Learn me flat towing!

Woody said:

In reply to Keith Tanner :

Have you investigated what Canada requires, or for that matter what U-Haul's rules are for crossing the border? Or even using a tow dolly that's not registered in your name?

You wouldn't want to get all the way to the wall, only to have to turn around and go back.

That’s in the U-Haul FAQ, actually. No problems. But we’d drop the dolly on the NY side and drive the XJ the last hour, just to save the hassle. Ottawa is right by the border. 

irish44j said:

stafford1500 said:

The only answer not offered yet is to trailer it to Ottawa, and then find something else to bring home on the trailer.

Just trying to help out and be the good enabler we all tend to be around here

 

Buy an inexpensive trailer in decent shape, tow it out there with the XJ on it, let Eric sell teh trailer Ottawa. Basic car-hauler trailers hold their value and probably would be easy to sell a good-condition one in the rust zone in a week. Even if you sell it for a bit less than it's worth, that's what you'd spend on the dolly anyhow. Hell, maybe you could break even or make a profit! 

Having owned an XJ, I'd have no interest in either driving it anywhere near that distance nor flat-towing it. 

Trailers are not cheap around here, and we do not have anywhere to store a trailer in Ottawa while selling. I have looked at the prices. That’s not really a good option for this trip. If it was from Georgia to Ottawa, maybe. From Georgia to Colorado, definitely. 

Fly me to Colorado, give me the $333 and gas money and I will drive it back. Currently unemployed :-(  

Having done it exactly once, my vote goes to flat tow.  As others have said, beware of sketchy handling, especially in crosswinds at highway speeds. You may have to go slower than you want too in the right lane. Given the size of the two Jeeps, i think you'll be fine. Be sure the steering is unlocked, and don't back up!  Get those magnetic LED towing lights from Harbor Freight. Zip tie or duct tape them on for extra insurance.

My first and only experience with flat towing was with my Dodge Dakota towing a W123 Benz from Seattle to Central Ohio. I made it with no issues, (other than a magnetic light temporally falling off in Iowa) though braking was not what I would call great. The Benz wanted to move the truck around above 75 mph in the Wyoming wind, but kept under that it towed straight and true. 

Good luck with your adventure!