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
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
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.
