I'm thinking about a Jeep CJ-5 as a towd

A few months ago I spoke about Fiat Abarth as a good Tow car for our GMCs. The problem we had with the one we purchased had nothing to do with the car, only with the fact that Sharon wanted an auto trans and the Fiat auto does not allow four wheels down towing. At my age I found the tow dolly too much of a hassle so she capitulated and said a manual trans would be ok. We found a 2008 Mini Cooper S Clubman with 40,000 one owner miles that proved to be good for this purpose. At 2600 pounds the GMCs didn't even feel it. The Prevost requires a backup video to make sure it is still attached. Looks a bit like a joke back there but the color does match the rear most swirl on the Prevost paint scheme.

This gen Clubman has three doors so rear entry is acceptable. Drive is fun but a bit harsh with the 17" wheels common on the S (turbo charged) models. Hard to find one with 16" tires but that is what I would look for next time. Before going to MX this winter I will look for 16" wheels to hopefully soften the ride.

These are modern cars with a full set of air bags, crumple zones, anti lock brakes, etc. I like modern better than old school like the CJ-5 or VW Things when my wife and I are in the car.

Jerry Work
The Dovetail Joint
Fine furniture designed & hand crafted
in the 1907 former Masonic Temple building
in historic Kerby, OR
http://jerrywork.com
 
We install lot of automatic transmission units with a aux. trans fluid pump.
Even when the auto manufacture states it is not towable on all 4 the pump
manufactures have listings we acquire that state otherwise.
It has all the safety features, incase there be any failure in the system.
I personally have towed that way since 1990 various mini vans.

> Hal,
> Is the Cabriolet with the manual transmission flat towable with the manual
> transmission without any modifications?
>
> JR
>
> > On Oct 1, 2017, at 2:30 PM, Hal StClair

> >
> > That's a lot of $$$ for that VW. I paid $500 and drove ours 50 miles
> home. Needed a top and the interior was a little rough but with an
> additional
> > $1500 in her she should look road ready.
> > Takes a little time to find a good one for the right price. Prices are
> all over the map.
> > Here's one locally now;
> > https://albuquerque.craigslist.org/cto/d/1992-volkswagen-cabriolet/
> 6312781673.html
> > Hal
> > --
> > 1977 Royale 101348,
> >
> > 1977 Royale 101586, Diesel powered,
> >
> > 1975 Eleganza II, 101230,
> >
> > 1974 Eagle Bus 45',w/slideout,
> >
> > Rio Rancho, NM
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>

--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
jimk
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
 
I have towed 5 different cars since 1999 and all were flat towed. Started with a small ragtop GEO with 4WD, weigh at a shade over 2000 lbs. Good towed, poor comfort for any distance driving. Next was a GMC Jimmy 4WD (2900 lbs), wasn’t that good. Wife liked the next one. It was a 2001 Tracker, 4Dr, 4WD and towed and is still a very popular towed in the GMC community. Bought a 2009 Honda FIT and it was my personal favorite. Weigh in at slight under 2500 lbs and was fun to drive with a paddle shifted automatic and a very peppy motor. The only drawback was that with sport suspension low profile sport tires it ride was a bit harsh just like Jerry W Fiat Abarth. Presently towing a 2011 Honda CRV we both like the car and I still miss the FIT.

The Problem that we see today is that the number of flat towable cars has gone down a lot. All of the Honda’s are no longer Flat towable as they change the transmission in 2013 to a constant volaicity internals. Check the Towable guide at FMCA or one of the other out there and you are disappointed. We may have to go to a tow dolly in the future if the trend continues.

As a check on what was available, Chevy has only 2 cars that weight under 2800# with AT, the Sonic. Ford has only 2 under 3000# with AT, the Focus. The last one listed is the SMART AT. The is the entire list for a light weight car with AT from the various builder. If you want a manual transmission then the models available are many. Again the wife does not like or want a manual transmission!

JR Wright
78 Buskirk Stretch
75 Avion
Michigan

>
> We install lot of automatic transmission units with a aux. trans fluid pump.
> Even when the auto manufacture states it is not towable on all 4 the pump
> manufactures have listings we acquire that state otherwise.
> It has all the safety features, incase there be any failure in the system.
> I personally have towed that way since 1990 various mini vans.
>

>
>> Hal,
>> Is the Cabriolet with the manual transmission flat towable with the manual
>> transmission without any modifications?
>>
>> JR
>>
>>> On Oct 1, 2017, at 2:30 PM, Hal StClair

>>>
>>> That's a lot of $$$ for that VW. I paid $500 and drove ours 50 miles
>> home. Needed a top and the interior was a little rough but with an
>> additional
>>> $1500 in her she should look road ready.
>>> Takes a little time to find a good one for the right price. Prices are
>> all over the map.
>>> Here's one locally now;
>>> https://albuquerque.craigslist.org/cto/d/1992-volkswagen-cabriolet/
>> 6312781673.html
>>> Hal
>>> --
>>> 1977 Royale 101348,
>>>
>>> 1977 Royale 101586, Diesel powered,
>>>
>>> 1975 Eleganza II, 101230,
>>>
>>> 1974 Eagle Bus 45',w/slideout,
>>>
>>> Rio Rancho, NM
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> GMCnet mailing list
>>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>>
>
>
>
> --
> Jim Kanomata
> Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
> jimk
> http://www.appliedgmc.com
> 1-800-752-7502
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
 
Far as I know (and any exceptions should be noted by those who know), any
car with a manual transmission should be flat-towable.

Rick "who doesn't tow, but glad the Redhead isn't averse to a clutch" Denney

> Hal,
> Is the Cabriolet with the manual transmission flat towable with the manual
> transmission without any modifications?
>
>

--
'73 X-Glacier 230 "Jaws"
Northern Virginia
Offlist email: rick at rickdenney dot com
 
If you're considering a Jeep, don't rule out the humble XJ Cherokee, preferably a 96+ model. They'll go pretty much anywhere a CJ will (with a lift),
and are a LOT more comfortable and utilitarian (I've had both, and loved them both). The XJ Cherokee (not the Grand Cherokee) is only a few hundred
pounds heavier than the CJ, and for that you get a LOT more comfort (aka being able to recognize the song on the radio instead of losing it to the
wind and flapping fabric noise), much greater storage space that can't be accessed by anyone with a pocketknife, and greater safety. If off-roading
is part of your thing, then it's cheap and easy to lift an XJ a few inches, and maybe throw on a set of 31" tires. It's got a real transfer case, so
is a great tow vehicle. If you can find a 5-speed, they also get reasonably good mileage.

I also had one of the Suzuki Vitaras in Australia - a five speed "long" wheelbase tintop that was a great little car - would get an honest 30mpg at
highway speeds, and was reasonably good off-road (hindered only by the independent suspension up front). I'd buy one for a towd in a second, but the
weight savings over my well-sorted Cherokee just wouldn't make it worthwhile.
--
Mark Hickey
Mesa, AZ
1978 Royale Center Kitchen
 
> Far as I know (and any exceptions should be noted by those who know), any car with a manual transmission should be flat-towable.
>
> Rick "who doesn't tow, but glad the Redhead isn't averse to a clutch" Denney
> --
> '73 X-Glacier 230 "Jaws"

Rick,

That is a dangerous statement. Several British cars and the Datsuns (before they went back to Nissan) would damage the transmission if flat towed any
significant distance. Unfortunately, I remember no more specifics than that. I know that because friends that raced small cars frequently ran into
trouble with the above. The problem is that the gearboxes count on the gears to pass lube oil up the train so it can then run back down to the
bearings and the output shaft bearing is among those.

I can say that most everything with a New Process Gear transfer case can be. Those actually have a rear oil pump to make that a sure thing. I know
for a fact that this is all Jeeps until very recently. This is not true of all wheel drive versions.

Matt
--
Matt & Mary Colie - '73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan
OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Twixt A2 and Detroit
 
JR, they are flat towable and brackets are available if you need to purchase them. I've towed that generation as did my father years ago. I don't
think VW approves any of their vehicles to be flat towed today, not because they aren't a viable candidate but because of the liability of someone
leaving one in gear instead of neutral and causing who knows what damage. A few years ago I questioned the VW factory guys at a SEMA show about it and
they just shrugged their shoulders and said that 'maybe' the shifter could jump into gear while being towed and cause a problem-NOT. Unfortunately,
many manufacturers have decided it's just not worth the potential problems and have stopped allowing flat towing.
Hal

> Hal,
> Is the Cabriolet with the manual transmission flat towable with the manual transmission without any modifications?
>
> JR
>

> >
> > That's a lot of $$$ for that VW. I paid $500 and drove ours 50 miles home. Needed a top and the interior was a little rough but with an
> > additional
> > $1500 in her she should look road ready.
> > Takes a little time to find a good one for the right price. Prices are all over the map.
> > Here's one locally now;
> > https://albuquerque.craigslist.org/cto/d/1992-volkswagen-cabriolet/6312781673.html
> > Hal
> > --
> > 1977 Royale 101348,
> >
> > 1977 Royale 101586, Diesel powered,
> >
> > 1975 Eleganza II, 101230,
> >
> > 1974 Eagle Bus 45',w/slideout,
> >
> > Rio Rancho, NM
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org

--
1977 Royale 101348,

1977 Royale 101586, Diesel powered,

1975 Eleganza II, 101230,

1974 Eagle Bus 45',w/slideout,

Rio Rancho, NM
 
When I got my new 2001 Chevy Tracker, standard trans, 2 wheel drive, in
2002, I contacted Remco (https://www.remcodsc.com/) for a towing package as
I could not determine from Chevrolet if it was towable or not. They
scoffed and said they didn't make one for that model as it was not needed.
So I did.
John Wright warned me several times that it would damage the transmission.
Of course, I didn't listen as it was working just fine.
Well, guess what? After 120,000 miles (indicated) and 13 years, the rear
seal failed and dumped all the oil. I guess he was right after all. :-)
I replaced the seal and oil and continue to pull it 4 down to this day. I
figure I can afford to fix it again in another 120,000 miles. Actually, I
might preemptively replace it at 220,000 miles.
Its the best dang car I've ever owned! Still!
With an aftermarket hard top
bdub

On Mon, Oct 2, 2017 at 12:47 PM, Hal StClair
wrote:

> JR, they are flat towable and brackets are available if you need to
> purchase them. I've towed that generation as did my father years ago. I
> don't
> think VW approves any of their vehicles to be flat towed today, not
> because they aren't a viable candidate but because of the liability of
> someone
> leaving one in gear instead of neutral and causing who knows what damage.
> A few years ago I questioned the VW factory guys at a SEMA show about it and
> they just shrugged their shoulders and said that 'maybe' the shifter could
> jump into gear while being towed and cause a problem-NOT. Unfortunately,
> many manufacturers have decided it's just not worth the potential problems
> and have stopped allowing flat towing.
> Hal
>
>
>

> > Hal,
> > Is the Cabriolet with the manual transmission flat towable with the
> manual transmission without any modifications?
> >
> > JR
> >

> > >
> > > That's a lot of $$$ for that VW. I paid $500 and drove ours 50 miles
> home. Needed a top and the interior was a little rough but with an
> > > additional
> > > $1500 in her she should look road ready.
> > > Takes a little time to find a good one for the right price. Prices
> are all over the map.
> > > Here's one locally now;
> > > https://albuquerque.craigslist.org/cto/d/1992-volkswagen-cabriolet/
> 6312781673.html
> > > Hal
> > > --
> > > 1977 Royale 101348,
> > >
> > > 1977 Royale 101586, Diesel powered,
> > >
> > > 1975 Eleganza II, 101230,
> > >
> > > 1974 Eagle Bus 45',w/slideout,
> > >
> > > Rio Rancho, NM
> > >
> > > _______________________________________________
> > > GMCnet mailing list
> > > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > > http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
>
> --
> 1977 Royale 101348,
>
> 1977 Royale 101586, Diesel powered,
>
> 1975 Eleganza II, 101230,
>
> 1974 Eagle Bus 45',w/slideout,
>
> Rio Rancho, NM
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
 
I wore out a pair of XJs as company cars. It takes 250k miles or so to accomplish this. If you want automatic, the 4 liter engine is a necessity.
One of mine was the AMC 4 cyl with a 5 speed, it ran allright but would of suffered with the automatic.Automatic was a Warner/Aisin which I'm told can
be expensive to fix. Failure modes on the XJ are the exhaust manifold and the from cover oil seal. They're heavier than the CVJ - I'd want some
extra braking system if I was pulling one.

--johnny
--
76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
"I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell" - ol Andy, paraphrased
 
I looked at the late 90's / early 2000's Suzuki Vitara (aka Tracker) and they weigh in at 2700-2900 pounds. My XJ Cherokee (being a 2-door five speed
model with 4WD) is supposed to be 3057 pounds, so it's really a trifling difference. The "heavy ones" with 4WD are still under 2400 pounds. Kind of
surprisingly, the 2WD models are downright svelte at 2900-3000 pounds. And that's for a pretty big, capable SUV. And they're cheap and easy to fix.
I've replaced the exhaust manifold on mine (cracked, as per schedule), and fixed all the "expected" oil leaks (valve cover, oil filter assembly, rear
main seal - which is a 2-piece seal that isn't difficult to change). I plan on keeping mine for a long, long time...

--
Mark Hickey
Mesa, AZ
1978 Royale Center Kitchen
 
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