What Should I Consider for a 4WD Tow Vehicle?

obiwancanoli wrote:
Currently, I'm using a Tow Dolly to tow my 2017 FWD Ford Edge, but I'm inclined to want to flat tow a 4WD for ease and convenience. A Bump Shop friend suggests Jeep CJ4, and though I've never owned a Jeep of any type before, I'm now confronted with a multitude of options of which I know little about, never having had a 4WD vehicle before.

I don't need a 2nd vehicle, and so, would be exchanging my Edge for something I can use as my daily transportation, while also permitting me a easier means of towing a vehicle behind my Class A.

I'm open to suggestions, experiences, and any details you feel would help me in my choices for a new 4WD vehicle - thanks!

obiwan,
First of all, we've been Jeeping for well over 35 years and, we've owned, modified and towed, 9 different Jeeps in that period. We've had (3) CJs, a CJ5 and (2)CJ-7s, (2)YJs, (3)TJs and our present one, a '15 Jeep JKUR. And for the life of me, as long as I've been Jeeping and associated with Jeeps, I've never, ever heard of a CJ-4.

Second, ANY CJ, no matter if it's a CJ-5, 6, or 7, was not designed for flat towing, no matter which transfer case it was outfitted with and, in the warhelm of the CJs, there were quite a few different transfer cases. The most prevailant transfer case for the CJ era was the model 300, cast iron, gear drive. A stout, very strong, transfer case, to be sure. But, even it, was not designed for long distance flat towing.

We did it, all of us in the early years. But, we did it with precautions. And those were that we would stop for fuel and each time we did that, we'd start up the CJs and run them through some gears, just to splash some oil around in the transfer case, to get to the bearings. Then, we were moderately prepared for another short distance of towing.

So, with all that being said, your "shop friend" needs to be educated a bit. The first actual Jeep Wrangler that could be flat towed without issues is around '95, the YJ. I'm not real positive on that year but, it's close. The transfer case in those, and used up to even today, is the 231, aluminum, chain drive transfer case.
The reason those can be towed without issue is because, they have an oil pump, in the rear section, just in front of the tail cone. As the rear drive shaft turns, during towing, it turns that pump and lubes the T/C.

Now, with all that being said, a Jeep, at least a '95 and above, is what you need to search for. With all my experience with them, I'd search for nothing less than a '97, the first TJ model. The TJs ran from '97 through '06. They were a vast improvement in all kinds of aspects. Primarily ride. The CJs and YJs were leaf sprung Jeeps. The TJ models were fitted with coil springs and, are a major improvement in handling and ride.

Of course, the higher the year model you go, the higher the price is gonna be. It's a given. And even some really high mileage TJs are commanding some decent returns.

But, again, with all that being said, the Jeep, (at least the later TJs and JKs) are by far, one of the most sought after "toads" there are. They are incredibly easy to set up for towing. And, when it comes time for prep for towing, as in readying it behind your coach, a couple of moves with the T/C shifter and trans, and if needed, a steering un-lock, and you're ready to tow.

Hope this helps some. Good luck.
Scott