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Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » I'm thinking about a Jeep CJ-5 as a towd (Can anyone chime in with good/bad experiences or reasons why this would be a bad idea?)
Re: [GMCnet] I'm thinking about a Jeep CJ-5 as a towd [message #324533 is a reply to message #324521] Mon, 02 October 2017 07:49 Go to previous messageGo to next message
jimk is currently offline  jimk   United States
Messages: 6734
Registered: July 2006
Location: Belmont, CA
Karma: 9
Senior Member
We install lot of automatic transmission units with a aux. trans fluid pump.
Even when the auto manufacture states it is not towable on all 4 the pump
manufactures have listings we acquire that state otherwise.
It has all the safety features, incase there be any failure in the system.
I personally have towed that way since 1990 various mini vans.

On Sun, Oct 1, 2017 at 4:26 PM, John Wright wrote:

> Hal,
> Is the Cabriolet with the manual transmission flat towable with the manual
> transmission without any modifications?
>
> JR
>
>> On Oct 1, 2017, at 2:30 PM, Hal StClair
> wrote:
>>
>> That's a lot of $$$ for that VW. I paid $500 and drove ours 50 miles
> home. Needed a top and the interior was a little rough but with an
> additional
>> $1500 in her she should look road ready.
>> Takes a little time to find a good one for the right price. Prices are
> all over the map.
>> Here's one locally now;
>> https://albuquerque.craigslist.org/cto/d/1992-volkswagen-cabriolet/
> 6312781673.html
>> Hal
>> --
>> 1977 Royale 101348,
>>
>> 1977 Royale 101586, Diesel powered,
>>
>> 1975 Eleganza II, 101230,
>>
>> 1974 Eagle Bus 45',w/slideout,
>>
>> Rio Rancho, NM
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
>
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--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
Re: [GMCnet] I'm thinking about a Jeep CJ-5 as a towd [message #324534 is a reply to message #324533] Mon, 02 October 2017 08:52 Go to previous messageGo to next message
powerjon is currently offline  powerjon   United States
Messages: 2446
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 5
Senior Member
I have towed 5 different cars since 1999 and all were flat towed. Started with a small ragtop GEO with 4WD, weigh at a shade over 2000 lbs. Good towed, poor comfort for any distance driving. Next was a GMC Jimmy 4WD (2900 lbs), wasn’t that good. Wife liked the next one. It was a 2001 Tracker, 4Dr, 4WD and towed and is still a very popular towed in the GMC community. Bought a 2009 Honda FIT and it was my personal favorite. Weigh in at slight under 2500 lbs and was fun to drive with a paddle shifted automatic and a very peppy motor. The only drawback was that with sport suspension low profile sport tires it ride was a bit harsh just like Jerry W Fiat Abarth. Presently towing a 2011 Honda CRV we both like the car and I still miss the FIT.

The Problem that we see today is that the number of flat towable cars has gone down a lot. All of the Honda’s are no longer Flat towable as they change the transmission in 2013 to a constant volaicity internals. Check the Towable guide at FMCA or one of the other out there and you are disappointed. We may have to go to a tow dolly in the future if the trend continues.

As a check on what was available, Chevy has only 2 cars that weight under 2800# with AT, the Sonic. Ford has only 2 under 3000# with AT, the Focus. The last one listed is the SMART AT. The is the entire list for a light weight car with AT from the various builder. If you want a manual transmission then the models available are many. Again the wife does not like or want a manual transmission!

JR Wright
78 Buskirk Stretch
75 Avion
Michigan


> On Oct 2, 2017, at 8:49 AM, Jim Kanomata wrote:
>
> We install lot of automatic transmission units with a aux. trans fluid pump.
> Even when the auto manufacture states it is not towable on all 4 the pump
> manufactures have listings we acquire that state otherwise.
> It has all the safety features, incase there be any failure in the system.
> I personally have towed that way since 1990 various mini vans.
>
> On Sun, Oct 1, 2017 at 4:26 PM, John Wright wrote:
>
>> Hal,
>> Is the Cabriolet with the manual transmission flat towable with the manual
>> transmission without any modifications?
>>
>> JR
>>
>>> On Oct 1, 2017, at 2:30 PM, Hal StClair
>> wrote:
>>>
>>> That's a lot of $$$ for that VW. I paid $500 and drove ours 50 miles
>> home. Needed a top and the interior was a little rough but with an
>> additional
>>> $1500 in her she should look road ready.
>>> Takes a little time to find a good one for the right price. Prices are
>> all over the map.
>>> Here's one locally now;
>>> https://albuquerque.craigslist.org/cto/d/1992-volkswagen-cabriolet/
>> 6312781673.html
>>> Hal
>>> --
>>> 1977 Royale 101348,
>>>
>>> 1977 Royale 101586, Diesel powered,
>>>
>>> 1975 Eleganza II, 101230,
>>>
>>> 1974 Eagle Bus 45',w/slideout,
>>>
>>> Rio Rancho, NM
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> GMCnet mailing list
>>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>>
>
>
>
> --
> Jim Kanomata
> Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
> jimk@appliedairfilters.com
> http://www.appliedgmc.com
> 1-800-752-7502
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org


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J.R. Wright
GMC GreatLaker
GMC Eastern States
GMCMI
78 30' Buskirk Stretch
75 Avion Under Reconstruction
Michigan
Re: [GMCnet] I'm thinking about a Jeep CJ-5 as a towd [message #324535 is a reply to message #324521] Mon, 02 October 2017 09:28 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Richard Denney is currently offline  Richard Denney   United States
Messages: 920
Registered: April 2010
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Senior Member
Far as I know (and any exceptions should be noted by those who know), any
car with a manual transmission should be flat-towable.

Rick "who doesn't tow, but glad the Redhead isn't averse to a clutch" Denney

On Sun, Oct 1, 2017 at 7:26 PM, John Wright wrote:

> Hal,
> Is the Cabriolet with the manual transmission flat towable with the manual
> transmission without any modifications?
>
>

--
'73 X-Glacier 230 "Jaws"
Northern Virginia
Offlist email: rick at rickdenney dot com
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Re: I'm thinking about a Jeep CJ-5 as a towd [message #324540 is a reply to message #324481] Mon, 02 October 2017 11:48 Go to previous messageGo to next message
habbyguy is currently offline  habbyguy   United States
Messages: 896
Registered: May 2012
Location: Mesa, AZ
Karma: 3
Senior Member
If you're considering a Jeep, don't rule out the humble XJ Cherokee, preferably a 96+ model. They'll go pretty much anywhere a CJ will (with a lift), and are a LOT more comfortable and utilitarian (I've had both, and loved them both). The XJ Cherokee (not the Grand Cherokee) is only a few hundred pounds heavier than the CJ, and for that you get a LOT more comfort (aka being able to recognize the song on the radio instead of losing it to the wind and flapping fabric noise), much greater storage space that can't be accessed by anyone with a pocketknife, and greater safety. If off-roading is part of your thing, then it's cheap and easy to lift an XJ a few inches, and maybe throw on a set of 31" tires. It's got a real transfer case, so is a great tow vehicle. If you can find a 5-speed, they also get reasonably good mileage.

I also had one of the Suzuki Vitaras in Australia - a five speed "long" wheelbase tintop that was a great little car - would get an honest 30mpg at highway speeds, and was reasonably good off-road (hindered only by the independent suspension up front). I'd buy one for a towd in a second, but the weight savings over my well-sorted Cherokee just wouldn't make it worthwhile.


Mark Hickey Mesa, AZ 1978 Royale Center Kitchen
Re: [GMCnet] I'm thinking about a Jeep CJ-5 as a towd [message #324542 is a reply to message #324535] Mon, 02 October 2017 11:58 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Matt Colie is currently offline  Matt Colie   United States
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Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
Senior Member
Richard Denney wrote on Mon, 02 October 2017 10:28
Far as I know (and any exceptions should be noted by those who know), any car with a manual transmission should be flat-towable.

Rick "who doesn't tow, but glad the Redhead isn't averse to a clutch" Denney
--
'73 X-Glacier 230 "Jaws"


Rick,

That is a dangerous statement. Several British cars and the Datsuns (before they went back to Nissan) would damage the transmission if flat towed any significant distance. Unfortunately, I remember no more specifics than that. I know that because friends that raced small cars frequently ran into trouble with the above. The problem is that the gearboxes count on the gears to pass lube oil up the train so it can then run back down to the bearings and the output shaft bearing is among those.

I can say that most everything with a New Process Gear transfer case can be. Those actually have a rear oil pump to make that a sure thing. I know for a fact that this is all Jeeps until very recently. This is not true of all wheel drive versions.

Matt


Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
Re: [GMCnet] I'm thinking about a Jeep CJ-5 as a towd [message #324548 is a reply to message #324521] Mon, 02 October 2017 12:47 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Hal StClair   United States
Messages: 971
Registered: March 2013
Location: Rio Rancho NM
Karma: -12
Senior Member
JR, they are flat towable and brackets are available if you need to purchase them. I've towed that generation as did my father years ago. I don't think VW approves any of their vehicles to be flat towed today, not because they aren't a viable candidate but because of the liability of someone leaving one in gear instead of neutral and causing who knows what damage. A few years ago I questioned the VW factory guys at a SEMA show about it and they just shrugged their shoulders and said that 'maybe' the shifter could jump into gear while being towed and cause a problem-NOT. Unfortunately, many manufacturers have decided it's just not worth the potential problems and have stopped allowing flat towing.
Hal



powerjon wrote on Sun, 01 October 2017 17:26
Hal,
Is the Cabriolet with the manual transmission flat towable with the manual transmission without any modifications?

JR

> On Oct 1, 2017, at 2:30 PM, Hal StClair wrote:
>
> That's a lot of $$$ for that VW. I paid $500 and drove ours 50 miles home. Needed a top and the interior was a little rough but with an additional
> $1500 in her she should look road ready.
> Takes a little time to find a good one for the right price. Prices are all over the map.
> Here's one locally now;
> https://albuquerque.craigslist.org/cto/d/1992-volkswagen-cabriolet/6312781673.html
> Hal
> --
> 1977 Royale 101348,
>
> 1977 Royale 101586, Diesel powered,
>
> 1975 Eleganza II, 101230,
>
> 1974 Eagle Bus 45',w/slideout,
>
> Rio Rancho, NM
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org


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"I enjoy talking to you. Your mind appeals to me. It resembles my own mind, except you happen to be insane." 1977 Royale 101348, 1977 Royale 101586, Diesel powered, 1974 Eagle Bus 45',w/slideout, Rio Rancho, NM
Re: [GMCnet] I'm thinking about a Jeep CJ-5 as a towd [message #324552 is a reply to message #324548] Mon, 02 October 2017 13:34 Go to previous messageGo to next message
bdub is currently offline  bdub   United States
Messages: 1578
Registered: February 2004
Location: Central Texas
Karma: 5
Senior Member

When I got my new 2001 Chevy Tracker, standard trans, 2 wheel drive, in
2002, I contacted Remco (https://www.remcodsc.com/) for a towing package as
I could not determine from Chevrolet if it was towable or not. They
scoffed and said they didn't make one for that model as it was not needed.
So I did.
John Wright warned me several times that it would damage the transmission.
Of course, I didn't listen as it was working just fine.
Well, guess what? After 120,000 miles (indicated) and 13 years, the rear
seal failed and dumped all the oil. I guess he was right after all. :-)
I replaced the seal and oil and continue to pull it 4 down to this day. I
figure I can afford to fix it again in another 120,000 miles. Actually, I
might preemptively replace it at 220,000 miles.
Its the best dang car I've ever owned! Still!
With an aftermarket hard top
bdub

On Mon, Oct 2, 2017 at 12:47 PM, Hal StClair
wrote:

> JR, they are flat towable and brackets are available if you need to
> purchase them. I've towed that generation as did my father years ago. I
> don't
> think VW approves any of their vehicles to be flat towed today, not
> because they aren't a viable candidate but because of the liability of
> someone
> leaving one in gear instead of neutral and causing who knows what damage.
> A few years ago I questioned the VW factory guys at a SEMA show about it and
> they just shrugged their shoulders and said that 'maybe' the shifter could
> jump into gear while being towed and cause a problem-NOT. Unfortunately,
> many manufacturers have decided it's just not worth the potential problems
> and have stopped allowing flat towing.
> Hal
>
>
>
> powerjon wrote on Sun, 01 October 2017 17:26
>> Hal,
>> Is the Cabriolet with the manual transmission flat towable with the
> manual transmission without any modifications?
>>
>> JR
>>
>>> On Oct 1, 2017, at 2:30 PM, Hal StClair wrote:
>>>
>>> That's a lot of $$$ for that VW. I paid $500 and drove ours 50 miles
> home. Needed a top and the interior was a little rough but with an
>>> additional
>>> $1500 in her she should look road ready.
>>> Takes a little time to find a good one for the right price. Prices
> are all over the map.
>>> Here's one locally now;
>>> https://albuquerque.craigslist.org/cto/d/1992-volkswagen-cabriolet/
> 6312781673.html
>>> Hal
>>> --
>>> 1977 Royale 101348,
>>>
>>> 1977 Royale 101586, Diesel powered,
>>>
>>> 1975 Eleganza II, 101230,
>>>
>>> 1974 Eagle Bus 45',w/slideout,
>>>
>>> Rio Rancho, NM
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> GMCnet mailing list
>>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
>
> --
> 1977 Royale 101348,
>
> 1977 Royale 101586, Diesel powered,
>
> 1975 Eleganza II, 101230,
>
> 1974 Eagle Bus 45',w/slideout,
>
> Rio Rancho, NM
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
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bdub
'76 Palm Beach/Central Texas
www.bdub.net
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www.gmcmhregistry.com
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Re: I'm thinking about a Jeep CJ-5 as a towd [message #324553 is a reply to message #324481] Mon, 02 October 2017 13:44 Go to previous messageGo to next message
jhbridges is currently offline  jhbridges   United States
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Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
Senior Member
I wore out a pair of XJs as company cars. It takes 250k miles or so to accomplish this. If you want automatic, the 4 liter engine is a necessity. One of mine was the AMC 4 cyl with a 5 speed, it ran allright but would of suffered with the automatic.Automatic was a Warner/Aisin which I'm told can be expensive to fix. Failure modes on the XJ are the exhaust manifold and the from cover oil seal. They're heavier than the CVJ - I'd want some extra braking system if I was pulling one.

--johnny


Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons. Braselton, Ga. I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
Re: I'm thinking about a Jeep CJ-5 as a towd [message #324583 is a reply to message #324481] Tue, 03 October 2017 10:43 Go to previous message
habbyguy is currently offline  habbyguy   United States
Messages: 896
Registered: May 2012
Location: Mesa, AZ
Karma: 3
Senior Member
I looked at the late 90's / early 2000's Suzuki Vitara (aka Tracker) and they weigh in at 2700-2900 pounds. My XJ Cherokee (being a 2-door five speed model with 4WD) is supposed to be 3057 pounds, so it's really a trifling difference. The "heavy ones" with 4WD are still under 3400 pounds. Kind of surprisingly, the 2WD models are downright svelte at 2900-3000 pounds. And that's for a pretty big, capable SUV. And they're cheap and easy to fix. I've replaced the exhaust manifold on mine (cracked, as per schedule), and fixed all the "expected" oil leaks (valve cover, oil filter assembly, rear main seal - which is a 2-piece seal that isn't difficult to change). I plan on keeping mine for a long, long time...
http://www.habcycles.com/xj4ever1.jpg


Mark Hickey Mesa, AZ 1978 Royale Center Kitchen

[Updated on: Tue, 03 October 2017 10:44]

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