Just looking for some information on regearing my Jeep. Ive had it a little over a year and wanting to invest in a travel trailer. I have a 3.21 real dana 44 HD rear axle and afraid that it will not be able to tow much without destroying the engine. Has anyone regeared their Jeep for this reason? If so what did you regear it to and did it make a difference? Was there any other mods that helped?

 

I have 2012 Jku with 3.73 and manual transmission. I've probably towed a heavy load more than most on here. I used to tow a 5000 pound toyhauler shaped like a brick. Absolutely the best thing I ever did was to replace the rear bumper with the smittybilt XRC and use a weight distribution hitch setup. Also, your trailer must have brakes and you need to wire a brake controller into your Jeep. You won't hurt the engine. The Gladiator when it comes out is going to use the same engine and has a tow rating of 7650 pounds. I personally had no problems towing 5000 pounds, but I would not be comfortable with much more than that.

 

Oh yeah,you'd get more responses if your title actually described what your post was about.

 

Thank you for your feedback. I am just researching different combinations of mods to see what might work best. And I changed the title

 

In order to get some proper gearing advice, you'll need to add a few details to your post and/or profile. Is this a stock setup, or something that is lifted with larger tires? Auto or manual transmission?

Rob is one of few that has been on record towing something of significance for an extended period of time. Here is the REAL question I have now that he has a proper truck and the jeep is more of a toy: Looking back, do you feel great about towing the trailer with the jeep, or was it something you kind of justified in your mind was perfectly fine because that is what you had to work with? Now that you have a truck, do you look back and say "thank goodness I don't have to do that anymore!"?? I'm just curious in general how you look back on those days now.

I've towed a couple things with my 4dr, probably max 3500 lbs or so. I didn't like it at all. Granted, I didn't use a weight distribution those few times, and I know that makes a significant difference.

 

I always felt like I was completely safe and in control, so that wasn't an issue. I didn't like the fact that about 63mph was about all I do do on flat highway. On long gradual uphill on highway I would wonder if I would be able to keep it above 45 or if I should put my hazards on. I started from day 1 with weight distribution. If I didn't have that it would have way too much sag with headlights pointed into the air. The shape and weight were both factors. My toyhauler towed the same whether it was empty or if it had two full size Harley's inside. Yes, I'm glad I got the Tundra. Sometimes I have to remind myself that I got a trailer attached.