I'd like to start pulling my Bronco with a tow bar, but don't even know how they work.
From what I understand, transmission in in Park or gear and t case in Neutral.
What else is needed, for steering, brake lights, ect...

Thanks for any help guys.

 

Thread moved to Towing forum.

These guys should be able to help you out.

-Matt

 

I don't care much for towing full-size trucks or large cars with a towbar, especially if you're using a pickup. It's okay for emergencies if you can keep speed down and decent road. Small cars are a little easier since a full-size truck has enough weight in back to stay stable. If there's any question what kind of shape the front end is in, I'd use a trailer, pulling a truck with a loose front end makes for an exciting drive sometimes.

 

How does the towed vehical steer?
I understand the tow weight, but I don't have insurance on it, and I don't need to drive it on the road more than 20 at a time, and that's only a few times a month, and insurance would be alot more expensive than towing, and I don't have the extra money or room for a trailer.

 

> How does the towed vehical steer?

It is "suppose" to track after the tow vehicle and the wheels are only suppose to turn when you make a turn. To keep it fairly straight, what you do is unlock the column and then use two bungie cords is a criss cross pattern with each one going to the opposite door. In "theory" what happens is the cord makes the wheel self correct after exiting a turn.


You leave both the tranny and transfer case in N.

 

Just curious, since it would only be back roads and only a few miles, would it be easy(and legal)for someone to be inside turning on blinkers and steering alittle.

Thanks for the help so for guys.

 

Okay, I thought you were wanting to tow it on the highway. Misunderstood you.

Leave the steering unlocked so it can turn. I've never used bungee cords but that would be a good idea, might have avoided some adventures if I'd used them. Pavement is actually easier to pull on because the front end will self-correct due to traction. Gravel roads are bad because it might slide rather than straightening itself out. Same reason for pulling a car/truck with a loose front end, it may or may not track well, and since you have the heavy end of one pickup hooked onto the light end of another, you can guess which one will slide first.

Since I usually use the towbar in emergencies, I always set the hazard lights on whatever I'm pulling, since I'm usually going a lot slower than regular traffic. Turns aren't as much of a problem as getting rear-ended. You could rig up something using a trailer lighting kit to make temporary signals for the truck you're pulling if you're going to do it more often--mostly I think you'd just need to add magnets or clips to the lights, and a ground wire.

 

I've towed with tow bars before. There are two mounting points for the tow bar on the towed vehicle, and one on the towing vehicle, therefore the towed vehicle has no choice but to track with the towing vehicle. Bungee cords are not required, the towed vehicle tracks and follows the towing vehicle, the steering wheel turns, and centres as required, just make sure that the steering wheel is indeed unlocked. As for the transmission, if it's an automatic and a 4x4, put the tranny in park, and the transfer case in neutral. If it's a 4 speed, both in neutral. Like I said, I've towed with tow bars numerous times, no problems. Just don't back up, that does not work. No need for anyone to steer, buy magnetic towing lights that connect into the 4 flat trailer light plug and stick them on the towed vehicle

 

Thanks for all the help guys, I really apreciate it.

 

I agree with Bouts21 except I put the transmit ion in neutral also. And for overkill I unlock the hubs.
The magnetic light kits work great but on something I am going top tow a lot, I would install permanent lights That just plug into my 4 flat trailer wiring.
Remember.... DON'T try to back it up.

 

as long as the alignment on the towed vehicle is right, it should self steer. If it is off, it will actually steer the opposite of what you want it to. Had that happen anumber of times, so it doesn't always work out...

 

I installed a lift on the Bronco, and drove it 50 miles at about 60 MPH, and it seemed fine, but if I get a chance, I might get it aligned too.

Well guys, now I pretty much understand what I need to do, and just need to mount the tow bar now.
Thanks for all the help!

 

When mounting the tow bar, remember to keep it as level as possible. Sure helps when towing.