tow capacity
- Thread starter anttmann
- Start date
elevatorman
New member
I dont think so. Towing capacity is based on vehicle weight,brakes,and overall ability to pull and stop safely.
Towing should not be effected with a lift.
disclaimer here-this is just another garage mechanics opinion and although I am NEVER wrong I,my family,and future offspring can not be held liable should you attempt to haul anything greater than a 30 pack.
Towing should not be effected with a lift.
disclaimer here-this is just another garage mechanics opinion and although I am NEVER wrong I,my family,and future offspring can not be held liable should you attempt to haul anything greater than a 30 pack.
phall92139
New member
Ah, lets think about this for a minute. If, as Elevatorman says, "Towing capacity is based on vehicle weight,brakes,and overall ability to pull and stop safely," then I'd say a suspension lift could have an adverse effect, at least to a small degree.
With the lift comes a higher center of gravity so already stock handling has been altered. Then along with a lift usually comes larger tires and/or wheels which means more unsprung mass for the OEM brakes to stop. As most of us would attest that have gone this route braking efficiency can suffer anywhere from mild to moderate depending on the condition of the existing brake system and rest of the vehicle.
And what else has been done to compliment that lift? Body armor? More skid protection? Heavier bumpers? A winch? All of which will cause further degradation to factory braking ability.
So, in my mind at least, it would behoove anyone that has modified their rig in any of the manners listed above to also invest in upgrading their stock brakes as well. I'm an EBC brake pad and rotor fan but then I also hear there is another pad available, Black Magic from Savvy Off Road, that has shown outstanding performance. Of course, if you have the cash there are complete system offerings from Vanco (my preference) or TeraFlex, and probably others as well. Additionally, or as an alternative route would be to have a trailer with electric brakes.
Now if you don't tow often or far, maybe this all seems like overkill to you and I know we've all heard stories of guys that have towed 250 foot luxury yachts across country during white-out, blizzard conditions without incident but I like to think differently and while I hope for the best, I plan for the worst.
With the lift comes a higher center of gravity so already stock handling has been altered. Then along with a lift usually comes larger tires and/or wheels which means more unsprung mass for the OEM brakes to stop. As most of us would attest that have gone this route braking efficiency can suffer anywhere from mild to moderate depending on the condition of the existing brake system and rest of the vehicle.
And what else has been done to compliment that lift? Body armor? More skid protection? Heavier bumpers? A winch? All of which will cause further degradation to factory braking ability.
So, in my mind at least, it would behoove anyone that has modified their rig in any of the manners listed above to also invest in upgrading their stock brakes as well. I'm an EBC brake pad and rotor fan but then I also hear there is another pad available, Black Magic from Savvy Off Road, that has shown outstanding performance. Of course, if you have the cash there are complete system offerings from Vanco (my preference) or TeraFlex, and probably others as well. Additionally, or as an alternative route would be to have a trailer with electric brakes.
Now if you don't tow often or far, maybe this all seems like overkill to you and I know we've all heard stories of guys that have towed 250 foot luxury yachts across country during white-out, blizzard conditions without incident but I like to think differently and while I hope for the best, I plan for the worst.
phall92139
New member
Not trying to be an ol' lady here but your maximum tow rating for the unlimited is 3,500 lbs. due to the longer wheelbase over the 2,000 lb. max for the Wrangler.
Can you move something 1.5 times over the maximum rating for your rig? Sure but not safely. Aside from breaking the law, your vehicle's handling and braking will definitely be adversely effected causing less control of your rig. Considering that statistics show that nearly 70% of all traffic accidents occur within 10 miles of at least one of the driver's home, you would be certainly increasing those odds.
In a nutshell, can you do it? Sure but there are just too many variables involved for me or anyone else for that matter to say it is going to be OK to do. It would be pretty irresponsible for someone to encourage this. Now if you just have to do it, you are the one that has to feel safe behind the wheel.
elevatorman
New member
POINT WELL MADE-- common sense
I think that trailer brakes will go a long way to making this a safer move.
I've towed and launched a 21" boat with my 05 TJ and it was white knuckle the entire time (never got above 30mph either). Keep in mind that if you don't have trailer brakes you're braking distance will be much farther than you're used to.
I've towed and launched a 21" boat with my 05 TJ and it was white knuckle the entire time (never got above 30mph either). Keep in mind that if you don't have trailer brakes you're braking distance will be much farther than you're used to.
Saddle Tramp
New member
The ability of the drivetrain to pull weight forward (and stop ) is one thing but tongue weight is another issue that can’t be ignored either. Depending upon the lift the capacity could be less, more, or the same. Driving down the road on the axel stops is precarious at best. Also consider the wheels and tires. Putting a heavy load on wide rims and tall tires can build up a lot a pressure that can go boom.
phall92139
New member
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