theinside

Hi,

I have a Harbor Freight folding utility trailer that I used with a previous truck. Nothing big or heavy, just junk, mulch, and supplies from home stores. Less that 20 miles at a time, usually under highway speeds.

Utility Trailer 4'x8' - Heavy Duty Folding Utility Trailer

Specifications
Name 1195 lb. Capacity 48 in. x 96 in. Heavy Duty Folding Trailer
SKU 90154
Brand Haul-Master
Assembly required (y/n) Yes
Bed tilt (y/n) Yes
Certification DOT compliant
Finish Baked Enamel
Foldable (y/n) Yes
Material Steel
Maximum GVR (lb.) 1450 lb.
Trailer fitting 1-7/8 in.
Product Height 23 in.
Product Length 11-2/3 ft.
Product Weight 253 lbs.
Product Width 5-3/10 ft.
Shipping Weight 262.27 lb.
Size(s) 48 in. x 96 in.
Tire size (in.) 4.8 x 12 in.

I now have a stock JK 2door Wrangler. I have yet to put a hitch receiver on it.

Does anyone have experience with this trailer (or a similar trailer) with a stock JK? I've read some towing threads which kind scare me. Any experiences or advice is appreciated.

Hafaday

I have a stock JKU and pull an open 6x12 (bed size) utility trailer. Granted you're asking about a stock JK, and your trailer. If you really want to know. spend the hundred dollars and get the receiver and wiring. Start light with the weight on the trailer, then work your way up. It's all about common sense when towing, not judging you or your skills. I think you will be fine. Towing threads can vary like a champ between people. only you will know what works for you.

rob_engineer

A friend of mine tows a pop up camper with his 2005 wrangler. You should be fine. Remember to load more weight in front of the axle to prevent dangerous oscillating sway. Also leave lots of distance in front to stop.

Da20captain

I had a 99TJ for a long time and a Mastercraft Ski Boat and towed that without issue. I now have a JK and towed a 6x12 loaded with the golf cart and all kinds of shit for a week at the beach without isse. I did install a transmission cooler. I am familiar with the harbor freight trailer you speak of. I am sure for the type of hauling you speak your 2 door will be fine.

theinside

Thanks. I'm probably looking at 1000-1500 lbs max (including trailer) with a rather short 8 foot trailer. I'll pick up the hitch kit. just wanted to see if anyone is doing similar towing with a 2 door jk.

swiz9

I have your same trailer and use it to haul scrap occasionally, usually around 900 lbs with no issues.

JK_Crawler

I pull a 6x12 with wood floor (2x6 boards) and I haul 2 4wheeler's and a few dead animals twice a month or more. I tow 97miles one way (home to my hunting lease) and always turn off the over drive.

I suggest putting an external transmission cooler on if you don't already have one if your gonna do any extended towing in the future.

neZZr

You didn't specify 3.8 or 3.6... But based on my experience towing a small enclosed trailer with my TJ, you should do just fine for your stated use.

Even with a 3.8 and 3.21 gears you'll do just fine for short trips as long as you don't overload the trailer capacity. As you add weight, you'll notice your brakes working harder, so stay off the bumper of the car in front and you'll be fine. With the 3.6 I think you'd barely notice that trailer even on the highway fully loaded regardless of the axle gears based on the capacity of that trailer. Braking will be the only thing you'll really need to pay extra attention to when you're loaded down.

With my TJ I barely noticed the trailer was there, even loaded to nearly 2000lbs except when braking. Once my jeep started to get bigger, it became a slug on the highway but still just fine around town. Braking was scary until I installed the Vanco upgrade.

My old rig/trailer:

theinside

2015 stock JK sport 2 door
3.6, 3.21

neZZr

No problem. Highway towing won't be fun with the 3.21s but still very doable with the 3.6. Around town you won't even know it's there until you try to stop when it's loaded to capacity.