I have a 2012 JKU 3.73 with the stock tow package rated to tow 3500 pounds. I want to bring my Dad's pontoon boat from his house to mine apprx. 4 hours away. His boat is a 25' pontoon that according to the manual weighs 1780 + 300 for the motor + another 400-500 for the trailer (I'm guessing). The trailer is one of the long ones with 4 wheels. Mathmatically it works out, but I've never pulled a boat before and it seems so huge compared to the JK. Any advice or reassurance? Or should I just borrow/rent a big truck?

 

I am the self pronounced expert on this!!!

Well if not, I have towed my dad's 21' sea pro with a 200 Verado up and down the lower half of Louisiana. That come's in over 3500# easy.

Couple things to note. Your mirrors will be not real helpful, when people tuck up behind you on the interstate you can't see them at all. The jeep is just not wide enough.

You can tow this though, with out much issue. Just get some good sleep so you can be on your game. 65mph will be about your max most likely.

Safe trailering is knowing what you can and can't do, and where you can and can not fit.

It just takes practice. If someone can ride with you it will help. Take wide turns so you don't drag the trailer over curbs or wrap it around a pole/sign.

Also the Jeep is short so when reversing the trailer will respond quickly, which is actually nice!

 

Not the best pic but here ya go.

 

22' Approx 3800lbs tow it to the coast approx 250miles one way with no problem.

 

Also, if you do not tow often, please be prepared to anticipate your stops, you may not be use to the extra weight and distance needed to make an appropriate and safe stop.

Sent from somewhere I really shouldn't be!

 

It's not the towing, it's the stopping that'll get you. Drive slower than the traffic around you and don't tailgate anyone.

 

Just because it has the hitch and you can pull it, doesn't mean you should

 

Good advice. I've towed almost anything you can imagine... With anywhere from a car to a super duty truck. Everything takes a little longer so give yourself plenty of time and room to do what you would normally do. You should be well within your limits I your jeep but it will feel and act different for sure. I am letting my wife tow our 21' yamaha jet boat for the first time this summer. So if I let her do it you should be safe!!

 

I pull my travel trailer at just under 3200 pounds loaded with no trouble. I have the stock tow package, added tranny cooler and electric break control.

 

If it's windy, a pontoon boat is going to push you around quite a bit.