Towing hybrid trailers with JK - feedback needed!
08-31-2014, 06:56 PM
#11
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I see a 2010 in your info, so yes, get the aux transmission cooler, keep the trailer limited to 3000 pounds fully loaded, and you should be fine with a rubicon. As mentioned, you will likely appreciate mirror extendors.
09-01-2014, 08:45 PM
#12
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My JKUR is also a 2010, and I tow a 19' hybrid that has a dry weight of about 2,600lbs. I regularly go to the Salton Sea (110 miles one way, relatively flat), which I would say is easy, and up into the mountains about 25-30 miles (2,000ft elevation up to over 5,000 in about 20 miles). On the steepest part it is slow going, which is fine, and coming down I do need to mind my braking. On hot drives, I stop about half way to let the brakes cool. I've had it as far as Death Valley (250 miles, with plenty of hills), with wife and two kids in the Jeep. It was slow going, but I'm in no hurry when towing. Again, coming down the last major decline, (the Cajon Pass - quite a decline!), I kept it slow, but I was still rather uncomfortable. I probably should have gone slower, because the only part I don't like is the downhills.
I would recommend trailer brakes, weight distribution hitch, and transmission cooler. I get the trailer out at least 8 times a year, and for us, the most important thing to have is the flushing toilet. It makes all the difference in the world! Next is the climate control, which means no matter the weather, we are comfortable (it was over 100 in Death Valley, but no complaints from the children!). I say go for it. Just take your time, and don't push it!
I would recommend trailer brakes, weight distribution hitch, and transmission cooler. I get the trailer out at least 8 times a year, and for us, the most important thing to have is the flushing toilet. It makes all the difference in the world! Next is the climate control, which means no matter the weather, we are comfortable (it was over 100 in Death Valley, but no complaints from the children!). I say go for it. Just take your time, and don't push it!
09-04-2014, 12:11 PM
#13
JK Newbie
Most hybrid travel trailers limit tow vehicles due to frontal area and not weight alone. If you're driving highway speeds with a 115" tall travel trailer, the wind drag can be like double that of the tow vehicle. On the highway this can overheat transmissions and engines. Often times user manuals for vehicles will list frontal area limitations when towing trailers. I believe the manual for the jeep grand cherokee lists this, but I'm not sure about wranglers.
I tow a 3500lb open trailer (tractor) and a 3500lb Jayco hybrid travel trailer behind my F150. The F150 rated at 9,000+ lbs with the heavy duty tow package.
I tow a 3500lb open trailer (tractor) and a 3500lb Jayco hybrid travel trailer behind my F150. The F150 rated at 9,000+ lbs with the heavy duty tow package.
09-08-2014, 10:25 AM
#14
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My JKUR is also a 2010, and I tow a 19' hybrid that has a dry weight of about 2,600lbs. I regularly go to the Salton Sea (110 miles one way, relatively flat), which I would say is easy, and up into the mountains about 25-30 miles (2,000ft elevation up to over 5,000 in about 20 miles). On the steepest part it is slow going, which is fine, and coming down I do need to mind my braking. On hot drives, I stop about half way to let the brakes cool. I've had it as far as Death Valley (250 miles, with plenty of hills), with wife and two kids in the Jeep. It was slow going, but I'm in no hurry when towing. Again, coming down the last major decline, (the Cajon Pass - quite a decline!), I kept it slow, but I was still rather uncomfortable. I probably should have gone slower, because the only part I don't like is the downhills.
I would recommend trailer brakes, weight distribution hitch, and transmission cooler. I get the trailer out at least 8 times a year, and for us, the most important thing to have is the flushing toilet. It makes all the difference in the world! Next is the climate control, which means no matter the weather, we are comfortable (it was over 100 in Death Valley, but no complaints from the children!). I say go for it. Just take your time, and don't push it!
I would recommend trailer brakes, weight distribution hitch, and transmission cooler. I get the trailer out at least 8 times a year, and for us, the most important thing to have is the flushing toilet. It makes all the difference in the world! Next is the climate control, which means no matter the weather, we are comfortable (it was over 100 in Death Valley, but no complaints from the children!). I say go for it. Just take your time, and don't push it!
thanks for the feedback!
09-08-2014, 11:40 AM
#15
My comments are not going to be popular with some in this forum, but I would proceed with caution in the scenario you describe. My towing experience with my 2010 JKU automatic, stock with towing package is very limited. But my one trip into the Rockies towing my friends small fiberglass camping trailer ( 13 foot Boler from the 1960's ) that he claimed weighed less than 2000 lbs convinced me that if I were going to buy a trailer to pull with my jeep I would want to keep its weight to as close to 1000 lbs as possible. We were absolutely crawling up the steeper passes, and the trip convinced me that the JKU just doesn't make a good tow vehicle.
09-09-2014, 06:43 AM
#18
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I am not ignoring any other posting Heaven forbid! I just don't have anything to say...
I keep bumping this thread as I wish to hear more views on this topic, I am desperate...
I keep bumping this thread as I wish to hear more views on this topic, I am desperate...
09-09-2014, 07:30 AM
#19
09-09-2014, 08:25 AM
#20
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