XJ Flat towing XJ - brake ?
- Thread starter Apostle
- Start date
MrClean
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Chandler, AZ
I'm not sure you really "need" to have brakes on the towed rig, but I guess it would be peace of mind if you have large hills/mountain grades to deal with. You'd probably have to hit up your local RV dealer and see if they have a kit, but I think they're expensive. I towed an XJ from Vegas to Phoenix with no issues. When my buddy moved here to AZ, he towed his XJ loaded with stuff behind his Ranger, again with no problems, and that drive has some pretty decent grades.
DrMoab
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- The Utah Backwater
Check the laws. Most states now require brakes on a towed vehicle.
MrClean
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Chandler, AZ
I better refresh before I offer to tow somebody's junk again. I don't think it's an issue here, since they let people run down the roads/highways towing broke down cars with just a tow strap. I have yet to try that one, lol. :thumbup:
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DrMoab
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- The Utah Backwater
http://www.brakebuddy.com/Towing-Laws
looks like in Az, any towed vehicle over 3,000Lbs require brakes.
To answer the OP's question though, there are several different companies that make braking systems but they are difficult to install and expensive. They require a lot of set up and wiring on both the towing and the towed vehicle. Here is a link to a couple of places who make them.
http://www.usgear.cc/unified_tow_brake.htm
http://www.readybrake.com/
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DrMoab
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- The Utah Backwater
My dad put one of these systems on his Jeep and had nothing but trouble with it. Be glad you didn't have to spend the money.
- Location
- Minneapolis, MN
I have flat towed a CJ behind an XJ and it was not fun. Slowing for a turn, the CJ pushed on the rear of the XJ with enough force to break the rear tires loose. I had to stomp the gas pedal to prevent a jack-knife. Yes, I have towed before. Yes, I have towed the CJ with the XJ and with a Ranger several times. It's not like I didn't have a clue about towing, I was expecting issues and was able to drive out of it. Stopping the two vehicles took much longer than normal. Any sand, gravel, dirt, wetness, or snow/ice in your turn radius will have the potential to cause a jack-knife.
Consider renting a tow dolly with brakes, your trip will be safer and much more relaxed. A dolly rental is much less work and probably cheaper than some sort of towing brakes installed on the towed vehicle.
Consider renting a tow dolly with brakes, your trip will be safer and much more relaxed. A dolly rental is much less work and probably cheaper than some sort of towing brakes installed on the towed vehicle.
