We realize the wait is long and we are still working up the list.
In the meantime, while we wait, we are considering renting out our home here in Encinitas, CA when the new 27 foot MB becomes ready and hitting the road. Sell our current 23.5 TK and two other vehicles and buy a Jeep.
Hit the road for a year or two and use the rental income to offset purchase prices. Our house paid off.
We are 64 and 61 years old and retired.
My main question (and I keep going back and forth with this) is a 27 MB capable to safely tow a 4 door Jeep Rubicon? They are about 5,000 pounds.
Ideally we want to tow a Jeep for its capabilities in getting to places we haven't been yet.
Will the weight be doable?
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My main question (and I keep going back and forth with this is a 27 MB capable to safely tow a 4 door Jeep Rubicon? They are about 5,000 pounds.
Ideally we want to tow a Jeep for its capabilities in getting to places we haven't been yet.
Will the weight be doable?
Many LD owners have and now tow Jeeps, self-included. Stick with the lighter 2-door Wranglers.
The rear bumper and hitch hardware may need upgrading, as just discussed recently. If concerned, find a hitch shop and get a professional opinion.
LDs built since 2008 have an upgraded GCVW of 22,000-lbs, more than adequate to pull a Jeep. The new engine and six-speed transmission make towing even easier.
Larry
... The new engine and six-speed transmission make towing even easier.
Larry
We'd like an automatic transmission.
Are those still towable?
Motorhome magazine Dinghy Towing Guides, found by googling will give you lists of all towable vehicles by year.
We'd like an automatic transmission.
Are those still towable?
AFAIK, all 4WD Wranglers are flat towable. Just check to make sure the transfer case has a neutral position and the transmission in park. For other Jeep lines, not all drivetrains are flat towable.
That said, the one thing I miss for offroad driving is the manual transmission we had in our 2001 TJ Wrangler. It is much easier to use engine braking on steep downhills with a manual than with an automatic.
Art
Not comparable to a Jeep, of course, but a couple things I like about my Subaru Outback w/CVT are the paddle shifters and descent control! Not flat towable, though.
Not comparable to a Jeep, of course, but a couple things I like about my Subaru Outback w/CVT are the paddle shifters and descent control!
I didn't think those were towable?
AFAIK, all 4WD Wranglers are flat towable.
That said, the one thing I miss for offroad driving is the manual transmission we had in our 2001 TJ Wrangler. It is much easier to use engine braking on steep downhills with a manual than with an automatic.
Art has it right about towing a 4X4 Wrangler, Gladiator and the older Cherokees. The ease of towing is one reason 4X4 Jeeps are so popular for toads.
The Rubicon's 4:1 transfercase ratio, combined with the 8-speed automatic's very low 1st-gear first works well on steep downgrades and if that isn't enough, newer models have the Downhill Descent mode that, when activated, automatically applies the brake, on individual wheels if necessary, to control the downhill speed and keep the Jeep pointed in the right direction. Jeep has also upgraded the brakes compared to your old TJ and our XJs.
Our Subaru has the same type of braking system, X-Mode, and works well on very steep grades when dry, wet or icy.
Yes, the electronics take less skill to drive in poor conditions but that's fine with me when the trail gets dicey.
Larry
Greg, we were also told a CVT even with paddle shifters is not towable.
Consider the new 2021 Ford Bronco (will be a contender for the Jeep) coming out next spring.
I don't know if full details are known yet but the ford web pages are listing a lot of detailed specs (I just looked the other day).
If you get one, let us know how it works. We are interested but likely not until 2022 (or goal date) and we prefer not buy a first year of a new model.
Jane
That’s correct, Jane. That’s why I bought a 2015 Forester with the manny tranny!
Greg, we were also told a CVT even with paddle shifters is not towable.
Consider the new 2021 Ford Bronco (will be a contender for the Jeep) coming out next spring.
I don't know if full details are known yet but the ford web pages are listing a lot of detailed specs (I just looked the other day).
If you get one, let us know how it works. We are interested but likely not until 2022 (or goal date) and we prefer not buy a first year of a new model.
Jane
I'm looking at the Bronco.
Thanks
I'm looking at the Bronco.
Thanks
The 2021 Bronco just may fill a needed niche market. Worth considering once all the specs are published.