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Jeep Wrangler Towing
I have a 2000 Jeep Wrangler, manual 4wd and recently purchased a boat. Weight with trailer and boat is 3000lbs. I am trying to decide if I should get a hitch put on my jeep to tow the boat or not. I would only be towing it 10-15 miles from my house on all flat roads (I live on the coast of NC) NEVER on the hightway or on long trips. Does anyone have experience with towing a boat with a wrangler. Recommendations? How does it perform on the boat ramp (backing boat in and pulling it out)? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks
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DC's recommendations for towing are based on wheelbase and lawyers rather than the capability of the engine, transmission, and brakes. However, while I can tell you what I do, don't take it as a recommendation.
I regularly tow a little over 3K lbs, mostly on the flat, and sometimes it's a boat. As long as I make full allowance for the fact that the trailer is there, especially in the wet or in traffic, I have no problems. Boat ramps are no problem either, though it's sensible to engage 4WD even if the ramp is dry.
However, one item that is essential IMHO, is a transmission cooler if you have an auto, though I know that doesn't apply to you.
As an alternative to a bolt-on hitch you might want to look at a replacement bumper with an integral hitch. Costs more but doesn't compromise ground clearance so much.
Finally, as with any vehicle, if you get salt water on it, get it washed down as soon as possible.
That would be just on the boat ramp, right? :shades:
2000 Jeep Wrangler and loving it.
i hope you can point me in the right direction with my problem - - Please.
just buying a used sunfish sail boat(only 130 pounds) with a trailer -- but have to get a hitch on the Jeep. and i got a feeling i dont have to spend the "$300" to get a new hitch.
do you have any advice - - or a contact in NY or CT . i'm in western Connecticut.
Waiting to hear,
BJ
good call, i did end up at a Uhaul- and its gonna run
around $210.
beej
2000 miles,4WD manual transmission. Any tips? All
replies appreciated, any info on towing with a tow bar,or a tow dolly would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you in advance! David
What I am wondering is if anyone knows how well the Unlimited will ACTUALLY tow 3,500 lbs? Our Fleetwood Pop up weighs exactly 3,500 prior to any sleeping bags, etc. Am I just wishfully thinking that the Unlimited can indeed tow it's max plus a bit more - especially in Washington State where there are definite uphill grades???? Any insight and or recommendations would be more than appreciated.
Jeep Service Dept. says Yes - but, I am still a bit weary - but so love the Unlimited. Just have to know if it is possible and not going to be totally problamatic to the engine, etc.
Thanks!
I am currently considering purchasing an '07 Jeep Unlimited 4x4 with tow package for a tow capacity of 3,500 lbs.
We would be towing a boat/trailer dry of 2,000 lb.s
First question - I really would like this Jeep to be manual, but my husband says we are nuts to tow with a manual. He definitely wants it to be an automatic. I am curious to know what other more "seasoned" towers would say - stick with an automatic only? Or, are there any benefits to towing with a manual?
Second question - the sales person said a manual would give you more "torque" for towing - is this true?
And last, anyone have input or opinion to the '07 Jeep Unlimited for towing - good or bad??
ALSO totally meant to ask pro's vs. con's of a manual vs. automatic on a boat ramp getting boat in and out.
Better to stick with automatic??? or, manual ????
Again - I am all ears to opinions, experiences, recommendations, etc, etc...... ???
ASAP if at all possible. Looking to buy/order an '07 Jeep Unlimited very, very soon here. Just don't know which to choose - if either?? Thanks!!!
One more question - do you have an automatic or a manual Unlimited? I am assuming you have the 4 door with tow package installed, correct?
I will have an 18' foot boat this spring, about 2800 lbs total gross weight. I'm thinking about buying a $100-150 hitch from JCWhitney and installing it myself. Anybody have experience doing this?
I don't have a garage, so I have limited space to do this. I'm also concerned about the electrical wiring, how difficult is that to set up?
-Ryan
The Tj's short wheel base could EASILY have the tail wagging the dog if you're towing a 2800 lb boat. The longer wheelbase TJ (aka the LJ) Unlimiteds have a higher tow rating.
As for the wiring, it is easy if you get a Jeep/Wrangler-specific harness setup from your favorite autopart store.
-Paul
I was wondering how troublesome the installation of the hitch is also? In addition, have there been significant clearance troubles with an aftermarket hitch installed instead of an integrated bumper hitch that should sway my decision one way or another?
1800 is still pushing it a bit, so be VERY wary if you attempt this. I personally opted for a hitch integrated into my aftermarket bumper. BUT it is not legally/officially tow rated - more for recovery. But I have towed a lengthy trailer full of wood flooring with no problems. I only have the 2.5L engine, so I know I won't be towing anything CLOSE to 1500 lbs.
As for clearance issues, an aftermarket hidden hitch will take some clearance away, but if you don't offroad it or only go on things like fire trails, it should not pose a problem. If you wheel in rocks or on steep hills, it WILL pose a problem and will likely become a serious catching point when wheeling. I see it happen with a lot of our new wheelers that have a hitch installed.
Installing a hitch is usually just a matter of bolting it up to the frame. You MIGHT have to loosen the gas tank mounts, but you shouldn't have to drop the tank. It should take about 30-45 minutes or so with basic hand tools.
-Paul
We have an abundance of rivers/lakes here in Central VA, so I probably wouldn't be driving any more than 30 miles at a time with the boat. Now I just need to make sure I'm getting the boat before I go further with a hitch :shades:
-Paul
I don't think U Haul will rent a trailer if it's going to be towed by a converible. Thank you, trial lawyers... :mad:
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive
Then again, Utility Trailers are Dangerous.
Thanks
-Paul
Take your Jeep to a truck scale and weigh it. I just weighed my 2003 YJ and found out it weighs only 2240lbs. that is totally unladen. I will be towing it on a 5000lb tow bar and proper bracket. I don't think your 2005 will weigh that much more than mine.
Right!
-Paul
This is for anyone who has modified their 4dr. JK to use as a tow vehicle:
I have 2009 4dr X automatic which has 3:27's and factory tow pkg. We installed a 4 inch lift but kept the stock rims and mud tires (32's). We have purchased a 16 ft. Funfinder travel trailer which weighs 2,500 lbs. empty and will be pulling it with sway bars. My husband has already installed the 7 pin and Prodigy brake controller. I have several questions because we would like to optimize the JK for towing the trailer:
1. Should we re-gear? To what ratio? Does it improve MPG and Power
2. Should we install air bags?
3. Also, I have seen several discussions regarding the tranny cooler and the placement of the stock cooler. I am afraid to install an aftermarket cooler because it may void the lifetime warranty. Is the aftermarket cooler necessary? :confuse:
2. Should we install air bags?
3. Also, I have seen several discussions regarding the tranny cooler and the placement of the stock cooler. I am afraid to install an aftermarket cooler because it may void the lifetime warranty. Is the aftermarket cooler necessary?
1: You probably will have to, not just for mpg but for general driveability. 4.88:1 will probably be the best choice unless towing will be the major part of your driving, in which case you might consider 5.13:1.
2: It's not essential, especially if the trailer tongue weight is correct and the trailer is balanced. Won't hurt though.
3: An additional transmission cooler, correctly installed, will be almost essential.
It's mere existence on the vehicle cannot affect your warranty, and as it's impossible to over cool the transmission, the only way it could invalidate your warranty is if it caused a transmission issue by leaking fluid in some way.
If you use a stacked plate design cooler, properly installed, and with the correct type of automatic transmission hose (not fuel line or water hose), you'll be fine.
The online brochure says that the Trailer Towing Group Option includes:
- Class 1 receiver hitch (since it's a 2 door)
- seven-to-fourpin adapter,
- Trailer Sway Control, and
- 3.73:1 axle ratio
What exactly is "Trailer Sway Control." I know what the words mean, but is it a separate pice of equipment like a shock absorber mounted somewhere? Or is it a system that pulses the brakes to compensate for any sway in the trailer? Or ??
I'm asking because I plan to buy a 2010 Jeep. I don't need to tow frequently and may just buy an aftermarket hitch versus having to special order a Jeep with the tow package from the dealer. And the salesman is telling me the Trailer Sway Control provides added safety, but couldn't explain how it worked.
Seems I can't find a salesman that knows his stuff ....
Any ideas?
Thanks.
...............Seems I can't find a salesman that knows his stuff ....
I must admit i didn't realize it was a separate option. It's part of the programming of the various stability and ABS functions that will detect trailer sway by the motion of the Jeep.
It will then try to correct it by reducing power and braking the wheels independently as necessary, though it's not foolproof.
I often tow a 3Klb+ utility trailer with my older TJ without any problem, but I'm careful to keep it balanced.
Even though you wouldn't use it to its full rating, a 2" class three hitch is much more versatile than a class one.
As for the salesman, it's usually the case that an informed buyer will have much greater product knowledge than the salesman.
Your poor excuse for a salesman should have at least known where to find the information, i.e. the Owners Manual in the glovebox, which gives a complete explanation of how and when TSC works.
Looks like I'll have to order a Jeep, as I cannot find one with the options I want.
Thanks again,
Thanks
However, that would be an extremely rare occurence. What often happens is that in the circumstances you describe the load on the Jeep front wheels becomes very light coming out of the dip; and when you turn, instead of tracking the path of the motorhome, the Jeep front wheels flip over to full lock (in other words, fully to one side).
They aren't actually locked by the steering column lock though, but you have to stop and center them up manually as you know.
There's little you can do about it though, except drive according to the conditions and slow right down when approaching and driving through a dip/turn.
I found a shop where they remove the lock pin in race cars and will do this for me. I just don't feel safe thinking this might happen at high speed.
thanks for your help
And I plan on towing it behind the RV and need to make sure my RV can tow it what is its tow weight??
Thanks
Even if it was 2500, I wouldn't do it. The TJ's wheelbase is just too short to be stable enough for a 20' boat. The tail WILL wag the dog.
The sway bars (on the suspension) won't do squat. You'd at least need a beefed up connection between the trailer and the Jeep, but again a short wheelbase TJ pulling a 20' boat is just a disaster waiting to happen - IMO at least.
-Paul
I asked my dealership about changing the suspension system or something else on the Wrangler but they didn't seem to know what to do. I am concerned since the back bumper drops about 3 inches when the trailer is hooked up.
If I missed a similar thread that you can point me to, great. Otherwise, any suggestions for me so that I can safely tow my trailer and keep the Wrangler a little more level will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!