Towing with Jeep

[Hurkofish]

I purchased a pontoon boat 21'. Haven't pick it up from the showroom yet. Tuesday will be the day. I was wondering I have a 2000 Jeep Wrangler Sport with a frame mounted class II hitch. I know it's rated at 3500 lbs but because of the size of the boat it should be OK to haul ain't it. I was told by several people not to worry but the size of everything together is alittle scary. The hitch should be alright to pull that don't you think?

 

[DJ]

Re: Towing with Jeep

Hurk,<br /><br />The Wrangler is really not a tow vehicle. Ir's ultra short wheelbase can make it very squirrely.<br /><br />It will pull it, no problem. Controlling it and stopping it may be another matter.<br /><br />Also, pontoon boats are not necessarily light. You may be at or exceeding 3500 pounds. There is only way to know-weigh it.<br /><br />Sorry to disappoint, better safe than sorry.

 

[jajeeper]

Re: Towing with Jeep

I two have a Wrangler. 3500# may be the tow rating of the hitch, but all Wranglers have always had a 2000# limit by the manufacturer. This is an age old debate on Jeep forums. Many people pull big stuff with Wranglers and complain that the Cherokee, with the exact same suspension, engine, etc... is rated for much more weight. The reason is just as stated above, the wheelbase of the Wrangler. If you are going short distances on slow roads, you will probably be fine. If you have to make an emergency stop, the trailer will take control and most likely push the rear of your Jeep to the side. I pull my 2000# boat to a lake 5 minutes away. Occassionally I pull it further. Nevertheless, I don't like it. It doesn't feel safe. <br /><br />Also, be very careful when backing down the ramp. Your Jeep's front tires will easily lock up while the rear wheels continue pulling you down the ramp. I would suggest being ready to shift to neutral in order to stop. Worst case, use the emergency brake to stop the rear tires.

 

[Navigator]

Re: Towing with Jeep

Hurk,<br /><br />I too have an '00 Wrangler Sport and would not recommend towing that load with the Jeep. Drive train wise, no problem, but like jajeeper mentioned, if you hit the brakes in a panic stop, the weight of the trailer is going to most likely shove the rear of the jeep out to the side. This will most likely flip the jeep and possibly kill the occupants. That is why the wrangler has a low tow rating. If you want the higher rating, trade your '00 wrangler for the new 04 "Unlimited" version. The stretched wheelbase enabled them to increase the tow rating and still maintain the safety factor.<br /><br />I know a discussion board answer might not deter you from pulling the trailer anyways, but if you feel you must, see if you can get a good set of brakes put on the trailer. That will increase the safety a bit.<br /><br />Sorry for the bad news <br /><br />Nav

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Towing with Jeep

You have recieved VERY good advice, Now, are you going to take it???

 

[plasticfailure]

Re: Towing with Jeep

i also have a jeep wrangler, i was wondering, do bigger tires increase your ability to trailer, or decrease it. I would think increase because more rubber on the road. any opinions?

 

[jajeeper]

Re: Towing with Jeep

If you are talking JUST bigger tires, I wouldn't think you would do much either way to your tow rating. If you have installed a lift to fit those bigger tires under your Jeep, your tow rating will go down.

 

[Navigator]

Re: Towing with Jeep

Plasticfailure,<br />Large tires will decrease your tow rating unless you increase out the gear ratio's in both of your axles. Increasing tire size without changing out the ratio puts additional stress on the differential gears and will most likely eventually lead to failure.<br /><br />This is the kind of stuff that separates the "true" jeeper from the "JC Whitney bolt on look at my pretty chrome" jeep owner. (No offense to JC Whitney )<br /><br />Nav

 

[Hurkofish]

Re: Towing with Jeep

Yes, I sure did get some good advice. I have decided to put a hitch on the wife mini van instead. Never thought about the wheelbase on the jeep being to short. Thanks for all your help and comments. I rather get to the water in one piece.

 

[agrazela]

Re: Towing with Jeep

Hurk,<br /><br />What is the wife's mini-van?

 

[Hurkofish]

Re: Towing with Jeep

Buick Rendezvous. I put a class III on hers.

 

[Maximerc]

Re: Towing with Jeep

Larger tires... with more sidewall?? this would make things even more unstable, Preformance cars have short sidewall for better control. I love jeeps but I spun one on a off ramp once .. man they go around qick with that short wheel base.