Yep - I think my wife is crazy. She wants to re-live her youth and pull a small (1600 lbs) pop-up camper from Chicago to the Black Hills/Badlands/Mt Rushmore this summer. Keep in mind - we only have a soft top!
I already have class II/III hitch. Plan to switch my front and rear diff to synthetic. The jeep does not have a factory towing package. I will had had all new fluids by that time.
I know that LJs are a bit better with towing, but are we nuts?
Is the fact that I don't have a factory towing package going to matter (can the stock cooling system keep up with pulling this thing in the summer with the A/C on)? Will the trans keep cool enough? Can you guess that I am worried about wrecking our ride?
Does the Pop up have brakes? If it does get a brake controller that will help dramatically with stopping. I'd have 2 spares for trailer.
If Jeep is an auto install a tranny cooler.
Do you have a auto transmission? If so, I recommend a tranny cooler, and the temp gauge is a good idea also. If you have a 6 speed, I recommend running synthetic oil in it. Consider flushing your radiator and replacing all the hoses.
I also have an LJ. Something I plan on doing this summer is installing some type of hood vent. I'm leaning toward some thing along the sides' toward the rear of the hood that can be plugged in the winter.
Depending on when you plan on traveling, June is usually in the 70's and 80's, very pleasant. Later July and August you could be in 100+. The badlands will be the hottest. The first full week in August is the sturgis motorcycle rally. They are expecting a million+ people this year [75th] (We don't have enough room for that
many!)
I use a headliner with my soft top, which helps with temp control and road noise. To help keep you comfortable, you may consider hanging a "curtain " from the roll bar to help keep the ac up front (I use one most of the winter)
If you are traveling the back roads, which I recommend, once you cross the Missouri river, keep an eye on your gas gauge, and map. Some communities have limited services, close at 5 pm, and possibly closed on Sunday.
Enjoy your trip! Devil's Tower isn't that far from mt Rushmore, also consider Custer state park, just south of mt Rushmore.
How old are your shocks. Just saw two of your earlier posts. If you do get a hardtop, that will add more weight.
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