Towing

Just wondering what the concensus is on the windshield when towing... up or down? I will be towing my 67 a couple hundred miles this weekend behind my lifted Dodge ram and I am going to use the tow bar that attaches to the front bumber of the jeep, I was looking at it today and the jeep is a lot more narrow than my ram and if the ram kicks a rock off the tire I am worried it will shatter a perfectly good windshield. My gut tells me to strap it down but just wanted to hear what all of you had to say about it.

Thanks ahead of time
Chilli

 

just finished 1700 miles of towing mine
no rock problems encountered with my Dodge Ram
...that doesn't mean something could happen
I slowed down on graveled/dirt/muddy roads
terrain/road conditions will dictate your speed in my opinion

 

With the windshield down you'll have less wind resistance which translates into better gas mileage. Plus less chance of rock chips, like you say.

tommy b

 

One of the few times it's "better to have it down than have it up"

 

On the way home with my 58 CJ5 I threw a rock and chipped my perfect windshield. I've since towed no telling how many miles without another problem. Always up because of the top. I've always thought if it got too bad I'd just tape something to it, but never did.

 

I always go windshield down because of fuel milage.

 

Is there a "best" tow bar? Or one that a lot of you guys/gals have had great luck with? I would like one that I don't have to worry about. Thanks!

 

Fuel mileage, the jeep is drafting your truck as close as 2 NASCAR idiots. Because of drafting I would think the fuel mileage would be way more affected by the shear weight than the windshield drag.
Not saying it isn't possible but would think that rocks would beat your paint off the grill and fenders before busting your windshield, especially considering the the grill is only about 5' from the rear tires of the truck.

I have a Resse model #74950 tow bar with a 5000lb rating, works great. I paid $50 for it from a guy at work who used it 2 summer towing his Jeep.

 

Well after posting this I took a second look and I think that the jeep will be too close to the tailgate of my truck to allow anything to fly up from the tires, as far as fuel economy well I dont know what to say, would like to say thanks to all for the input as usual everyone has there opinions wether they be good or bad. Thanks agian guys

Chilli

 

Thanks Mcruff.

 

I have seen a windshield come up at highway speed, ain't pretty... I would be worried about whats holding it down if it were left down. I would hope more than just a little strap.

 

If rocks are a concern, I'd think you'd do well with a heavy cardboard/light plywood shield. It'd be pretty easy and cheap to fabricate. You might consider using some rubber bumpers as standoffs.

 

I tow mine (never drive because it still does not run) with the windshield down for less resistance and it rides great.

 

My only concern with windshields flat is that the glass is more likely to break in a horizontal plane than a vertical one. I've towed mine both ways without problems, but there's a reason a glass truck carries all of it's glass vertically on edge. Just my 2 cents worth...G