[eb1263]

Looking for help/input on this topic. There seems to be a lot of different information and variables involved here, and I would more than welcome some addition thoughts.

I have a 1995 YJ 4.0. We just purchased a new jetboat that with trailer runs around 2,700lbs. All the factory information shows a 2,000lb capacity.

The question is, if I install a frame mounted hitch (rated to 3,000lbs), could I roll the new toy around 4 miles to and from the boat ramp? The short wheel base is obviously a factor, but we are talking a very short distance. This would be relatively infrequent too (average of 2 times per year).

Thoughts?

 

[COAinPaso]

I'd use the the truck to two the boat. Could the yj do it? Probably. Is it safe? Probably not, you're asking it to two 35% more than the max two rating. I know it's only four miles but a lot can happen in four miles, especially backing down the ramp...

 

[jokerchief462]

90 with 4.0 and he tows the boat every weekend 30 mikes each way. As long as your hitch is rated for the load no problems you can get there and up and down the ramp no issues

 

[NH2112]

90 with 4.0 and he tows the boat every weekend 30 mikes each way. As long as your hitch is rated for the load no problems you can get there and up and down the ramp no issues

There's also this little matter of the brakes not being sufficient to stop a GCWR of almost double the weight of the Jeep.

 

[mijeeper80]

Sounds like an extremely risky move to me. Say it tows fine those 4 miles then you decide aww hell let's try the next lake over. Before yu know it your laying upside down in the ditch cause some teenager is texting n pulls out in front of you and you can't stop! Hypothetical of course but you get my point! My yj is for taking the family to the beach, my WJ is for towing the boat and pop up camper

 

[Pmryall]

Looking for help/input on this topic. There seems to be a lot of different information and variables involved here, and I would more than welcome some addition thoughts. I have a 1995 YJ 4.0. We just purchased a new jetboat that with trailer runs around 2,700lbs. All the factory information shows a 2,000lb capacity. The question is, if I install a frame mounted hitch (rated to 3,000lbs), could I roll the new toy around 4 miles to and from the boat ramp? The short wheel base is obviously a factor, but we are talking a very short distance. This would be relatively infrequent too (average of 2 times per year). Thoughts?

the short wheelbase IS the factor. Every 2 door wrangler (except the TJ unlimited,I'm not sure of its rating) from the 4banger YJ through the 3.6l 285 hp Jk with traction control, anti sway, antilock 4 wheel disk brakes has a 2000lb rating. It's the wheelbase that is the limiting factor. After that it's your best judgement.

 

[IIDeaDEyEII]

I tow a 2200lb trailer in my 98 audi a4 2.8 5 speed. (190 hp 207 tq)just fine, which is less torque than the wrangler. I wouldn't worry for 4 miles

 

[mijeeper80]

I tow a 2200lb trailer in my 98 audi a4 2.8 5 speed. (190 hp 207 tq)just fine, which is less torque than the wrangler. I wouldn't worry for 4 miles

ok so going off what Google says the curb weight of an Audi A4 is 3,583 to 3,693 the curb weight of yj is 2,936. And then you got the height difference, braking which we all know which is better, I would say this is not comparable vehicles. I understand that's a 2015 also

 

[NH2112]

I tow a 2200lb trailer in my 98 audi a4 2.8 5 speed. (190 hp 207 tq)just fine, which is less torque than the wrangler. I wouldn't worry for 4 miles

It's not about getting it to move, it's about getting it to stop. A long boat & trailer weighing 2700lb is going to be a textbook case of the tail wagging the dog if he has to stop quickly. Now if the trailer has brakes that's another story (real electric brakes, not surge brakes), but the OP didn't mention trailer brakes.

 

[Raoul]

It's 700 lbs over the limit.

I'm more interested in the 4 miles.
Are we talking 4 miles of lazy back country black top with which farm vehicles frequent or are we talking 4 miles along the New Jersey turnpike?

I suspect the 4 miles are nasty or the question would never have been posted.

 

[NH2112]

It's 700 lbs over the limit.

Or, another way to look at it is it's 35% more than the max tow rating. You don't have the ability to buck the trailer with a short wheelbase vehicle like you do with a longbed crew cab pickup that's twice as long and twice as heavy.

 

[14Trailcrawler]

It's 700 lbs over the limit. I'm more interested in the 4 miles. Are we talking 4 miles of lazy back country black top with which farm vehicles frequent or are we talking 4 miles along the New Jersey turnpike? I suspect the 4 miles are nasty or the question would never have been posted.

Ding ding.

The drive line is probably up for the task.

The brakes would probably do just fine in non traffic conditions.

The stability would probably do just fine in non traffic conditions.

If you are thinking along the lines of a tow mule, it should be fine. NO WAY should it be considered for ANY traffic conditions.

We used to ski a place in northern CA. Kind of a ski community. Lots of people pulled their boats from the garage a couple miles to the ramp with old Jeeps. But they all had legitimate tow rigs for pulling their boats out on the road.

 

[billiebob]

people break the law everyday. pick the ones you want to break carefully.