I have an opportunity to borrow a couple different pop up campers this summer to use on a Colorado trip. Both are under 2000 lbs dry weight, around 1450 lbs each, but one is almost 20 feet in length and the other a much shorter 13ish feet in length (although a few inches wider). Since I will be towing with a 2 door (2007 6 speed 4.10 gears) will there be any issues with towing one over the other with respect to length of the towed camper? I would ASSUME the shorter camper might tow better, but is this assumption correct?

I will be towing across flat Kansas up into the Colorado mountains. Cross winds in Kansas can be an issue as are Colorado mountain passes. I do not plan on setting any speed records while towing

Thanks for any insight!

 

The shorter the better, but make sure they have electric brakes. You don't want the trailer to start sway behind a 2 door in the cross winds.

 

Trailer brakes are a must. I learned that lesson about 25 years ago while borrowing my dad's CJ5 and bass boat. The first stop sign I came to the boat pushed me straight through the intersection.

 

I've towed 2 different pop-up with my 2dr. Neither had electric brakes as they didn't require themm due to the lack of weight. You'll be just fine assuming you don't drive like a crazy person. I've had them start to push me around due to their physical size but I was speeding and a gentle touch of the brakes to slow down and a steady hand on the wheel you'll be just fine. As stated the smaller the better. I do have upgraded brakes because of my larger tires and that definitely helps with braking. Some upgraded pads such as ebc will be worth your while. I would personally use their drilled and slotted rotors if you plan to tow a lot.

 

I'd rather tow the short one, but if the long one had brakes and the short one didn't, I'd tow the long one.

Kansas and Colorado don't require brakes on small trailers but I wouldn't tow anything without brakes behind a JK. You don't want that weight pushing on the short wheelbase during a hard stop - 'specially if the road is wet or gravel.

 

I pull a 6x14 single axle enclosed trailer with 2 race kart in it every other week. No major issue, and the trailer does not have brakes (due to lighter weight). No major problem but definitely sways a bit on my 2014 JKRU. The electronic sway control come on at least once per tow (50 mile one way).

Just take it easy and good luck!

 

I pulled my boat around a good amount this weekend boat is 22.5 feet and weighs in at around 3200lbs, jeep didn't have any issues with stopping it. keep in mind a longer trailer will actually pull better than a shorter on on the road.

 

I would rather pull the longer trailer vs. the shorter one. They pull better and if the tongue is longer it will be easier to back. Short tongue trailers are touchy, especially with your short wheel base. You don't need brakes on a 1500 pound trailer, just pay attention. I pull my 1900 pound boat with my JK and have zero issues; and that's with 3.21 gears. LOL