Forum Discussion

MrChuckles's avatar
MrChuckles
Explorer
Apr 09, 2014

Excited and ready for first time towing

I'm excited and nervous at the same time. First of all I'm ready for vacation...off to Arkansas for a week of vacation. Second, I'm anxious about doing things right with my first time towing our Jeep. I just hope I have everything set up right and it works.

I have the Blue Ox tow bar. I have the mounting tabs on the front bumper of my Rock Hard bumper. I have a 4" Roadmaster receiver riser to line up with the Jeep bumper. The Jeep has a 4" lift kit and the tabs and tow bar line up level.

I had Camping World install an independent light kit and wiring harness. They put in a seven wire so the Jeep can charge (I hope) when towed.

For brakes I have the iRV2 auxiliary brake for the Jeep. The break-away was put in by my local mechanic. (I hope it stays connected.)

I know I see enough old farts like me doing it that I can do it too, but I worry like crazy that my lights will come disconnected with the cable dragging it to shreds, that the break-away will come loose and cause the iRV2 to kick in and shred the Jeep tires, or that I'll just screw up and clip something on a corner. :D

Wish me luck. I'm doing it come hell or high water.
Class A
  • JC2's avatar
    JC2
    Explorer
    Apr 09, 2014
    MrChuckles wrote:
    I'm excited and nervous at the same time. First of all I'm ready for vacation...off to Arkansas for a week of vacation. Second, I'm anxious about doing things right with my first time towing our Jeep. I just hope I have everything set up right and it works.

    I have the Blue Ox tow bar. I have the mounting tabs on the front bumper of my Rock Hard bumper. I have a 4" Roadmaster receiver riser to line up with the Jeep bumper. The Jeep has a 4" lift kit and the tabs and tow bar line up level.

    I had Camping World install an independent light kit and wiring harness. They put in a seven wire so the Jeep can charge (I hope) when towed.

    For brakes I have the iRV2 auxiliary brake for the Jeep. The break-away was put in by my local mechanic. (I hope it stays connected.)

    I know I see enough old farts like me doing it that I can do it too, but I worry like crazy that my lights will come disconnected with the cable dragging it to shreds, that the break-away will come loose and cause the iRV2 to kick in and shred the Jeep tires, or that I'll just screw up and clip something on a corner. :D

    Wish me luck. I'm doing it come hell or high water.


    What is the IRV2 auxillary brake that you speak of?:?
  • John_Wayne's avatar
    John_Wayne
    Explorer II
    Apr 09, 2014
    Check the lenght of the break away cable. put the veh. behind the TV and just hook up the safety chains or cable. Now push the toad back till the chains/cables are tight. The break away cable should be about 4 to 6 inches shorter then the stretched out chains/cable. So if something does happen to the hitch the toad brakes will be on and slowing you down and you can stop with out the toad running into the back of you.
  • Flanz's avatar
    Flanz
    Explorer
    Apr 09, 2014
    I had my plug come out on a trip to NC one year. Must have dragged it for a long time since it was worn down to the pins. I'd suggest carrying an extra plug in the tool box as well as a wiring diagram for the 7-pin. When we arrive at our campsite I had to find another plug and wire it in. Actually, bought 2 of them and put the spare in the tool box.

    -paul
  • JimM68's avatar
    JimM68
    Explorer
    Apr 09, 2014
    I tow a jeep as well. Easy Peasy, don't sweat it, it will follow you where ever you go.
  • DougE's avatar
    DougE
    Explorer
    Apr 09, 2014
    The items causing you concern are extremely rare. Try pulling out the brake-away yourself. You'll find that it takes a lot of effort. If you're concerned about the 7-way plug pulling out and dragging, get a bungee cord to span between the toad and tv, and zip tie the cord to it. Don't worry - be happy!
  • YC_1's avatar
    YC_1
    Nomad
    Apr 09, 2014
    May I suggest making a simple check list and laminate it. Velcro it to the dash or somewhere easy to see. Grab it and do a walk around.
  • Pass42's avatar
    Pass42
    Explorer
    Apr 09, 2014
    enjoy!!! and don't try to back up while connected...........
  • donhoward49's avatar
    donhoward49
    Explorer
    Apr 09, 2014
    Just take your time, every time, to hook and unhook. Have a step by step system and go slow.. unhooking is a very poor time for a friendly neighbor to stop and talk. Check the cords and cables that they move but do not drag.. After a few trips you will be much more comfortable. Now Go Have Fun
  • dons2346's avatar
    dons2346
    Explorer
    Apr 09, 2014
    Sounds like you are in good shape. The Jeep will follow you just like a puppy, don't worry about it. Just don't make sharp right turns without a lot of clearance or you might drag the Jeep across the curb.

    Have fun

About Motorhome Group

38,705 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 24, 2025