How To Flat Tow

This is one of the questions that pops up on the forums and Facebook groups repeatedly, and I think the reason for that is all of the horror stories that people have shared when it comes to flat towing. I've been doing it since my first trail run in the Samurai and it works great for me!
In this video I share how I have my truck and Samurai set up to tow safely, and reliably. Thanks for watching!
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@fortuneoffroad

[@vincentsumner5232]

Always zip tie your tow lights on. Don’t trust the magnet on its own.

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Mine have loops of paracord holding them on.

[@juli0cesarrobles738]

💯

[@twayland6186]

I dont know why people say crossing the chains will create a basket to cradle the tongue if the trailer becomes detached. its not true. The reason you do it is to prevent left and right sway if it becomes detached

[@FortuneOffRoad]

If you do a Google search on this topic there is tons of information on it. 🤙🏻

[@benc9740]

transmition in 2nd gear??? are you fuckin serious??

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Yeah! That's how the Samurai people roll! 🤙🏻

[@omaralexander3435]

Thank you this is my first time ever flat towing your video was really helpful 👍

[@ShortArmStrongArm]

Tow/haul? Where do I find that setting on my manual transmission?

[@FortuneOffRoad]

What trans do you have? Been thinking about a SM465 for the burb... 🤘

[@jodiemarieelectrolys]

I was hoping you would have talked about why it's important to have the transmission case in 2nd gear; I've heard 3rd gear, but why? Thanks good vid.

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Neutral in the tcase to prevent oil splash from turning the transmission while its seal is unlubricated. 2nd in the transmission because the forward gears (2 and 4) are less likely to have the shifter pop out, which could cause catastrophic damage. 👍🏻

[@Franksinatra96]

Is there a tow bar that can pull any vehicle cause it seems like every vehicle being pulled it's a jeep or a vehicle with hooks on the bumper I need a tow bar that I can.use for any vehicle

[@FortuneOffRoad]

It all depends on the mounting. The one I used is universal but must be bolted on. Jeeps are popular, so they probably have vehicle specific options. If you want to be able to tow anything, you may want to look into a tow dolly.

[@Franksinatra96]

@@FortuneOffRoad unfortunately I can't do a tow dolly I would be using it as a business and different insurance company won't insure me so I need to find something that's just basic where if someone is stranded I can get them to there location safely so that's why I'm trying to find a universal tow bar

[@abc-ed1nr]

So for turning the “key” is to just have your steering unlocked!?

[@FortuneOffRoad]

That's correct

[@petemarron6677]

I think some braking from the samurai would be safer

[@HamRadioTV]

Thanks for sharing your setup! I just finished setting up my JK to tow behind our RV. You're right, there is a lot of people doing this differently and then I read about CVC 26458 and decided to install a braking system. But, the Sami is definitely a lighter rig.

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Yeah, I heard about your braking system! Sounds cool. I tried to keep it simple and cheap. Saving up for a 16ft flatbed!

[@cruz47144]

This guy is a dope. This is not the way to flat tow. Your vehicle brakes are not meant to stop another 11/2 ton vehicle being towed.

[@FortuneOffRoad]

What a dope this guy is

[@adamshartley]

Thanks for the video man. Just set up a trooper like that and getting ready to take my first run. Nice suburban.

[@FortuneOffRoad]

I love Troopers! Good luck on your first run. 🤙🏻

[@zackerywilson4787]

Came for the flat tow staying because of the sami love my tracker and vitara

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Cool man! I like those trackers a lot too! 🤙🏻

[@yolo_burrito]

Bring a torque wrench to reconnect the pinion flange bolts on the drive shaft.

[@jorgezuni2818]

I got a ATV winch on my Jeep and it’s a lot smaller than. That Wagner I’ll trade you 😅

[@peterjacobs6290]

I like to run the wires under the hood then out and through the cab. The wires flapping in the wind wore the finish off the hood.

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Thats a good idea! Hopefully my flat tow days will be ober very soon 🤙🏻

[@milwoodhughes670]

your bumper has a cool 45 degree angle for your bolt. My bumper is 95 degrees, should I put my bolts there. Been a bit worried cause don't want to go up a curve and have no up and down space to pull

[@ronbonick4265]

Ive never heard it called Flat Tow, Not sure how iy got that name

[@dannydowell9979]

I’m guessing that the vertical bolts that go to the quick detach is tight?

[@RyanAndreyka]

I have the 6.5:1, do I still need to be in 2nd gear and T-case in Neutral even if I disconnect rear drive shaft and leave front hubs unlocked? Also, if I didn't disconnect the rear, what gears should I be in for my set up? Thank you

[@FortuneOffRoad]

The "correct" way to do it would be the same as the video says, transmission in 2nd and transfer case in Neutral. I've been disconnecting the rear shaft and unlocking the front hubs. I just leave the transmission/transfer case in neutral and that has been working out great for me.

[@MistaJoel63]

Hi from Australia here, loving the suzuki stuff! Don't see much flat towing down here, occasionally behind big RVs. Why do you tow the suzuki to the trail rather than just drive it? I get it's not as comfortable, but surely the extra fuel you use wouldn't be worth it?

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Thanks for checking out our videos! The Samurai makes any drive seem long. Much more comfortable to ride in the tow rig! 🤙🏻

[@Trispit76]

I noticed that you have the same TT shift knob as I do. This is not the shift pattern on the Trail tough website. Can you explain your transfer case shift pattern? Why can't you just put the transfer case in 4N and leave your rear axle connected?

[@FortuneOffRoad]

I do t know why they said 2N but yes, you should be able to put your transfer case in N, and your transmission in 2nd with shaft connected. I just played it safe and disconnected the rear shaft. One mistake on your shifters and you can mess things up pretty bad.

[@mohdsalihakaseaman7191]

That's a very good lesson, I'm thinking if I can permanently connect the tow kit from my truck rear bumper, but can it be possible to tow another vehicle without removing and drilling a screw on the bumper, like using the kit in opposite directions ⁉️ 🤔🤔

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Thanks! I haven't seen anyone do that yet, but it's an interesting idea.

[@mohdsalihakaseaman7191]

@@FortuneOffRoad Thank you sir, Merry Christmas to you🙏 I shall try it on my compact Land Rover freelander 2 with your complete ideas, I swear many would copy it at once, although I may only use it to tow sedan and SUVs by any chance nothing too heavy,

[@Chris-up2ro]

Reversing a flat tow vehicle is impossible

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Yeah, definitely doesn't work well!

[@jodiemarieelectrolys]

Not impossible, it helps tremendously to be on pavement and start out with both vehicles straight; yeah, it can get squirrely for sure and you may not go a great distance. For a straight back up, get both vehicles perfectly aligned and turn the ignition off to lock the front axle; this should get you further in distance.

[@williamgarcia2830]

Now I feel confident in adding a system to my car. Great informational video And finally , I thought about it many times when i see towing vehicles dragging theirs chains on the road . The why they don't cross the chains at the front for safety and support in case it disengage while driving. Excellent job

[@hrishihru]

I still dont understand who is steering the towed vehicle .. ? means those 2 steering wheels ae being dragged leading to wear n tear

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Steering wheel is unlocked and the front tires follow the turn of the tow vehicle. Probably is a little more wear on the tires but was never noticeable for me. 🤙🏻

[@BelloGonzalez]

Donyou lock the sterring wheel? Or just leave it free???

[@FortuneOffRoad]

I put the keys in and turn it to the first click. That ways the wheel is free to turn. 🤙🏻

[@BelloGonzalez]

Fortune Off-Road So, its not danger? I mean, I will have to travel across two countries, is mu first time pulling a truck, I haul trailer but I gues is diferent, because the truck is a 4 wheels, and I was thinking to lock the sterringwheel, because other way the truck is going to be miving a lot

[@BelloGonzalez]

Fortune Off-Road what do you recomended me??

[@FortuneOffRoad]

@@BelloGonzalez if all 4 wheels are on the ground, the steering wheel must be free to spin. The front tires will track behind your tow vehicle. 👍🏻

[@BelloGonzalez]

Fortune Off-Road Ok. So, I guess I will take the trucks like that.... Thank you for your answer

[@daverepole9283]

So I did exactly what you said. I disconnected the rear driveshaft, it's in second gear transfers case in neutral and manual locks in 2 wheel drive. Then I went under my samurai and I tried to turn the front drive shaft and it wont turn. Does that mean it will spin when I flat tow?

[@FortuneOffRoad]

If your front hubs are free then it should not spin. You can just push it in that configuration by hand and see how it acts.

[@daverepole9283]

@@FortuneOffRoad it's all good. Thanks for the quick reply. When I started to drive forward it did not spin..

[@jameslaiola4976]

I'm curious about the rear portion or your truck. Does that ending foot and a half feel like it's flexing when you come to a stop?

[@FortuneOffRoad]

My setup feels solid when I stop. The the ball hitch does wiggle in the receiver a little bit so I ordered a kit to clamp it down.

[@richtertrim35]

Where can I find the mounting brackets that are needed to hook the tow bar up to? Or where did the bumper come from?

[@FortuneOffRoad]

If you check out that tow bar I used, it came with all the mounts needed. Several different t ones too!

[@tonyvargo3744]

Thanks for sharing, brother! Any links to those windshield lights and brackets. I wanna ditch my roof ears. Cheers🍻

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Thanks dude! The Suburban and Samurai both have videos covering the ditch lights. Check out my Playlists for each truck and you'll find it! 🤙🏻

[@pete2814]

good video Fortune off road....i was wondering about the steering wheel...i thought you suppose to turn the ignition on to unlock the steering so it can freely turn...thanks a lot!

[@FortuneOffRoad]

You are supposed to unlock it so it can turn. 🤙🏻

[@FortuneOffRoad]

8:43

[@sootyvoo100]

Have you had any issues on going over 60 or 70 miles an hour?

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Never any issues. Also never went over 60mph though

[@sootyvoo100]

Thank you for making this video I went ahead and ordered the Smitty toe thing through your KZbin channel

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Thanks dude!

[@sootyvoo100]

Just an update!! towed my 87 Suzuki samurai from southern Utah to Northern California and back with no issues!!! Definitely disconnect the drive lines just for safety, it had no issues going down the freeway at 75 miles an hour too 😮😮

[@bigtex2761]

In some states, it's required to cross the chains.

[@FortuneOffRoad]

That's what I hear! I might have to make a part 2

[@PolioVitruvius]

Still don’t understand how the front wheels steer by themselves.

[@FortuneOffRoad]

There is a lot of weight on the front tires from the engine, and the front end is getting dragged around. The path of least resistance is to go in the direction pulled.

[@PolioVitruvius]

@@FortuneOffRoad So when you make a sharp turn with the RV the front wheels of the Jeep actually steer in the same direction completely on their own just because they are pulled in that direction? This seems bizarre and I have not seen anyone actually explain how this works. What stops the wheels from steering in the opposite direction and getting dragged sideways? Doesn’t it have to overcome the power steering pump while the vehicle isn’t running? Thanks

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Weight on wheels is why they turn. If you were strong enough to pull your vehicle from the front the wheels would naturally turn that direction. With the vehicle off the ppwer steering pump isn't running so there isn't much pressure on the system. Since the steering wheel is unlocked there is nothing locking it mechanically either. The process isn't perfect and the tires do scrub sometimes. A trailer is much more preferable for me.

[@bikinijohn]

Curious. Why put tranny in 2nd gear, rather than neutral?

[@FortuneOffRoad]

I have forgotten the reason for it. Something about fluids I think

[@bikinijohn]

@@FortuneOffRoad Thanks

[@richardwest2505]

DOT requires you to cross the safety chains

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Trailer side, vehicle side or both?

[@abdulmohsenalkhalid1816]

How about suzuki jimini i have one but i don’t know how i make the transmission in the same way , it’s automatic 2019

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Usually I see people put the autos in neutral. Have you looked in the vehicle manual?

[@abdulmohsenalkhalid1816]

@@FortuneOffRoad Not yet , but i asked the company here in my country they don’t have any answers for that

[@abdulmohsenalkhalid1816]

@@FortuneOffRoad If i put it in neutral how about the 4-wheel drive there’s no neutral and i think it’s not good to drive while it’s working and the engine not works

[@FortuneOffRoad]

@@abdulmohsenalkhalid1816 I wish I knew man. I don't want to tell you the wrong info!

[@HLL_raiser_]

You can also get a height adjustable ball.

[@matthewcampbell4480]

Like your channel, but had to laugh when you referred to a Colorado as a “tow rig.”

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Only make sense when your rockcrawler is a samurai! Colorado tows 7k 🤘🏻

[@savethesquares9778]

Great video, it was very informative. I bumped into this video looking for a towing setup for my Willys. What speed would you recommend for interstate driving?

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Thanks dude! The tow bar manufacturers say 55mph is the max. Thats also the max speed for towing here where I live. I usually go about 60 and take my time. 🤙🏻

[@savethesquares9778]

@@FortuneOffRoad great to know. I was thinking 60 would be a safe speed. Happy thanksgiving 🦃

[@cameronshaffer8301]

How does the steering work if one person is towing

[@FortuneOffRoad]

The steering wheel is unlocked and the front axle tracks behind the tow rig

[@randy-mw5dq]

Ok, so if you have power steering you don't need to do anything to the steering wheel ?.

[@FortuneOffRoad]

The steering wheel needs to be unlocked by putting the keys in the ignition so it can move freely

[@randy-mw5dq]

@@FortuneOffRoad ok, but I have a 1968 cj5 with power steering no key lock position

[@FortuneOffRoad]

@@randy-mw5dq as long as the wheel and steering can move freely you should be good there

[@randy-mw5dq]

@@FortuneOffRoad thanks bro.

[@jwrees57]

Does it turn corners OK in town ?

[@FortuneOffRoad]

I never had any issues. The Suburban doesn't turn too sharp anyways! 😁

[@rayss3323]

How fast can you typically tow. Is 70 ok?

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Where I drive its 55mph. I wouldn't go much faster than that 🧐

[@rayss3323]

@@FortuneOffRoad thx! I picked up that same towbar for my 48 Willy's. I changed out the critical hardware to US grade 5 and made up some additional bracing.. I also set to my magnetic trailer lights to be zip tied in case a pothole jars them free. I like the idea of using carabineers to secure the wiring - beats cutting and replacing them. I was able to do a test drive to about 40 - all seems good. Will wait till I have a passenger before hitting fwy speeds. Thx for the vid

[@snipestaxservice7983]

Do the wheels turn as you turn?

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Yes, that's why you have to leave the keys in the ignition to unlock the steering wheel.

[@mjmotor779]

👍🏼👍🏼

[@nicholasvernon165]

Dude thanks for going over this for the Sami. The key position is no joke! Just curious are you required to have a breakaway braking system in Cali?

[@FortuneOffRoad]

After searching for hours, I never did find a definite answer. I know a bunch of cops and Highway Patrol and they never mentioned it. At the very least its a good idea.

[@tlo4191]

Anything over 1500 lbs. needs supplemental brakes in Ca.

[@m.a.c.c.m.a.d.e.289]

Another great video! Crazy to me that there is three dislikes? Haters are real! How could someone not like a video that helps people? Great video dude!

[@brianryder9516]

sorry to be so offtopic but does any of you know of a way to log back into an Instagram account? I stupidly forgot the login password. I would love any assistance you can give me.

[@alexzanderellis547]

@Brian Ryder Instablaster :)

[@Jeeptalkshow]

When do you have to start being concerned about auxiliary braking?

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Almost all states require a supplemental if certain conditions are met. Usually it's towing vehicles over 3,000lbs, but in some stares could be as low as 1,500lbs. I'm not expert so definitely don't take my word for it; better to look it up for yourself. I find brakes are always better than no brakes! 😉

[@Jeeptalkshow]

@@FortuneOffRoad Yep, it's 4,500 lbs for Texas. I'm sure brakes are better, but brakes for flat towing a Jeep are expensive. I was wonder if there was some sort of formula like tow vehicle must weight less than have of the tow rig or something. I purchased a 2021 Jeep Gladiator to flat tow my 1998 Cherokee. Would rather do it on a trailer, but you have to have a place to put one of those when you're not using it. :D

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Yeah, exactly. Just picked up a trailer so I don't have to worry about any of that... except the storage. 😬

[@Jeeptalkshow]

@@FortuneOffRoad and the tires, and the axles, and the storage. lol

[@FortuneOffRoad]

@@Jeeptalkshow true, but you're offsetting the wear on your truck tires, and axles which cost more and are more time consuming to replace. My new trailer was $66 for lifetime registration. The Samurai was $175 a year not counting smog.

[@subarufanboy1250]

What is the braking situation on your setup?

[@ryanfadera999]

Why 2nd gear? I have towed transmission neutral, transfer case neutral, hubs free. No issues so far. I know its whole nother animal, but I pull my rwd with the transmission in neutral... hence I applied it to flat towing my samurai. Amazing video btw!

[@FortuneOffRoad]

The 2nd gear is to circulate oil in the transfer case. The manual recommends stopping every 200 miles, starting the engine, and giving a rev for about 1 minute to circulate the oil. 🤙🏻

[@ryanfadera999]

@@FortuneOffRoad thanks a lot bro. Can't wait for us to have trailers so we don't need to flat tow anymore. Lol

[@mitchell5791]

@@FortuneOffRoad So what if have to tow my automatic do I just put the trans in neutral and the transfer case in neutral

[@hakunaxavier]

Great info