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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 7 of 7

#53 of 58 Wrangler Towing Boat by sail2thesun

Dec 05, 2010 (5:53 am)

We're considering buying a used Wrangler and using it to tow our 2,000lb sailboat on a 4-wheel trailer. The boat is 20' long. Last summer I used a friend's Wrangler and while towing the empty trailer, had a difficult time avoiding excessive sway... especially on the curves. The Jeep owner said he needed to replace the sway bar. Would this have solved the problem, would I need to add additional towing gear, or is the Wrangler incapable of towing a 2,000 lb sailboat or was the empty trailer the issue?

#54 of 58 Re: Wrangler Towing Boat [sail2thesun] by erickpl

Dec 07, 2010 (2:26 pm)

Replying to: sail2thesun (Dec 05, 2010 5:53 am)
On a regular TJ, max towing in 1500..
 
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

#55 of 58 2010 Jeep towing a 2011 Elantra by sarahcait2010

Jul 11, 2011 (12:25 pm)

I'm moving from Alabama to California, i have two cars to get out there. Can i tow a 2011 Hyndai Elantra on a car dolly behind a 2010 Jeep Sport Wrangler 4wd 6 speed?

#57 of 58 Increasing maximum tongue weight on JK?? by pstraube

Jul 19, 2011 (7:23 pm)

I have a 2008 Wrangler Sahara Unlimited. The owner's manual says I can tow 3,500 pounds (which is far more than my camping trailer weighs) and have a maximum tongue weight of 350 pounds. This is where my problem lies. I had the tongue extended on my trailer and they put a large, boxed in tray on front. I don't know what the new tongue weight it but I'm guessing a couple hundred pounds or more beyond the 350 limit.
  
 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!

#58 of 58 Re: Increasing maximum tongue weight on JK?? [pstraube] by mac24

Jul 20, 2011 (6:57 am)

Replying to: pstraube (Jul 19, 2011 7:23 pm)
The solution is simple. You don't increase the tongue weight capacity of the Wrangler, instead you reduce the weight on the trailer tongue.
 
First, here's how to measure the tongue weight using a bathroom scale (without breaking it ): Tongue Weight
 
Next, adjust the load on the tongue by rearranging to contents of the trailer.
Move or add weight to the rear to reduce the tongue weight, move or add weight to the front to increase it.

Messages Page 7 of 7

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