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Common Issues from adding tow load to YJ

1K views 6 replies 6 participants last post by  toddster8 
#1 ·
So I'm planning a huge road trip(FL to CA, and all around the mid west) starting January last basically a whole year/ I'll be towing a pop-up camper with my 91 YJ (4.0L I6). Haven't bought the camper yet but I'm in the market for one between 1000-1500lbs. Anyone have any insight into what issues i may run into with the jeep while on the road? I plan on stocking up on spare parts before the trip so I can ideally do most of my own repairs on the road myself. I'd imagine there is going to be extra stress on the driveshaft, drivetrain, and braking systems. Anyone have more specific issues I should prepare for? Specific parts that will be prone to fail on account of the extra load? Any and all advice/ resources would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

-Dan
 
#2 ·
Look for a camper with a good brake system, you will need it in the mountains, if that is your intended route. Also change your fluids. (All)

We pulled a 30ft fifth wheel, (not with a wrangler) to Alaska, over the Rockies, and gave our fifth wheel brakes a workout. No issues, other than a blowout on the fifth wheel. Make sure you have newer tires, they may look good, but an old tire will not hold up..

Good luck, and keep us posted.............:happyyes:
 
#3 ·
I've been towing for years, but only hauled a jet ski and trailer with my jeep. I would look for the lightest trailer you can find, and remember the listed weight of the trailer is "dry" meaning with propane and all your supplies it will weigh much more.

The two areas of concern is the Jeeps short wheelbase, not real stable when dragging a trailer around, and the brakes. I would definatly add trailer brakes and make sure your steering and suspension is all in good order. Power wise, you won't win any races, but the 4.0 is a strong motor. Just make sure all the fluids are fresh.

I hope you have the 5 speed, I wouldn't want to try this with an auto.
 
#4 ·
Well, I have put a lot of miles on my 5x10 utility trailer and only really wished that it had brakes a couple of times - when it was loaded up over 3000 lbs. (OK, it might have been closer to 5000) Still... easier to have the dealer add them up front (if even available) than to try to do it later. (Duck down and see if there is a brake flange on the axle.) I'd for sure go on some shorter trips first, to see how the rig drives, before setting out on an epic quest.
 
#5 ·
Good luck on finding a pop-up camper that is in the 1000-1500lb range.

The best I have found so far is a Jayco ultra-lite and it has a dry weight of 1750lbs. And loaded would be way over the limit that my YJ can handle.

I pull a 5X8 utility with my YJ, and it has been made into an off road utility. meaning sides and a tonneau cover. and it is roughly around 1200lbs dry weight, and with all the camping gear in it I weighed it out to be 1980lbs. This is the absolute limit that mine can handle, any more and it would get scary.

I can tell you this, if you can find a camper light enough to drag around, then you might want to look into rear air shocks or even rear air bags to help handle the tongue weight. Mine squats pretty good if there is a back seat passenger with the trailer on the hitch.
 
#6 ·
Pulling with the Jeep will be tough. I don't think many of the popups under 1 ton have electric brakes so your Jeep will be slowing down both vehicles.

Also, make sure you add a friction sway control. It goes from the A frame of the trailer to a small 1" ball next to the 2" ball on your trailer tongue. With the Jeep's short wheel base it will be very prone to highway sway which can really suck.
 
#7 ·
Oh yeah, the air bags were a must for hauling trailers with the 4Runner - it was notoriously under-sprung. (On the other hand, that could trick you into over-loading the trailer...) The issue hasn't come up with the Wrangler yet, but firewood season is just around the corner. We'll see!

Another reason to get your trailer in plenty of time to do some shake-down cruises.
 
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