Troubleshooting Vehicle that Was Flat Towed Where Outside of Right Front Tire Wore Out Quickly

Question:

Been using this tow bar for about four years. Couple of days ago we left for a short trip, got about twenty five miles from the house and had a blowout on the right front of the Jeep TJ we tow. Changed it, put my brand new spare on and headed down the road, about fifty miles later I stopped and checked on the Jeep and all the tread was worn off the outside half of the new tire I had just put on. Unhooked the Jeep, drove the motorhome back to the house, got my truck and trailer and went back and got the Jeep. I had commented to my wife immediately after we left the house that the motorhome was pulling to the right which isn’t normal. After unhooking the Jeep, the motorhome did not pull to the right, so here’s my question, is it possible that one side of the tow bar didn’t extend causing the Jeep to be pulled sideways? I checked the in and out travel on the tow bar arms and they seem to work as usual. I’ve taken the Jeep to the dealer, they did a four wheel alignment check and said everything is within specs, they couldn’t find any problems with the suspension either. Thanks

asked by: Ron M

Helpful Expert Reply:

It would seem unlikely, but it is possible that your tow bar arm didn't fully extend which is why it was pulling to the one side. It's hard to say for certain though but I am sure if you were able to watch what the Jeep was doing when it was pulling to the right. It could be that the steering locked to one side (not likely) but I would anticipate probably something with the telescoping arms.

expert reply by: Jameson C