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Jeep Wrangler Towing

58 messages,  Last post on Jul 20, 2011 at 6:57 AM

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What is this discussion about? Jeep Wrangler, SUV

Messages Page 5 of 6

#39 of 58 Towing w/ 4dr JK by wendysinger

Nov 18, 2009 (4:48 pm)

I have posted here before. I had a 2006 Unlimited which I sold, now I have a 2009 4dr JK. New Jeep, New questions.
 
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?

#40 of 58 Gear Ratio correction by wendysinger

Nov 19, 2009 (10:12 am)

That should read "3.73".

#41 of 58 Re: Towing w/ 4dr JK [wendysinger] by mac24

Nov 19, 2009 (10:40 am)

Replying to: wendysinger (Nov 18, 2009 4:48 pm)
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?
 
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.

#42 of 58 What is Trailer Sway Control by akcijas

May 05, 2010 (7:58 pm)

Does anyone know what the Trailer Sway Control for a 2010 2-door Wrangler Trailer Towing Group really is?
 
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.

#43 of 58 Re: What is Trailer Sway Control [akcijas] by mac24

May 06, 2010 (6:26 am)

Replying to: akcijas (May 05, 2010 7:58 pm)
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?................
...............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.

#44 of 58 Re: What is Trailer Sway Control [mac24] by akcijas

May 06, 2010 (10:38 pm)

Replying to: mac24 (May 06, 2010 6:26 am)
Thanks for the reply. I appreciate it. Why the saleman didn't know that is ridiculous.
 
Looks like I'll have to order a Jeep, as I cannot find one with the options I want.
 
Thanks again,

#45 of 58 Steering wheel Locks when towing by brent59

Jun 15, 2010 (7:04 am)

Need help as to how to remove steering wheel lock. I have a 97 wrangler tow behind motor home. Manual says to tow with key in ACC . Ocansionally the steering wheel locks on me. Happens when I go through a good size dip in th road followed with a turn. Any suggestions or help ?
 
Thanks

#46 of 58 Re: Steering wheel Locks when towing [brent59] by mac24

Jun 15, 2010 (10:47 am)

Replying to: brent59 (Jun 15, 2010 7:04 am)
If the steering lock actually does lock up in the ACC position then you need to replace it.
 
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.

#47 of 58 Re: Steering wheel Locks when towing [mac24] by brent59

Jun 20, 2010 (5:23 pm)

Replying to: mac24 (Jun 15, 2010 10:47 am)
It does lock as I have to move the key to on while turning the wheel back and forth to release the lock.
 
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

#48 of 58 Power by h2odogs

Jul 02, 2010 (11:04 am)

A couple of questions I have a new 2010 4dr with 35 inch tires and body lift... First which is my biggest problem is I have lost allot of performance in power and MPG due to the big tires and when on the freeway going up hills etc it slows down to much and I have to take it out of overdrive any suggestions on upgrades for the motor or gearing??
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

Messages Page 5 of 6

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