correct/safest towing

[Bob Mac]

good morning all, i just need advise on correct way to tow my old jeep. Is it best to have the towbar pretty much level when hooked up from my jeep to the rv? and to achieve that use a drop hitch? I just worry about possible strain on the rv if im not doing this correctly. Thanks for your input

[High Plains]

Defiantly want it level within about 2-3 inches.

[Bob Denman]

I strongly agree!

[Bob Mac]

that is what i was thinking high plains. thank you

[jpmihalk]

Yes, the tow bar should be as close to level as you can get it. Generally 1 to 2 inches at either end. A drop hitch is usually good depending on the height difference.

[jwcorry]

Roadmaster Tow Bar instructs no more than 3" up or down difference between RV & towed vehicle as measured on a level surface. May need a drop hitch to get within these parameters.

[schreinertms]

Yes I believe BlueOx has the same 3 inch up or down max recommendation. Do your measurements then buy a drop down drawbar that gets you as close as possible to level.

[Bob Denman]

I believe that if your heights don't match up: under braking condition; you can end up with the Toad either jacking-up the rear of your rig, or trying to make it dive. Either one can hurt your braking capabilities...

[Mustang46555]

We needed to use a drop hitch to get things level to tow our Jeep. Have had no issues with either the hitch or drawbar. Stay within an inch or two of level and you'll be fine.

[Bob Mac]

Thank you all for your advise, I ended up getting a 6" drop hitch to get close to level with the jeep. The Ford v10 in my newest 2005 four winds Hurricane pulled great, esp uphill, compared to my old flair with the chev 454. My next question tho is when towing, do you turn off the overdrive on the shifter uphill and turn back on when you get to the crest of a hill? I think the Ford owners would have some experience in this area. Thanks again!

[jpmihalk]

I use Tow/Haul mode anytime that we approach a hill but generally only need it when going down to let the engine brake by shifting. Tow/Haul mode changes the shift points even when going uphill if it senses any requirement.

[jwcorry]

I recommend leaving the gear selector/shifter in "D" and use the Tow/Haul mode especially when going down hill as the Transmission automatically shifts down a gear with every application of the brakes thereby allowing the engine compression to hold your speed down without overworking the brakes. You may want to just leave the Tow/Haul mode on as it will also downshift when stopping for traffic lights, etc. as well as keeping the transmission from "hunting" too much (causes heat build up). I find the T/H mode holds each gear a little longer than I prefer on relatively level ground, but it is not a big deal - just experiment a little until you find what works best for you.

BTW; I find the Cruise Control works OK on very level roads, but it cannot anticipate approaching grades and ends up shifting all the way down to 2nd, which causes the engine to rev quite high. I manually accelerate when approaching an uphill grade (even small ones) to keep the Transmission from going all the way to 2nd (unless it is a very steep or long grade) and keep the engine revs to a more pleasant level. This method takes a lot of attention and sometimes I just forget the Cruise Control.

[halfprice]

I use tow haul mode all the time, freeways and city streets, except when on long flat roads. The its off while cruise control does its thing..

I like tge tranny to do tge stopping for me. Saves my brakes

Jerry