I have a 2013 Unlimited soft top 6-speed with tow package and 2" lift. I have a chance to get a 72 Chevy 1/2 ton pickup from my mom, it would be a 1k mile tow through rolling hills (no big mountains) on an auto transporter. The Chevy is listed as weighing 3900 pounds. I've been looking at some other towing posts, and it looks like it might be possible? Not ideal, and it would be a slow trip, but renting a big truck not in the budget.. Any thoughts? I have towed a Ford Taurus and a Mercedes behind it before on my 14" tandem axle trailer (no trailer brakes) for short distances.. Any thoughts on whether it would be possible?

 

With trailer brakes you can do it. Without trailer brakes would be a huge mistake. I've towed 5000 pounds, but took every safety precautions. Once I towed a landscape trailer loaded with red stone without brakes. I'll take towing 5000 pounds with brakes over towing 3000 pounds without brakes any day of the week. Maybe you could rent a tow dolly that has brakes?
Do you know what gear you have in rear? If you have just the tow package it could be 3.21. Max Tow package came with 3.73. In any event, your manual trans should be able to handle it. Just won't likely be able to use 6th gear due to lack of HP in the lower rpm range.

 

Thanks for replying ... It would be a Uhaul transporter, for some reason I'm leary of tow Dolly's anything over about 50 miles..

 

Many uhaul places will not rent trailers for soft top jeeps. You better call and ask first.

 

I would figure on picking it up from the uhaul place with something different, although one uhaul place rented me a tow dolly last year with no questions asked...

 

I just towed about 5200 pounds on a single axle trailer just over 300 miles when I moved... I have a 2.5 inch lift and steel bumpers, rock sliders, and a wench. 35s and 3.73 gears. No trailer brakes. I also have a 6 speed. Ran like a dog and braking was awful. But taking your time it can be done. Went from WV to KY so lots of hills. I had to hear down to 3rd on some hills and the temp would rise.. Just be careful.

 

For a 1,000 mile journey, definitely and unquestionably get a trailer with electric or surge brakes. When I rented a trailer, the surge brakes saved me at an unexpected stop. No doubt about it, they are worth every penny extra.

 

Did your significant other know that you had a wench with you?

 

Lol sorry winch. I was very tired when I posted that. It's actually a pet peeve of mine when people misspell it