Towing over weight boat???
JK Newbie
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Gallipolis, Oh
I have to say "go for it". However if the boat trailer has trailer brakes, I would say to hook them up to the jeep. Here is the trailer I pull with my jeep, 18' V-nose enclosed full of motorcycles. The hardest part is not holding up traffic with the small motor, thankfully I can cruise at 65mph with my trailer no problems.
Last edited by wayoflife; Jul 24, 2009 at 04:42 PM.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 241
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta, GA
If the boat trailer has tandem wheels then you are not going to be popping wheelies going down the road. Erractic moves are what your Jeep won't like and stopping can always be a problem if you are driving to fast. I have no doubt that your Jeep will pull it out of the water just fine. 6 miles each way.....I would have already hooked it up and had it at the lake. 
JK Enthusiast
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 214
Likes: 0
From: Woodridge, Illinois
For what is worth i tow a 2600 pound boat(dry) with twin axle over sized trailer for my 20' open bow boat. I have to be pushing 4000lbs. I have a 4 door rubicon stock with exception of front bumber, skid plates, and winch. I have a tad of a problem getting up to speed when merging on the highway but thats it. Have zero problems stopping (trailer brakes). Have zero problems getting it out of water. I dont do any long haul trips with it and i keep the overdrive off and keep it around 55-60 on the highway. I say go for it if it is only a few miles.
JK Junkie
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,466
Likes: 0
From: Pottstown, PA
JK Newbie
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Gallipolis, Oh
I noticed he has not responded, maybe he is stuck at the lake pulling wheelies trying to get his boat out! 
Or, maybe he's still have a ball boating. Eitherway, at 6 miles total, get it hooked up and go!
Or, maybe he's still have a ball boating. Eitherway, at 6 miles total, get it hooked up and go!
JK Super Freak
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,320
Likes: 0
From: WI
The tow rating for any vehicleis is partially based on the critical frequency of for the complete towing package. Trailor sway and for a 2 door is is much lower than a four door based on the wheelbase. Thus the tow rating difference. For what its worth the 2 door could be rated higher, but thats another story.
So if he goes real slow he will be fine, however, if he has to stop quickly and the boat weighs more than the jeep and there are no trailor brakes he will have some problems. This is even if he goes slow.
In regards to getting in and out of the boat launch 4 wheel drive and low range are amazing things.
For me I think this is going too far for a 2 door, and I tow the crap out of mine.
So if he goes real slow he will be fine, however, if he has to stop quickly and the boat weighs more than the jeep and there are no trailor brakes he will have some problems. This is even if he goes slow.
In regards to getting in and out of the boat launch 4 wheel drive and low range are amazing things.
For me I think this is going too far for a 2 door, and I tow the crap out of mine.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 256
Likes: 0
From: Halls Crossing, Ut
I need to tow a 24ft boat about 15 miles total. Boat and trailer weigh approximately 4200# which is over the tow rating on my jeep. I'm renting a boat for Lake Powell and need to tow it 6 miles to the lake then back to the rental place afterwards. I know its over the rating but I'm going very short distance on a country road. I'll drive slow.... Question is will I damage anything.
My jeep is rated at 2000# (2dr manual trans 4.10 gears) but the identical 4dr is rated at 3500#. I wouldn't think twice about pulling 4200# on a 3500# rated vehicle for this short distance but 4200# versus 2000# rating is a different story. Only difference is the wheelbase which effects handling but all the drive train is the same as the 3500# rated 4dr. As I said I'll be driving slow so I'm not too worried about this but want others thoughts.
Has anyone towed something this heavy with a 2dr? or 4dr?
My jeep is rated at 2000# (2dr manual trans 4.10 gears) but the identical 4dr is rated at 3500#. I wouldn't think twice about pulling 4200# on a 3500# rated vehicle for this short distance but 4200# versus 2000# rating is a different story. Only difference is the wheelbase which effects handling but all the drive train is the same as the 3500# rated 4dr. As I said I'll be driving slow so I'm not too worried about this but want others thoughts.
Has anyone towed something this heavy with a 2dr? or 4dr?
JK Super Freak
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,462
Likes: 3
From: Aurora, CO
Good idea. I wouldn't even consider it with a 2 door.