How much weight (how big a boat) does anyone think a 1990 YJ, 4.2L, 5- speed could tow safely?
I'm trying to determine if our YJ will safely pull our
20.5' (3,000-3,500 lb) boat.
Would appreciate any words of wisdom.
Thanks, Rick
Weight-distributing hitch
Feb 24, 2007
11 Replies
20.5' (3,000-3,500 lb) boat.
Well, what I _meant_ to ask is how much I could tow _if_ I added a weight-distributing hitch to the towing setup. Thanks again for any advice. Rick
Rick,
The max towing capacity of any Wrangler is 2000lbs. The drivetrain is stout enough to handle 5000lbs, but the wheelbase on a Wrangler is far too short to put any more than 2000lbs behind it. It will pull and stop the load, but turns will be risky business. Not sure, but I think that boat would put you over your GVWR.
Sorry,
Carl
2000 lb is the legal limit in North America and with good reason. The short wheelbase can end up with 'the tail wagging the dog' really easily when trying to stop or turn fast as in avoiding something.
The Jeep has the power to pull it no problem, it's the stopping and turning.
Cops do know things like this and I for one have been pulled over for having too big a tow on a full sized pickup even.
Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view! Jan/06
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FWIW, the only boat trailering my YJ does is positioning the trailer in the backyard for the winter - and this is only because my dad's F150 is
2wd and sp> Absolutely NOT!!!!! Spec is 2000 pounds. The drive train and brakes areMmmmm, this is interesting. I have a "short wheelbased" Liberty with a 5000 lb towing capacity. I pull a 21' Jayco travel trailer like a dream. Of course, it is factory equipped as far a towing is concerned, as well as diesel powered but a properly equipped 3.7 has the same capacity.
Liberty's wheelbase isn't as short as a YJ/TJ and the CG is lower.
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