Texas to SW Colorado towing our XJ on an all-metal trailer. While I've never bothered to weigh it, I'm guessing the loaded trailer weights round 6,000 - 6,500 lbs.

According to the trip computer, we travelled 1,893.2 miles and averaged 11.7 miles per gallon while maintaining the speed limit or better pretty much constantly. We pulled over Raton and Monarch Passes as well as several lesser "summits" along US 50 with no trouble at all. We even passed a 3/4-ton pickup pulling a large travel trailer while going up Monarch Pass.

The 6.2L V8 (430 hp / 460 lb.-ft.) and ten-speed auto make for a great towing combination. Control and braking were also exemplary. My wife commented repeatedly that from the passenger seat, she could not tell we were towing at all. We were very pleased with the results. It's quite an improvement over our 2007 Suburban (6.0L and four-speed auto). In fact, it was no comparison really.

Also, this was our first time towing while using a weight-distributing hitch and I can say quite confidently that I'll never tow another heavy load without one. It makes a huge difference! We chose the Andersen Weight Distribution Kit that uses poly bushings instead of metal torsion springs, and I can't say enough good things about it. Highly recommended!

 

[denverd1]

'06...

how's your truck holding together? really thinking about diesel and like the newer dodge trucks. been a good truck?

 

[Calvin Bnvds]

Which tire model are you guys using for towing? I am currently browsing the options on 4wheelonline so I can replace the old tires of my dad's Denali.

 

[raneil]

Which tire model are you guys using for towing? I am currently browsing the options on 4wheelonline so I can replace the old tires of my dad's Denali.

We're running the OEM Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza (P285/45R22) because that's what was on the Yukon when we bought it.

No complaints, but I'll probably bite the bullet and put Michelins on it when the time comes. They've always treated me right, and seem to last forever.

 

[JohnX]

Super happy with the nitto highway grapplers on my dodge.

My size is 285 75 17 nitto has the highest load rating of any tire in that size.

 

[Calvin Bnvds]

Thanks for the recommendations guys, I will try to check the review of these tire models to know more about it.

 

[High2by]

Just started towing again. 2005 Chevy 2500 6.0/4L80E. Does pretty good.

 

[Ghost]

Current set up. 21 F250 7.3 Godzilla 21’ Kaufman tilt. Taken June about to head to Harlan

 

[GSequoia]

Super old picture. I have more current ones but I'm too lazy to find them. Anyways this is my tow rig! It's super sweet and has AC, drivers side air suspension seat, and a built-in credit card reader.

 

[Phil]

It’s marginal!

 

[RickDT]

View attachment 12333It’s marginal!

Nice toys

 

[jameswilliam]

We just completed the maiden towing voyage of our latest tow rig: a 2018 Yukon Denali. We traveled from N. Texas to SW Colorado towing our XJ on an all-metal trailer. While I've never bothered to weigh it, I'm guessing the loaded trailer weights round 6,000 - 6,500 lbs.

According to the trip computer, we travelled 1,893.2 miles and averaged 11.7 miles per gallon while maintaining the speed limit or better pretty much constantly. We pulled over Raton and Monarch Passes as well as several lesser "summits" along US 50 with no trouble at all. We even passed a 3/4-ton pickup pulling a large travel trailer while going up Monarch Pass.

The 6.2L V8 (430 hp / 460 lb.-ft.) and ten-speed auto make for a great towing combination. Control and braking were also exemplary. My wife commented repeatedly that from the passenger seat, she could not tell we were towing at all. We were very pleased with the results. It's quite an improvement over our 2007 Suburban (6.0L and four-speed auto). In fact, it was no comparison really.

Also, this was our first time towing while using a weight-distributing hitch and I can say quite confidently that I'll never tow another heavy load without one. It makes a huge difference! We chose the Andersen Weight Distribution Kit that uses poly bushings instead of metal torsion springs, and I can't say enough good things about it. Highly recommended! And for anyone using rental trailers, it might be worth checking https://uhaul.pissedconsumer.com/customer-service.html to be aware of common issues before hitting the road.

I'm considering buying a caravan with an unladen weight of 1182kg and a maximum laden weight of 1400kg. My vehicle's legal towing capacity is 1300kg. Would it be legal for me to tow this caravan? I tow trailers daily for work, so I’d consider myself an experienced driver when it comes to towing.

 

[Chris_B15]

If your vehicle's max towing capacity is rated at 1300 kg and the caravan you're considering has an MTPLM (Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass) of 1400 kg, then technically you're already over the limit — even if you're towing it empty.
Keep in mind that most insurance companies go strictly by the book when it comes to towing limits. In the event of an accident or even a roadside inspection, exceeding the manufacturer's stated towing capacity could void your coverage or result in fines, depending on your local regulations.
While it's true that the actual towed weight might often be below that MTPLM, legally it's the maximum potential weight that matters. Authorities and insurers usually don’t care how much you actually load — they go by what the trailer could weigh when fully packed.
If you're planning on regular towing, especially on longer trips or through hilly terrain, I’d strongly recommend looking into a lighter caravan model, or alternatively, upgrading to a tow vehicle with a higher rated capacity. Better safe than sorry — not just for legality and insurance, but for the long-term health of your drivetrain and brakes.
Just my two cents! Curious what others here would recommend in this situation?

 

[Patrick_E]

We just completed the maiden towing voyage of our latest tow rig: a 2018 Yukon Denali. We traveled from N. Texas to SW Colorado towing our XJ on an all-metal trailer. While I've never bothered to weigh it, I'm guessing the loaded trailer weights round 6,000 - 6,500 lbs.

According to the trip computer, we travelled 1,893.2 miles and averaged 11.7 miles per gallon while maintaining the speed limit or better pretty much constantly. We pulled over Raton and Monarch Passes as well as several lesser "summits" along US 50 with no trouble at all. We even passed a 3/4-ton pickup pulling a large travel trailer while going up Monarch Pass.

The 6.2L V8 (430 hp / 460 lb.-ft.) and ten-speed auto make for a great towing combination. Control and braking were also exemplary. My wife commented repeatedly that from the passenger seat, she could not tell we were towing at all. We were very pleased with the results. It's quite an improvement over our 2007 Suburban (6.0L and four-speed auto). In fact, it was no comparison really.

Also, this was our first time towing while using a weight-distributing hitch and I can say quite confidently that I'll never tow another heavy load without one. It makes a huge difference! We chose the Andersen Weight Distribution Kit that uses poly bushings instead of metal torsion springs, and I can't say enough good things about it. Highly recommended!

Really curious how that 10-speed handled descents—did you find yourself using manual mode at all, or was the transmission smart enough to manage engine braking on its own? I’ve heard mixed things about how well the GM 10-speed downshifts in tow/haul mode, especially when dealing with long grades. Would love to hear your take!

 

[Nimrod]

2003 Ram 2500 with Hemi 5.7.