Towing a Willys with a Willys.

[ArmyRN]

I've got a 23 JLU Willys XR 2.0T with the factory tow package. Also got a 46 Willys CJ2A. A group of us flatfender owners are going to run some trails this weekend, and I plan on towing the 46 to the trailhead. So this'll be the first time I've really flat-towed the 46 behind the Willys. I used to flat-tow it behind a 96 Dodge 1500 4x4 all the time.

So today I did a short in-town and highway (maybe 10 miles total) test-run, and to make sure I had the right drop hitch.

The 23 is rated to tow 3500lbs. The 46 weighs in at 3100lbs. I could feel the weight being pulled and with braking. And I could feel if I wasn't careful the 46 would try to tell the 23 where to go when making sharp turns pushing from the rear. So extra attention when towing!

Overall I'm pleased with the 23's towing ability. Usually I don't want to go faster than 60 - 65 mph when towing the 46.

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[JJ_WA]

I take it there's no connection or controller to the flat fender's brakes. That puts an extra burden on your Willys, as you noted. It can be quite a surprise in a quick stop. I found out the hard way pulling my wife's '17 Cherokee behind my '02 Dakota. Even with the Cherokee set as a TOAD w/ brakes for RVing, it still pushed me into an intersection. Be careful but have a great time!

 

[ArmyRN]

A long time ago I jack-knifed it exiting the highway flat-towing it behind an Isuzu Trooper. I was turning left and the 46 wanted to keep going straight. Scary - bent the Trooper's bumper corner.

Yeah, there's no connection to the 46's brakes. Gotta drive very conservatively.

My lil' adventure trailer does have electric brakes.

 

[2nd 392]

Check state brake requirements, the 3A has multiple towed vs driven miles but Ca has since lowered brake requirements from 4500 to 1500 lbs. No more quick hook, plug in the light bar and go. ?

 

[gsbrockman]

I run commercially, and am not a big fan of flat towing…

“This was along I-40 West near Brownsville, TN. As best I can tell, the R/F tire failed on the ambulance, resulting in the steering wheel going full right. This tow combo almost created a major accident with the flatbed semi that was passing it on the left,. These towing combos should be banned. Tennessee Highway Patrol does nothing with any of these out of country drivers towing sometimes 3 vehicles at a time.”

Captured with my Garmin 55 Dash Cam.

 

[Zandcwhite]

A tow dolly with electric brakes will go a long way towards increasing the safety and comfort of towing a vehicle behind a JLU. Cheap for what you gain in my opinion.

 

[The Breeze]

I think you would be over the limit for towing without a brake in every state but Texas. Probably not a big deal unless there is an accident, then the lawyers would be all over it.

 

[wreck99]

A long time ago I jack-knifed it exiting the highway flat-towing it behind an Isuzu Trooper. I was turning left and the 46 wanted to keep going straight. Scary - bent the Trooper's bumper corner.

Yeah, there's no connection to the 46's brakes. Gotta drive very conservatively.

My lil' adventure trailer does have electric brakes.

I had a '95 Isuzu Trooper. That was a fun ride. I miss that truck. But oddly enough, my new JLUR reminds me of it. Just newer and better in every way lol.

 

[LKG]

I've got a 23 JLU Willys XR 2.0T with the factory tow package. Also got a 46 Willys CJ2A. A group of us flatfender owners are going to run some trails this weekend, and I plan on towing the 46 to the trailhead. So this'll be the first time I've really flat-towed the 46 behind the Willys. I used to flat-tow it behind a 96 Dodge 1500 4x4 all the time.

So today I did a short in-town and highway (maybe 10 miles total) test-run, and to make sure I had the right drop hitch.

The 23 is rated to tow 3500lbs. The 46 weighs in at 3100lbs. I could feel the weight being pulled and with braking. And I could feel if I wasn't careful the 46 would try to tell the 23 where to go when making sharp turns pushing from the rear. So extra attention when towing!

Overall I'm pleased with the 23's towing ability. Usually I don't want to go faster than 60 - 65 mph when towing the 46.

That does not suck! I've flat towed a couple YJ's, they tow better than they drive, haha.

 

[Bayrat]

A tow dolly with electric brakes will go a long way towards increasing the safety and comfort of towing a vehicle behind a JLU. Cheap for what you gain in my opinion.

This is exactly what I was thinking. Not an expensive item considering the benefits a dolly provides.

 

[The Last Cowboy]

I think you would be over the limit for towing without a brake in every state but Texas. Probably not a big deal unless there is an accident, then the lawyers would be all over it.

Here in Texas no trailer brakes are needed until you are over 4500 lbs. Of course this is violated all the time and rarely enforced. Every subcontractor out there running a half ton pickup and a double axle trailer always has them way overloaded.

As for the convoys of vehicles heading to Mexico? They would all come through San Antonio pulling up to 3 at time with makeshift tow bars on POS rusted out and wrecked cars from up north. The Mexican govt put a stop to most of it and the convoys have really diminished. They don't take anything back now unless it's worthwhile to do so. In the past, they would strip the POS cars of any good parts and them leave what was left on the side of the road for the authorities tow away.

 

[Al G]

You should at least consider a portable brake unit that sits on the floor and depresses the brake pedal. That also give you emergency braking in the event of a tow bar failure.

 

[ArmyRN]

So figure about 80 miles each way. Two lane, four lane, and at the end a dirt road to the staging area. New Jeep towed the old Willys just fine. Roads were wet, and I drove very cautiously. Power was never an issue.

 

[Zandcwhite]

So figure about 80 miles each way. Two lane, four lane, and at the end a dirt road to the staging area. New Jeep towed the old Willys just fine. Roads were wet, and I drove very cautiously. Power was never an issue.

Power isn't the issue, braking is. It's irresponsible and in most states illegal to tow a load that heavy with no brakes. Can it be done? Sure. Is it a terrible plan long term? 100%.

 

[STW]

I've got a 23 JLU Willys XR 2.0T with the factory tow package. Also got a 46 Willys CJ2A. A group of us flatfender owners are going to run some trails this weekend, and I plan on towing the 46 to the trailhead. So this'll be the first time I've really flat-towed the 46 behind the Willys. I used to flat-tow it behind a 96 Dodge 1500 4x4 all the time.

So today I did a short in-town and highway (maybe 10 miles total) test-run, and to make sure I had the right drop hitch.

The 23 is rated to tow 3500lbs. The 46 weighs in at 3100lbs. I could feel the weight being pulled and with braking. And I could feel if I wasn't careful the 46 would try to tell the 23 where to go when making sharp turns pushing from the rear. So extra attention when towing!

Overall I'm pleased with the 23's towing ability. Usually I don't want to go faster than 60 - 65 mph when towing the 46.

great photo of two Willys. Your '46 is great looking with the diamond tread aluminum corners and rocker panels, and with a color that looks like Earl Grey. Sounds like a great trip.

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