How big a travel trailer do you all think I can tow with an unlimited, auto, with 3:73 gear ratio? I dont want a pop up. Anyone with a 20 footer or close that can give some insight?

 

Well, here is the max the Jeep folks think you should tow, which I'm sure you already know...

I have the same setup as you, and tow an 18' ski boat regularly. It's right at 3500 lbs, possibly a bit more with a full tank and gear. No power, of course, but no problems towing it. I imagine the aerodynamics of a travel trailer would be different than a boat, so can't say what affect that may have. But as long as it's not too heavy, too huge, and has brakes, you should be fine.

 

You can tow up to 3500 lbs., just make sure you turn off the O/D.

 

So I would definitely need a brake assist in something 20ft or smaller?

 

I am offshore at work so I can't get any real details at the moment. My neighbor has a Durango and bought a camper. It is full height but the beds pop out at the ends to save weight. It is designed for people with smaller SUVs that don't want pop ups.

 

I am also looking at towable but our limited towing capacity does make it difficult. Here is a link you may be interested in. I'm not too fond of the soft sided pop up but this may be an option. http://www.chaletrv.com/chal_trailers.htm

Or this http://www.forestriverinc.com/nd/def...e=rpod&nav=rec

 

Does your towing capacity change as you add a lift and larger tires? Currently we're running a 6" lift with 37's. Still have the 4.10's in front and rear. Dont want to go w/ a popup but dont want to over do it on a big travel trailer.

 

Yes...you will need a brake controller installed in your JK for a trailer that big. I think the rule of thumb is any trailer over 2000 lbs should have it's own brakes. It will greatly help in towing with the JK, especially on hills and sudden stops. I've been towing an 18' Starcraft TravelStar 18SB with the JK for the past 2 years that weights in at 2700lbs UVW (empty or unloaded weight) and 3700 GVWR (loaded capacity weight). The JK does just fine. We keep our cargo as light as possible and don't carry any water in the trailer. Acceleration and up hills can be a bit sluggish but other than that maneuverability is great with the shorter wheel base JK. I also have the weight distribution hitch to help spread the trailer weight to the JK's front axle as well as a sway bar on the hitch.

Good Luck and Enjoy...





7-pin wiring plug mounted in rear bumper:

 

I don't know how exactly to re-figure the tow capacity for tires size changes but I would think it would have to change as you are losing power with the bigger tires unless you re-gear. I noticed a difference in power even going to 33's when towing my camper and 4.10's.

 

Hey, go over to RV.NET, over there you will find lots of info on trailers and towing,
I pull a 5x8 enclosed trailer, I can pull it in overdrive, I don't think I would want to be pulling a travel trailer very far, they are nice though.