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2008 JK Unlimited Towing Question

Old 06-06-2013, 10:42 AM
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Default 2008 JK Unlimited Towing Question

We are getting close to a likely move coast to coast. And was thinking of getting a small trailer for the trip. I have a 2008 JK Unlimited with factory tow package so have the taller gears that came standard with autos.

I know the manual has the biggest safely allowed, but what is the biggest that I should go? They sometimes shoot a bit high to make it look better.

Also any suggestions for driving it and things I should do to prep? Very little experience with towing trailers.
Old 06-06-2013, 01:03 PM
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Advice is to drive slowly and safely and ensure your attachment is secure.

Safety safety safety.
Old 06-06-2013, 01:08 PM
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From my 2013 manual all 2dr are 2000lbs with a tongue weight of 200lbs all of the 4dr models are 3500lbs with a 350lb tongue weight except those with 3.21 gears they are rated the same as a 2dr - I don't think this information has changed much my 09 unlimited was the same.
Old 06-09-2013, 06:37 PM
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I towed this boat for about 1000 miles round trip. Boat with gas and gear was about #2500. No problems other than gas milage which about 14mpg. Because of the aerodynamics it is easier than pulling a box trailer. I have the 3.7 gears like you.

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Old 06-09-2013, 07:18 PM
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Originally Posted by snytribe
I towed this boat for about 1000 miles round trip. Boat with gas and gear was about #2500. No problems other than gas milage which about 14mpg. Because of the aerodynamics it is easier than pulling a box trailer. I have the 3.7 gears like you.

<img src="https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=466401"/>
But you have 4 doors. The OP only has the 2 door. Less weight. Less wheelbase length.
Old 06-09-2013, 07:32 PM
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Nope, OP has 'jk unlimited', so it's the same- 4dr's.

Sent from my DROID4 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
Old 06-09-2013, 07:40 PM
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Originally Posted by karls
Nope, OP has 'jk unlimited', so it's the same- 4dr's.

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Sorry, my bad. Saw the JK, but not the unlimited part. Guess I was expecting JKU
Old 06-09-2013, 07:48 PM
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I tow a fleetwood evolution 3 popup camper. It's tongue weight is 400 and its dry weight is 3000lbs. Usually it's loaded up a bit more so I'm probably pushing the 3500 max.

Now I'm running a stock 2007 engine on a man trans with 4.88 gears but it tows fine. A little weak on large hills and I feel it a little around town when breaking and taking off. By highways are smooth.
Old 06-09-2013, 07:49 PM
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Pictures are better.
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Old 06-10-2013, 03:50 AM
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Here is my coachman blast toyhauler. 3500 dry, probably 4500 loaded with the bike inside. It like a big, unaerodynamic box. My 2012 handles it. Towed it over 4000 miles. I have manual trans, max tow with 3.73 rear. I'm not sure the 3.8 would handle it but the 3.6 does good. MPG drops to around 11 from 17.5. All safety precautions need to be taken, including driving very conservatively.
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