Trailer Towing

[DLW]

I've got a 2005 TJ Rubicon. I'm planning on towing a Tear Drop Trailer that weighs in the neighborhood of 1200 lbs. I have a class three hitch. What if anything should I be looking at before hooking this thing up and pulling it 500 miles. Thanks

 

[jfrabat]

With that weight, you should be OK, but keep your distances; Jeeps dont brake well by themselves, much less with a trailer attached.

 

[mud4feet]

With that weight, you should be OK, but keep your distances; Jeeps dont brake well by themselves, much less with a trailer attached.

And, of course, the bad MPG will be even worse.

 

[JPNinPA]

Lifted? Off road tires?? Expect more tire wear. Slower is safer. If there is any wind expect to get pushed around a bit. Even when the tractor trailers pass. And Yes you will not stop as fast.

I had a 5X8 Uhaul 900lb empty with about 200 lbs of items. LJ tow capacity of 3500 lbs. I will not do it again. Tires heated and I got thrown around a bit by the trailer. You may be better with the low teardrop.

 

[phall92139]

I've got a 2005 TJ Rubicon. I'm planning on towing a Tear Drop Trailer that weighs in the neighborhood of 1200 lbs. I have a class three hitch. What if anything should I be looking at before hooking this thing up and pulling it 500 miles. Thanks

You want to make sure your trailer tongue remains parallel to the ground when hooked up to your Jeep. If your rig is lifted you will need a drop hitch for your receiver that is approximately equal to your lift height.

Also, watch your speed. It may be a bit ridiculous here in California where maximum speed for an auto towing a trailer is only 55 mph but I see guys passing me doing 70-80, which is just plain dangerous. The biggest downside to towing with a Jeep TJ is the short wheelbase. You hit high winds, blow a tire, loose your brakes on a long downhill , or any other number of things and it's real easy to get into serious trouble.

Check your equipment, watch your speeds, leave plenty of room to stop and don't ride your brakes on downhill grades and you will be fine.

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

Do you have an auto or manual transmission? I believe the auto is rated to tow only 1000 lbs, not sure. If you have the auto I would definitely add an external transmission cooler so the transmission lasts longer.

 

[phall92139]

Do you have an auto or manual transmission? I believe the auto is rated to tow only 1000 lbs, not sure. If you have the auto I would definitely add an external transmission cooler so the transmission lasts longer.

Nope. 1997-2006 Rubicon, Sahara, Sport, X, SE - 2000 lb tow rating, 200 lb tongue weight rating for 6-cylinder engine; 1000-lb tow rating, 100-lb tongue weight rating for 4-cylinder engine.

 

[DLW]

Thanks Guys, it's a stock Ruby, with no lift and stock tires. I know it's not the best tow vehicle, but I was trying to be able to do a little mountain exploring without motel expense, and some outdoor fun on weekends.

 

[jfrabat]

As long as your idea of being "able to do a little mountain exploring without motel expense, and some outdoor fun on weekends" is not like these guys (as in, as long as you keep it simple), you should be OK...

Felipe