Opening a can of worms.......

dubdub07 wrote:
I don't believe Jeep recommends NOT using a dolly, I believe you will smoke your transfer case. Even in neutral, it is the front driveshaft turning that lubes the transfer case. I think it will damage a Jeep on a dolly.

I would use the custom bumper only if the d-ring bracket is attached through the bumper to the frame. This is a desirable option as it is sound and very good looking. Just get the d-ring adapters from Blue Ox to tow 4-down.

WW

dubdub,
Take a look at this '15 Jeep JKUR owners manual, page 549
Scott
file:///C:/Users/Scott/Downloads/2015-Wrangler-OM-6th.pdf

Your 2003 should have a steel bumper like my 2001
Not shure were I got it online but got this base plate for $40.00



Can get a tow bar from etrailer for $150.00
And a Hopkins wire harness for $50.00

I don't believe Jeep recommends NOT using a dolly, I believe you will smoke your transfer case. Even in neutral, it is the front driveshaft turning that lubes the transfer case. I think it will damage a Jeep on a dolly.

I would use the custom bumper only if the d-ring bracket is attached through the bumper to the frame. This is a desirable option as it is sound and very good looking. Just get the d-ring adapters from Blue Ox to tow 4-down.

WW

Over the years, I towed several Jeeps with a simple, inexpensive, fixed arm adjustable width tow bar from Reese. I just set up a 2005 Jeep Wrangle Unlimited for towing, using the same tow bar. They can be found from many manufacturers, including Harbor Freight. they all look pretty much the same, but the price varies from less than $100 to more than $300. Just pick the one that fits your budget.
Some people say it is impossible to hook it to the coach by oneself. I have to laugh every time I do it. It is easy; loop the safety chains around the swaybar so the tow bar is a little above level, then drive up and use the GOAL method (Get Out And Look)to line it up with the ball. When it is lined up, release the chains, drop the hitch onto the ball, latch it, hook up the safety chains and lights, put the transfer case in Neutral, put the transmission in 6th gear, start the engine, let the clutch out, and if the Jeep tries to move the transfer case is in the wrong position! If the Jeep doesn't try to move, turn the switch to the "OFF, not locked position (one click back from RUN), and you are good to go.
Oh, yeah, if you set the parking brake, be sure to release it!

No, Jeep does NOT recommend towing a 4X4 Jeep on a dolly. However, if you want to get under it and remove the rear driveshaft, you can then dolly tow it.

As for what to do with the dolly in a campground, we towed our PT Cruiser from Montana to Georgia on a dolly, with no problems whatsoever. Lots of people use dollies with little or no trouble.
But not to tow a Jeep Wrangler!

I would look around for other tow bars. Yes, it will be around $1000 for brackets and tow bar.

3 dog nights wrote:
Have a Class A, want to tow a 03' jeep wrangler sport. Looked at the price of a blue ox tow bar, tow plate, and brake system. Now looking at a tow dolly. Pro's vs Con's.........go!

Well 3 Dog,
You're assumption that a dolly would be fine is off a bit. Every Jeep Wrangler owners manual from eons back, especially all the 4WD models,(very few Wranglers were spec'd out as 2WD) specifically state to NOT TOW IT ON A DOLLY! It's either all four on the ground or, on a trailer. Nothing in between. We've had 9 different Jeep Wranglers in about a 36-37 year period and I've set all them up for towing and off road use.

If you plan on doing ANY off roading, don't even think about a base plate. You can get a zillion different aftermarket front bumpers that range from $150 to over $1,000.00 And, a very, very large amount of those front bumpers are equipped with what's called "Recovery tabs". Those are used tie onto to either help your jeep out of a jamb or, help someone else's jeep out of a jamb.

But, they're also used for towing too. I won't go into all the details here but, I and many, many others on here and other RV forums that tow Jeeps have been doing it that way for years and years. That way, you get a nice, strong front bumper and, the ability to tow, all at the same time.

Wiring an '03 Jeep Wrangler for lighting is childs play. I've done it many, many times utilizing the factory tail lights. That way costs about $15.00 if you look around for the right components, ask if you'd like to know.

Your '03 is simple to tow. Pull up to your coach, hook the tow bar up, safety cables up, whatever braking system you have up and, put the transfer case in NEUTRAL, TRANS IN PARK or, if it's a stick, 2nd gear and leave the key one click to the right, from insertion. That unlocks your steering. You're now ready to motor down the road.
Scott

3 dog nights wrote:
Have a Class A, want to tow a 03' jeep wrangler sport. Looked at the price of a blue ox tow bar, tow plate, and brake system. Now looking at a tow dolly. Pro's vs Con's.........go!

Well 3 Dog,
You're assumption that a dolly would be fine is off a bit. Every Jeep Wrangler owners manual from eons back, especially all the 4WD models, specifically state to NOT TOW IT ON A DOLLY! It's either all four on the ground or, on a trailer. Nothing in between. We've had 9 different Jeep Wranglers in about a 36-37 year period and I've set all them up for towing and off road use.

If you plan on doing ANY off roading, don't even think about a base plate. You can get a zillion different aftermarket front bumpers that range from $150 to over $1,000.00 And, a very, very large amount of those front bumpers are equipped with what's called "Recovery tabs". Those are used tie onto to either help your jeep out of a jamb or, help someone else's jeep out of a jamb.

But, they're also used for towing too. I won't go into all the details here but, I and many, many others on here and other RV forums that tow Jeeps have been doing it that way for years and years. That way, you get a nice, strong front bumper and, the ability to tow, all at the same time.

Wiring an '03 Jeep Wrangler for lighting is childs play. I've done it many, many times utilizing the factory tail lights. That way costs about $15.00 if you look around for the right components, ask if you'd like to know.

Your '03 is simple to tow. Pull up to your coach, hook the tow bar up, safety cables up, whatever braking system you have up and, put the transfer case in NEUTRAL, TRANS IN PARK or, if it's a stick, 2nd gear and leave the key one click to the right, from insertion. That unlocks your steering. You're now ready to motor down the road.
Scott

P.S. You can also find very nice condition tow bars on ebay for well under the new price tag. I've done that more than a few times. Also, look in Craigslist for towing equipment. Lot's of deals in there too.

I gotta believe that a tow dolly would be more expensive than a base plate and row bar. Plus, what do you do with the dolly at the campground?

Connect or disconnect a 4 wheel down toad: 2 minutes, tops.
Load or unload a car on a tow dolly, much longer and don't forget you have to put it someplace when you set up at a campground.

I have a tow dolly and never use it. Always tow 4 down. Simple and easy.

Check the owners manual for the Jeep you want to tow. It will have the info.