Flat Towing and X with and X

[taxx]

I have towed some pretty hefty trailers. Above what the X is rated for stock, but not much. But I am debating flat towing my X with another X. I am not worried about breaking. I will have to stop way sooner, but just curious if there is anything I am not thinking about. It will be mostly on the interstate.

 

[TheRookie]

Maybe with a trailer that has brakes. DO NOT EVEN CONSIDDER this if the trailer does not have a braking system. Thats a lot of weight to drag also. Hope you arent going up any hills,

 

[taxx]

This is a one time or two time thing that is why I am "considering" doing it this way. I see these setups on the highway once in a while. And not just behind RVs. I see those Wide Load escort S10s and Rangers, pulling each other. This would be all flat highway. Just want some input from those that have tried it. Or have done it. I really don't see any problems other than having to break a considerable amount sooner.

 

[jssong]

i towed my 96 eb with a 15 foot uhaul. no problems. but i guess itz a bit different with another x. good luck

 

[taxx]

Originally posted by jssong
i towed my 96 eb with a 15 foot uhaul. no problems. but i guess itz a bit different with another x. good luck

A 15 foot uhaul is a small truck but probably has better breaks than the X.

 

[Xplodor]

I towed my heep with my X. The CJ7 was bigger then the X, and believe it or not close in weight. I towed it up the grapevine in 2nd gear no problem. Just make sure you brake soon and adjust your driving. Don't take too many turns to fast. The only way I'd tow one X with another is it the Tow vehicle was a 4 door and the vehicle being towed was a 2 dr.

 

[taxx]

Originally posted by Xplodor
I towed my heep with my X. The CJ7 was bigger then the X, and believe it or not close in weight. I towed it up the grapevine in 2nd gear no problem. Just make sure you brake soon and adjust your driving. Don't take too many turns to fast. The only way I'd tow one X with another is it the Tow vehicle was a 4 door and the vehicle being towed was a 2 dr.

Thank you. That is what I wanted someone that has done it. Yes mine is a 2 door and the tow vehicle is a 4 door w/ 4.10s.

 

[Xplodor]

Perfect, I was running 4.10s when I towed the jeep. Be safe, have fun, let us know how it goes. What is the propper way to flat tow an X? For the CJ i use to put the T-Case in N, tranny in 3rd, and lock the front hubs. That way everything would get lubbed up. I take it in the X's we put the T-case in Auto or 2wd, and put the trans in N?

 

[taxx]

I don't know. I was considering un hooking the front shaft but I really don't think it is necessary. Just stick it in nuetral and go. Maybe I'll take the shafts out.

 

[Robert]

A Control Trac equipped Explorer is not meant to be flat towed unless you have Ford install the "nuetral tow switch". If not, then you may leave your transfer case guts along the highway. Definately disconnect both shafts if you don't have the switch.

 

[Jason_25]

I think Jefe posted a while back about how to engage the neutral tow feature without the special package. The package just directs the shift motor to the spot in between low and high range, known as neutral. Maybe do a search for it because it can be done.

 

[tenikiwon]

I'd get breaks if you don't have 'em

ether that or coast the last 10 miles

What is the weight of an X?

I towed a Saturn 100 miles and didn't notice any problems except I think my bumper got a little bent.

I used the bumper hitch

 

[Jefe]

Originally posted by Jason_25
I think Jefe posted a while back about how to engage the neutral tow feature without the special package. The package just directs the shift motor to the spot in between low and high range, known as neutral. Maybe do a search for it because it can be done.

I don't think I was the one to post that, but yes, the 4405 T-case has a Neutral position, If you remove the T-case shift motor you'll see an H, N, and L.

 

[rvitek]

Hey Tax - what about just playing it 100% safe and renting a trailer? Uhaul does it cheap.

Just be safe man.

 

[stretch]

I agree w/ rvitek, you don't want to have to try to stop fast on the highway (even at slow highway speeds) because of some unforeseen circumstance without brakes on the vehicle being towed. I've towed both small (escort) and large (ext. cab, longbed 2500 chevy truck) with both a trailer and a tow bar. Trailering is definately the way to go. Sorry for the long post, just don't want to see you or your vehicles damaged.

 

[Klowns]

I called U-Haul and they told me that their trailers aren't big enough to pull explorers, which I don't buy. And they won't even let you rent one unless you have 32 inch or smaller tires... cause the chains wont' fit around it.

And I would, I repeat Highly recommend when pulling another vehicle, use a trailer, and make sure the trailer has electronic brakes.

When me and my dad pull my ex on a trailer, we use electronic brakes, just in case. And my dad has the F-350 Turbo Diesel, the thing is a beast, but just to be safe, you want good brakes. Some things you can't predict. And without good brakeage you could be in a world of hurt.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[jssong]

i basically borrowed the budget 15 foot truck, with 5 peoples stuff.. clothes, books, computers, chairs, etc. with roughly 50% of the truck filled. so figure a 1000-1500 lbs extra at least, with 3 guys in the truck, and my 96 eddie bauer, probably weighing around 4500. on a trailer that had all 4 wheels off the ground. handled with no problems.. was going 75 most of the way. for about a 450 mile trip

 

[taxx]

You people just make way too much sense!
Anyway becuase a few people have done it (not just here) and I am hard headed I am going to try it and see how she handles around the block. The post above is right. Uhaul posts a low weight limit for their trailers and it is a lot less than the X.

now to find the info on nuetral....

 

[taxx]

can't find info on nuetral tow other than paying dealer $$$ to do it. Might stop by a tow shop and see what they say, if not disconnecting the shafts is not that hard.

If I decide to keep doing this, yes, I will be looking into getting a trailer.

 

[Jason_25]

Like Jefe said, just pull the shift motor and see if you can use a pair of pliers and move the t-case into neutral.