We have always had a camper. Looking for one I can safely tow behind my short wheel base Willy's Wheeler edition JK 2015 model. Must be under 2000lbs. Plan to use a sway bar set up. Want a pop up or small trailer with AC. Anyone have experience towing with a vehicle like mine?
I'm also in the market, so I attended an RV and Camper show outside of Chicago last weekend. I've got a JKU Sahara with the max tow package, so at least I can hit 3500 lbs. Most of the pop-ups are in the 2500's range, but I just checked Starcraft's website. Their Starflyer series has 2 models (8' and 10' box). Those both come in under 2000 lbs GVW.
Going Shopping today. The problem with the teardrops is they only accomadate 2 people but are hard sided and many under 1500 lbs. There are pop ups with listed dry weights of well under 2000#. I had planned to tow the Jeep behind a Motorhome, but too many things can go wrong with a Motorhome and it will cost $2000.00 plus to set up with new equipment to tow the Jeep (if you include some kind of braking system). I will post what I find as options. With my short wheel base I will likely use a sway bar at the least, trailer brakes would be a strong boost in safety. I was so surprised at the low towing capacity of my Jeep with it's V6. But then I never intended to tow with it when I bought it.
OP, I would look into a teardrop. We have a T@G, that has a 10x10 tent that attaches to the side . That is where the kids sleep and we also use it as a changing room.
Camelback trailers are a nice option for a 2 door Jeep. Don't push the weight limit with a short wheel base rig like a 2 door Jeep. Can you say death ride? Towing is ok but stopping and going down hill it will push you all over the road if you get to heavy.
I have an '07 Graphite- the cobalts slightly bigger brother. love that pup!! Does it have the one piece roof or a seam lengthwise down the middle? It's counterintuitive but you want the seam- due to some pretty big issues with the one piece roof delaminating. Not sure what came on the cobalt models.
I have a 2014 2dr rubi.
I've been towing for years, mostly with trucks.
I just sold my Diesel crew cab.
On average I tow a trailer twice a week.
I tow a 15' enclosed trailer. Single axle.
The box is 6' wide, 6' tall and 12' long.
Empty it weighs 1,350lbs.
It's your typical work trailer.
I've pulled it in rain, ice and snow.
I've pulled in 30mph winds going over the blue ridge mountains.
I've done this in snow when trucks are pulled off to the side.
I know all the warnings and what people say about the short wheel bass and all.
IMHO these newer jeeps with 3.6 pull great if you stay within your limits.
I'll say this. I would rather pull this combination with my jeep over any other vehicle.
With the jeep I feel every detail about the trailer. For me that's key.
Was following up the post from above regarding selling his Diesel and prefers towing with his Jeep. Not buying it. Some day we will have a JK diesel but Jeep is so slow the market. With Diesels it is hot about HP but Torque. Nothing pulls better than a Diesel. In AZ we see a lot of them that come out of Mexico. The new Diesel used in other Jeep products here is excellent compared to the old one still used in Mexico.
We had a camper similar to this model. I ran it across the scales when it was loaded and we were at about 1800lbs. I pulled it with our Patriot and it didn't have any issues so I am sure you would be fine.
We just bought an Aliner Ranger 12. Its 15 ft. long and weighs 1600 lbs. We will be picking it up this wkend. Ive got a 2015 JKU Willys with max tow,3.73 gears,TF 1.5 in coil level/lift and 315/75/16 Duratracs. I am replacing the 4 pin with a 7round as the camper has ele. brakes. The Ranger has two burner stove,ele./propane pw frig,11 gal. water tank, a/c,heat,small sink and sleeps 2-4. You can set this thing up in under 5 min.
You had a diesel and you would rather tow with a Jeep? You lost all credibility with me. Nothing tows like a Diesel truck but I will cut you some slack if your a Ford guy. My Ram 2500 with a manual stick is towing machine. If its rolling it towing. With the weight you don't even know anything is behind you. I don't want to feel everything the trailer is doing which includes pushing the Jeep around. Weight and torque for the tow rig is key. In a good tow rig you should not feel anything the trailer is doing. It just ride along behind like it is one solid vehicle. You can tow with a Jeep no problem but it sure helps if you know what your doing. Too much speed and that trailer starts pushing you better know what your doing. People get comfortable towing at speed and when you need to stop or slow for an emergency see what happens. Just ask Bruce Jennier. When towing my 10K pound off shore boat with my Ram it stops faster with the boat and trailer then without. Triple axel trailer with disks brakes all around drags the truck to a stop. Be careful out there.
I was meaning Turtleback trailers. These guys if you want to camp off the beaten path. Best Off Road Camping Trailers exclusively at turtlebacktrailers You had a diesel and you would rather tow with a Jeep? You lost all credibility with me. Nothing tows like a Diesel truck but I will cut you some slack if your a Ford guy. My Ram 2500 with a manual stick is towing machine. If its rolling it towing. With the weight you don't even know anything is behind you. I don't want to feel everything the trailer is doing which includes pushing the Jeep around. Weight and torque for the tow rig is key. In a good tow rig you should not feel anything the trailer is doing. It just ride along behind like it is one solid vehicle. You can tow with a Jeep no problem but it sure helps if you know what your doing. Too much speed and that trailer starts pushing you better know what your doing. People get comfortable towing at speed and when you need to stop or slow for an emergency see what happens. Just ask Bruce Jennier. When towing my 10K pound off shore boat with my Ram it stops faster with the boat and trailer then without. Triple axel trailer with disks brakes all around drags the truck to a stop. Be careful out there.
I was specifically referring to the newer jeeps ability pulling LIGHT TRAILERS.
With that being said, who cares about a diesel?
The threads focus is not about trucks.
IMO, with this light combination feeling the load is a huge plus.
OP, the jeep light trailer combo offers another nice factor.
It's super nimble in tight spots.
Keeping on topic, staying within the limits, jeeps are more then capable for towing.
I will be towing my Pop up Cobalt tomorrow with my 2 door Willy's Wheeler tomorrow 400 miles. From just west of Austin to Davis Mountains State Park. I will post some pictures. I was wondering about transmission temps. What is the range of normal?
I can't remember if the Cobalt has them or not, but we've got the slightly larger brother in the Coleman Evolution 1 and the trailer brakes have made the experience SOOOOOOO much nicer. The max GVWR of the EVO 1 is 3500 lbs so it's the max of the JKUR, but I think anyone towing that much is nuts with no trailer brakes.
Also, think about air bags in the back- that is the number 2 thing that made towing better (for the dirt bike on the hitch carrier as well as the camper).
On your tranny temp question, I wouldn't worry too much about it as long as you aren't hot ridding or forcing it to shift all the time (assuming you have a slush box). I'd pay closer attention to engine temp. Mine goes past halfway just a bit (before the secondary fan kicks in) when I am climbing a grade at speed and need 3rd gear (we have a manual) for any decent lengths.
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