Seeking a Toad

[wakebylake]

At some point this year I made the decision to get a toad. I have a large aluminum car carrier but it is in the north and the bird is in the south. Also, dealing with the trailer comes with an additional set of concerns mostly around parking.

After a bunch of debate, a Jeep Wrangler seems to be the way to go. I don't want to take on another vehicle, but Jeeps are natively towable and a Wrangler is a bucket list item, so....

My question: I've seen some Wranglers that already have base plates/braking systems installed. Any reason I should stay away from a vehicle that has already been towed by others? Are these vehicles more prone to issues at all?

Feedback is always appreciated. Thank you.

[NoGas]

At the 3 year point and I wouldn’t change anything (though I may go to 37’s and do a gearing change when these tires need replacing). Makes a pretty awesome off-roader too. Video below shows opinion at the 2-year point. Lots of other vids available at my YT channel to stoke that bucket list desire…

https://youtu.be/w2c4s1_zjFA?si=jCJ8hIconKsosV9K

Did NOT install a base plate because all the ones I’ve seen drop down and lower vehicle clearance. My Roadmaster tow bar attaches thru the aftermarket LOD bumper and it pulls directly from/to the Jeep frame ends. This is the absolute best way to pull a Wrangler, but it takes some extra effort to make sure the tow bar is level. This setup tows beautifully, almost as if it’s not there. There is a page in the Jeep Owners Manual that I plastic coated, which tells exactly how to prepare for toad duty, and then transition back. I use it every time I hook up or unhook. I have experienced zero issues towing it. Mine is a newer 2021 JL model. However, older models may have different results including the dreaded death wobble (which I have never experienced - thankfully).

My prior toad made a great lifeboat vehicle too and I still have it - Fiat 500 Pop MT. If you are not going off-road, definitely consider it.
.

[isp2952]

Originally Posted by NoGas

At the 3 year point and I wouldn’t change anything (though I may go to 37’s and do a gearing change when these tires need replacing). Makes a pretty awesome off-roader too. Video below shows opinion at the 2-year point. Lots of other vids available at my YT channel to stoke that bucket list desire…

https://youtu.be/w2c4s1_zjFA?si=jCJ8hIconKsosV9K

Did NOT install a base plate because all the ones I’ve seen drop down and lower vehicle clearance. My Roadmaster tow bar attaches thru the aftermarket LOD bumper and it pulls directly from/to the Jeep frame ends. This is the absolute best way to pull a Wrangler, but it takes some extra effort to make sure the tow bar is level. This setup tows beautifully, almost as if it’s not there. There is a page in the Jeep Owners Manual that I plastic coated, which tells exactly how to prepare for toad duty, and then transition back. I use it every time I hook up or unhook. I have experienced zero issues towing it. Mine is a newer 2021 JL model. However, older models may have different results including the dreaded death wobble (which I have never experienced - thankfully).

My prior toad made a great lifeboat vehicle too and I still have it - Fiat 500 Pop MT. If you are not going off-road, definitely consider it.
.

I have 37s on my JL and so far love them.

[atckip]

Jeeps are one of the easiest vehicles to tow. My only concern on previously installed bumper pull baseplates, is to make sure its rated to use as a tow point. Most of the aftermarket bumpers are not.

[Dave Stokes]

Well, There is nothing technically wrong with a wrangler as a towed, however, JTs on 37s just look way more cool and you get a bed! I opted for the diesel model and I regeared. Tows like it isn't there and will go just about anywhere when not attached.

[Jimadams57]

As they say it’s a jeep thing you wouldn’t understand!

[45forever]

Originally Posted by Dave Stokes

Well, There is nothing technically wrong with a wrangler as a towed, however, JTs on 37s just look way more cool and you get a bed! I opted for the diesel model and I regeared. Tows like it isn't there and will go just about anywhere when not attached.

I have a '22 Glady and I heard just today that they were going to quit making them. I love mine.

[ddoster]

I think it just the EcoDiesel engine being discontinued.

[oldmansax]

I have towed '96 to '99 GM Tahoe/Yukons 4x4 for years. Put the transfer case in neutral and tow. I like the ride, the room, the comfort, and they fit my injured back. And, they are big enough to push the coach if I have problems. My son and I pushed the ill fated SOB I had about 75 miles home, and then another 50 miles to a shop. I don't think I'd try that with a Bird but I would certainly attempt to get one off the road if needed.

I'm fixing up a '99 Suburban 3/4 ton diesel to tow now. I need more room to carry the stuff I need to fix my relatives problems when we visit.

TOM

[Harold,Cat&Sam]

We are very happy with our 2004 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited , the LJ . The 2 door unlimited "LJ" was only available in 2004 , 2005 and 2006 models .
It has just enough room behind the rear seat to carry our chainsaw box , ice chest , first aid kit and other items while venturing off-road .

I prefer a trailer vs flat tow .