[GoodLife]

Will upgrading the suspension increase the towing capacity of a jeep? I just bought a boat and I want to tow it with my Jeep. The GTW for the boat and trailer is about 2500 lbs. My jeep is only rated to tow 2000 lbs. I know the tow rating has a lot to do with vechical length because the jeep unlimited has a rating of 3500 lbs because of the extra 10 inches. Does anyone have any personal experince with towing a boat?

 

[kbart]

Short or long distance? Any slippery conditions? One plus about a boat versus any other type of trailer is usually less tongue weight. It is the tongue wieght that will throw you sideways in a turn. Not that the gross weight won't if you hit the brakes in a turn but it's better with a boat than say a camper. I've used a cj5 to haul some pretty heavy loads in the Colorado mountains, you just have to be way more careful than normal trailer towing. You will be more prone to jackknife. I tow with the longest wheelbase possible but my boats a bit bigger than yours.

 

[GoodLife]

I am only going to tow it 6 or 7 miles to the launch. I don't want to get myself killed if it is a bad idea. Maybe I should look for a cheap used truck or teach my wife to drive a stick so I can use her SUV and see can drive the Jeep.

 

[kbart]

What's the tongue weight? If it's less than a person weighs your probably ok for the launch ramp. Plus if the ramp is slippery 4wd has a definate advantage. Just watch your speed and corners, don't brake in the middle of a turn. Slow down before the turn. Does the boat trailer have a surge brake? This will help you if it operates smoothly. Smoooooooth and steady is the best advice I can give you. If the road is slippery wait till it is dry. That big truck of mine has an auto in it because then my wife can drive the trailer to and from the parking lot while I drive the boat. You could use her suv if she wants to come along.