What...

[HollaGeo]

Realistically - What would happen if I tow 3500 pounds with my Jeep Wrangler (6 Cylinder)?

 

[woosterken]

Re: What...

I would make sure the trailer has brakes that work and not plan on towing to far or fast or on any thing other than flat ground.the boat and gear weights more than the jeep imho.<br />ken

 

[Silvertip]

Re: What...

Maybe nothing -- and maybe disaster! Towing it is one thing. Stopping and making successful emergency moves are quite another. Most accidents happen within a couple miles from home so the arguement that "I'm only towing it a few miles" is not sound reasoning. Short wheelbase vehicles do not make the best tow vehicles, especially when at, near, or over the recommended tow rating. Couple all those factors with a lack of towing experience (I'm not saying you are inexperienced) and you could have a recipe for disaster.

 

[JRJ]

Re: What...

Depends on what you consider a "happening". How good a driver are you? Does the trailer have brakes? Do they work? 30 some years ago I towed loads of firewood with my Jeep and survived. Do you feel lucky? Well do ya.......? Good luck.

 

[HollaGeo]

Re: What...

I am a good driver. The trailer doesn't have brakes. I wasn't even born 30 years ago. The ride will be from South Jersey to North Jersey. Straight shoot up the GSP.

 

[QC]

Re: What...

No brakes, I vote no. Like UIS said, the short wheelbase without brakes at 3500 lbs. could be very scary. I towed around 2500 with a Bronco 2 and that was on the ragged edge IMHO. If I had to stop hard, I would've been in big trouble.

 

[jtexas]

Re: What...

In your state separate trailer brakes are required on trailers over 3,000; so in the event of an accident you face possible criminal charges and denied insurance coverage.<br /><br />Don't count on being able to stop suddenly. Won't you have a toll stop about every mile? Maybe at 2am, and you never get above 25mph...<br /><br />If you still plan on doing it, find a jeep owner's forum - you might be able to get a first-hand account from somebody whose done it. <br /><br />(No offense, JRJ, I mean with a modern Jeep.)

 

[JRJ]

Re: What...

jtexas, it was brand new....and I was fairly new also but not as smart as I thought <br />HollaGeo, have a safe trip.

 

[fondafj]

Re: What...

I did extensive towing with a CJ7, the wrangler predecessor. Both young AND stupid, I towed a 3000lb boat and trailer combo without brakes. Although it was a very stable tandem axle trailer set up there were certain "rules of engagement" to follow. <br />Keep the speed down<br />Don't tow in the rain<br />Respect the distance to vehicles in front of you<br />Turn OR stop but not both at the same time<br /><br />That said ---- I would NEVER do it again as there is too much lady luck involved. Adding trailer brakes would help but my experiece is that the wheelbase is just too short to effectively control the rig.

 

[shipoffools]

Re: What...

Iam not usually "Mr Safety for All" when it comes to towing but the GSP with an overload is a situation ripe for disaster Things move fast on that road and they can go wrong even faster. I tow on the GSP alot not only my boat which is a pretty easy tow but also skid steer loaders and lanscape equipment in 22' trailers even though I am well below weight limit the lack of visibility and manuverability make those trips stressful at best.

 

[demsvmejm]

Re: What...

See this thread, it's the same question, essentially, Towing with a Wrangler <br /><br />And I will repeat myself,<br /> DON'T DO IT!!!!

 

[demsvmejm]

Re: What...

I wrote this in the thread I just posted the link to, but I think it's prudent to repeat it here....<br />

Hopefully you will carry plenty of insurance. If anything happens, you should be sued. Towing anything like you are describing is negligent. The very fact that you have to ask if it's ok should be an indication that it is not. Ask your insurance agent if your coverage will remain in affect.<br /><br />A Jeep Wrangler is a light, short, tall vehicle. It has enough problems just keeping all four tires planted on terra firma in an emergency maneuver. Adding a trailer to that is negligence. <br /><br />You can leave yourself plenty of room to brake and turn, but what happens when that inconsiderate idiot sees your 4 car-lengths following distance and goes "Hey, I can fit in there?" All of a sudden you don't have control over your environment anymore. Just don't do it.

 

[KilroyJC]

Re: What...

Hollageo - <br /><br />

The ride will be from South Jersey to North Jersey. Straight shoot up the GSP.

I hope that your trip is at 2AM on a weeknight...<br />Lotsa idiot drivers up this way...TRUST ME!!!

 

[JB]

Re: What...

New Jersey requires brakes on any trailer over 3,000lb. It is also probably against the law (knowing Jersey) to tow a greater load than your vehicle is rated for.<br /><br />That's two strikes. The most trivial fender bender and you are in the slammer for reckless endangerment, strike three.<br /><br />It is a very bad idea, even if it was not illegal. Risking your own property and life is one thing. Putting innocent lives on the road at risk is entirely another.