I am getting ready to install PCS hydro assist with Ram on my JK. I flat tow all over the country behind my Motor home. I am wondering if this causes any issues with the towing. Not interested in a trailer. 45 foot Prevost with 500 HP diesel rated at 20,000 lbs
Flat towing with hydro assist
- Thread starter CarrollCo
- Start date
I would call PCS and ask. They're going to be the ones with the specific knowledge. Seems like you should be able to, but I've seen discussions where people have had issues.
If you call and get a good answer, post it up for the hive mind. I'm curious as to the potential pitfalls and/or cautions
If you call and get a good answer, post it up for the hive mind. I'm curious as to the potential pitfalls and/or cautions
Should have added i have talked with PCS they said,
"We don’t have any practical experience as we trailer our shop vehicles to whatever destinations they might be headed to.
The main concern we hear from customers about flat towing is erratic vehicle movement at prolonged highway speeds.
Many believe the cause is the presence of the assist cylinder being connected to the tie rod.
We are not certain that is the case. However, especially if a tie rod clamp is installed, this can be remedied by disconnecting the assist cylinder from the tie rod until the destination is reached, then reconnect and wheel away!"
Hence the reason I am asking for real world experience. I am not opposed to making a quick connect on the clamp were the ram connects. Just concerned about the reliability of such a thing and if that would solve the problem.
The Coach will drag the Jeep wheels turned or not so it could be a problem if it doesn't return to center.
"We don’t have any practical experience as we trailer our shop vehicles to whatever destinations they might be headed to.
The main concern we hear from customers about flat towing is erratic vehicle movement at prolonged highway speeds.
Many believe the cause is the presence of the assist cylinder being connected to the tie rod.
We are not certain that is the case. However, especially if a tie rod clamp is installed, this can be remedied by disconnecting the assist cylinder from the tie rod until the destination is reached, then reconnect and wheel away!"
Hence the reason I am asking for real world experience. I am not opposed to making a quick connect on the clamp were the ram connects. Just concerned about the reliability of such a thing and if that would solve the problem.
The Coach will drag the Jeep wheels turned or not so it could be a problem if it doesn't return to center.
Gotcha, wish I could add something of value but I have no first hand experience. Only suggestion I have is 1) make sure you have acceptable caster and 2) maybe check some rv forums or specifically Prevost forums.
Appreciate the response. The previous forums response is buy an enclosed trailer. LOLI did get 2 responses one said has towed 26,000 miles no issue the other said it was causing weird wear on his 40's. Thought I would ask here. I think I will go with the disconnect the Ram idea that PCS said. Better safe then sorry.
Whitesandstitan
Member
I hate to say it, as you seem set on the flat tow.
But a nice flatbed with electric brakes is the only way to go. The trailer will literally pay for itself. The wear on the tires alone is going to save you. The resale of the Jeep will be much better as well, in the end.
Seems money is no issue, so why beat the poor jeep to death?
When parked at the RV parks your trailer could double as a raised deck. Or I imagine it could be parked away from the campsite.
The hydro assist should not affect it at all. If anything it should act as a shock. Unless there is a one way valve at play. Otherwise the fluid will flow freely as the wheels turn. Now if the engine is running, providing the hydro with pressure I imagine that could be another story.
Good luck!
But a nice flatbed with electric brakes is the only way to go. The trailer will literally pay for itself. The wear on the tires alone is going to save you. The resale of the Jeep will be much better as well, in the end.
Seems money is no issue, so why beat the poor jeep to death?
When parked at the RV parks your trailer could double as a raised deck. Or I imagine it could be parked away from the campsite.
The hydro assist should not affect it at all. If anything it should act as a shock. Unless there is a one way valve at play. Otherwise the fluid will flow freely as the wheels turn. Now if the engine is running, providing the hydro with pressure I imagine that could be another story.
Good luck!