Towing a Speedster with a 2004 Wrangler (advice needed)

[oif03vet]

Hello, I am new to the forum and looking for some info that will lead me to which speedster I will buy, either a 1996/7 (lighter) or a 1998/9 (heavier). My tow vehicle will be a 2004 Wrangler Rubicon with 4.0L and 5 speed manual. I am not worried that I will have a problem going, its the woahing (stopping) I am concerned with. I know it can be done, I know it isnt the best but does anyone here have any experince with this or a very similar combo. I have the cash and would like to buy in the next couple days. Thanks!

Karl

 

[oif03vet]

No Comments?

 

[oif03vet]

Any ideas?

 

[daverade]

yo jeeper...i tow with a 96' xj (cherokee) w/ 3" lift..original...fully rebuilt but original regular power breaks no good abs or anthing luxurious...stops great...however i wouldnt recommend riding some benz's a*s or anything

 

[daverade]

by the way were only fw and far between on this forum...i think

 

[oif03vet]

It seems that way. I am on 35's with a RE LA 5.5. Good during the winter but now its time for some boating! Thank you for your reply.

Karl

 

[ProbeGT]

I tow my 98 Speedster with a 2009 tacoma X-runner. As far as braking, it's not that bad (drum brakes in the rear) but you've got to get bigger distances between you and the other cars. It's heavy but not that much, maybe 2200lbs with the trailer?

If you can find a decent one, I'd say go for the bigger one. Seats are a lot better, boat is faster, nicer and rides better, It's really a different machine.

 

[oif03vet]

If thats the weight I think I should be good. My Jeep is rated for 2000lbs. So 2200 should be fine.
Anyone else have weights on a 1998/9 speedster/trailer?

Thanks
Karl

 

[RFoster130]

I dont think it will be a problem. I tow my 98 Speedster with an Avalanche most of the time. But i have also used a Ford Escape which is about the same size as the Rubicon. It did fine!!

 

[ProbeGT]

You can't tow more than 2000pound with a Wrangler???

boat itself is 1750lbs, i figure about 500lbs for the trailer.

 

[dsw222]

i have an 09 grand cherokee and tow an 18 foot 97 challenger 1800 with twin engines

you sure its only rated at 2000? my jeep only has a 3.7L v6 and its rated at 3500 lbs

 

[daverade]

Yea... It should be rated for more than that buddy. I got my xj set up right, she'll tow 4500 no prob.... But i have a bulky stiff susp. Set up and a h/d t-cooler to keep us in business... Did it come stock with the tow pkg... If so agreed should be rated for around 3500, ive seen civics pullin 1000, no way the JEEP only doubles that

 

[RFoster130]

Yeah I would check that. the escape i used is even rated for 3500 lbs.

 

[dsw222]

no its correct, i just googled it

he's rated for 2000 lbs

 

[daverade]

Wow... Time to feed the ol jeep a lil steroids, is your bumper mounted or do you have a real frame hitch, just beef up that rear susp, you should be ok. What motor you got under the hood?...time to trade it on, the unlimited had the 3500 rating... Buy an old xj and lemme see it for a week, we'll get ya towing whatever ya wants to

 

[JoeZ]

Moved to Trailers, Trucks, and Towing

 

[oif03vet]

You can't tow more than 2000pound with a Wrangler???

boat itself is 1750lbs, i figure about 500lbs for the trailer.

That ia what the factory rates it due to the short wheelbase. The Wrangler unlimited has all the same running gear but since it is 10 or so inches longer it is rated 3000 or 3500.

I am using an aftermarket bumper mounted hitch that has frame tie ins on both sides, it basically mounts like a frame mounted hitch with bolts on the front and sides.

 

[Dr Honda]

I don't know if I would want to do it or not.

I've had a few wranglers over the years, and they have plenty of power, and the breaks are fine... but they are so short that if you start to wobble... you will never get it back under control.

All I can say is if you decide to tow with it... put brakes on the trailer. That way if it starts to wobble... you can reach down, and hit the trailer brakes, and not use the vertical brakes. That may pull it straight again.

The most I would tow with my 2000 TJ was my Yamaha 3 seater. It was probably less than 1000# total. (Trailer, ski, gear, and fuel)

 

[95sportster]

The low towing capacity is due to the fact that its a 5 speed. The clutch is the weak link in that set up, not the suspension/engine. My truck is a 5 speed as well and its towing capacity is significantly lower than its automatic counterpart.