4 Dr Wrangler June 14, 2017, 01:32:48 pm Hello,We tow a 2 Dr Wrangler and am checking to see if anyone out there tows a 4 Dr Wrangler. What has been your experience? I do have an upgraded hitch.Thanks,Bill
Re: 4 Dr Wrangler Reply #1 – June 14, 2017, 03:53:37 pm Quote from: coho17 - June 14, 2017, 01:32:48 pmHello,We tow a 2 Dr Wrangler and am checking to see if anyone out there tows a 4 Dr Wrangler. What has been your experience? I do have an upgraded hitch.Check the weight, the four-door weights a lot more than a two door Wrangler.Load with gear and a hardtop, it will weigh close to 5000-lbs or even more.You will need to have a trailer hitch shop upgrade the LD's existing hitch, which will add weight.Be aware that pulling a very heavy toad will wear the drivetrain out faster.We pull a 4000-lb Cherokee. At 100,000 miles, both our transmission and rear axle needed rebuilding.Brakes wear much quicker too. Brake jobs, on RVs, are not cheap.Add another thousand pounds and things will wear even faster.While within Ford's GCWR, the weight will be nearing the upper limit, never a recipe for a long life. Larry
Re: 4 Dr Wrangler Reply #2 – June 14, 2017, 04:50:17 pm Hey Larry,It was good to hear what I had been thinking. We have the Jeep and a late model CRV and it would be nice to get down to one car. That was our thinking about the 4Dr. If the 4Dr would work we would sell everything and and keep the 4Dr as an all around. The weight is the reason that we didn't go with the 4Dr originally. We'll just stay with the Wrangler. It is a great tow.Thanks again for taking the time.Bill
Re: 4 Dr Wrangler Reply #3 – June 14, 2017, 05:48:52 pm So I'm thinking of trading in the Mustang for a toad to pull behind my 2004 MB and would prefer something 4x4 for off road exploring and preferably automatic transmission. But I also want something comfortable for 4 people and for longer road trips. That kind of eliminates the Wrangler. I'm thinking of maybe a Chevy Colorado 4 door 4x4. Any other suggestions for something around 4000# or less ?
Re: 4 Dr Wrangler Reply #4 – June 15, 2017, 01:21:33 am Quote from: folivier - June 14, 2017, 05:48:52 pm. But I also want something comfortable for 4 people and for longer road trips. That kind of eliminates the Wrangler. I'm thinking of maybe a Chevy Colorado 4 door 4x4. Any other suggestions for something around 4000# or less ?A 4X4 Colorado is in the same weight range as the 4 door Wrangler. Carrying four people, in comfort, eliminates any of today's 4X4s. How about a manual Subaru?At one time, there were a lot more choices in 4X4 toads, but newer Federal crash regulations increased the weight of Jeeps, while other manufacturers dropped out off the market completely.The desire for an all-weather 4X4, that can carry four and doesn't weight over 4000-lbs, is the reason why I'm we are still pulling a 16 year old Cherokee. Any newer equivalent weights a lot more. Larry
Re: 4 Dr Wrangler Reply #5 – June 15, 2017, 07:38:37 am Thanks Larry. I have no problem buying an older well maintained vehicle. In my research the older Colorado's appear to weigh under 4000#. That's what led me to put it at the top of my list. A Subaru would be ok but not sure I want a manual transmission since it will also be used daily.I had a Jeep Liberty 4x4 for a few years and it worked out ok until we had to drive it from Arizona back to Louisiana. Very busy ride on the interstate. Traded it in on a Silverado Z71 once we got home. But the Newell could pull 10,000#.An older Cherokee would probably work also if I can find a good one.
Re: 4 Dr Wrangler Reply #6 – June 15, 2017, 11:54:21 am Quote from: Larry Wade - June 15, 2017, 01:21:33 am At one time, there were a lot more choices in 4X4 toads, but newer Federal crash regulations increased the weight of Jeeps, while other manufacturers dropped out off the market completely.LarryAs well there are the unintended consequences of regulations that aim to improve CAFE and EPA mileage. What's making cars bigger? Gas-mileage rules may be, say analystsAutomakers seem to be able to exploit the loophole while marketing bigger vehicles with higher margins. Or so some believe. The theory that cars are growing along with our personal girth is not why cars are getting bigger it seems. Though that may explain why as car sizes increase the more diminutive models see shrinking sales?
Re: 4 Dr Wrangler Reply #7 – June 15, 2017, 12:26:25 pm Quote from: folivier - June 15, 2017, 07:38:37 amAn older Cherokee would probably work also if I can find a good one.Jeep Cherokee Classifieds | Jeep Cherokee | Used Jeep Cherokee
Re: 4 Dr Wrangler Reply #8 – June 15, 2017, 12:55:33 pm Quote from: Larry Wade - June 15, 2017, 01:21:33 amA 4X4 Colorado is in the same weight range as the 4 door Wrangler. Carrying four people, in comfort, eliminates any of today's 4X4s. How about a manual Subaru?At one time, there were a lot more choices in 4X4 toads, but newer Federal crash regulations increased the weight of Jeeps, while other manufacturers dropped out off the market completely.The desire for an all-weather 4X4, that can carry four and doesn't weight over 4000-lbs, is the reason why I'm we are still pulling a 16 year old Cherokee. Any newer equivalent weights a lot more. LarryWe use a 1978 Toyota FJ40. It may be the world's most reliable vehicle, is more capable in the rough stuff than anything short of a Rubicon, and weighs about 3700lb., but it is harsh to drive on the pavement, squeeky and noisy, and with the 4:10 gears is straining to hit 55mph. I pull the driveshaft to tow it. Driver safety protections and crash regulations? What's that? We have considered a wrangler as a more convenient and comfortable toad with reasonable dirt road capabilities. It's just a matter of perspective...
Re: 4 Dr Wrangler Reply #9 – June 15, 2017, 01:08:17 pm The Landcrusher. Did I mention that it gets 10mpg in the city and 13mpg on the road? OPEC would love me, if we weren't making so much oil on our own. On the other hand, it is stone reliable, when it needs something I can fix it, and it keeps passing smog, a significant miracle in Californica.Ah, the smell of the exhaust from a carbureted engine in the morning... 3 Likes
Re: 4 Dr Wrangler Reply #10 – June 15, 2017, 02:15:19 pm Found out my 2004 Tahoe 4x4 w/auto tranny is towable 4-down but at over 5,200 lbs curb weight, too much weight for an LD to tow. Too bad.Some photos a few years back having fun at Hollister OHV Park at a 4WD class . . . 2 Likes
Re: 4 Dr Wrangler Reply #11 – June 16, 2017, 02:26:42 pm It's too bad the Gen5 Outback's are not towable 4-down with off-road capabilty like this. Not bad for a nearly stock 2015 Subaru!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WuG1yivsXGc Same car and driver:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YcAB85kXEFQI've yet to try this in my 2017. 1 Likes
Re: 4 Dr Wrangler Reply #12 – June 16, 2017, 02:52:38 pm I've been impressed with where we can take our little 2005 Forester (AT), and even more so by where our friends follow us to in the desert with theirs. Every time we go over some rough stuff, deep sand, or sharp edged obstacle, Cyndy says, "well that will be the end of the Subaru. We'll have to turn around..." and then the bumper of the Forester appears over the obstacle and they are right back on our bumper. It is almost embarrassing what a great little AWD they are.If only they had a little more ground clearance and the AT could be towed....
Re: 4 Dr Wrangler Reply #13 – June 16, 2017, 03:58:02 pm Uh oh, Renee. I hope Larry didn't watch these videos and get ideas about your Subie! 1 Likes
Re: 4 Dr Wrangler Reply #14 – June 16, 2017, 05:07:26 pm Quote from: Jon & Loni - June 16, 2017, 03:58:02 pmUh oh, Renee. I hope Larry didn't watch these videos and get ideas about your Subie!If it had a manual transmission, we would it would already be a toad.It has aftermarket skid plates. With X-Drive, it is very controlled in slippery up and downhills, including snow, especially considering the tires have a pure highway tread. With a traction-type tire, it would be even better.I have considered buying an older Subaru, one that I didn't mind denting a bit, and setting it up as a mild road-road toad, for trips where the 2001 Cherokee is overkill. Unfortunately, the traction enhancing X-Drive wasn't available in the older models, so the differentials are all 'open'. Locking axle ares not an option.Subarus work great on backroads until the rocks get to be 8" in diameter, with no way to go around them.You cannot 'walk' a wheel over a large rock, as you can with a high-clearance vehicle. None the less, we have been surprised many times, finding a Subaru, miles off the road, in the the backcountry. We have found many cut-off points, in Utah and Colorado, where a pack of Subies are parked, reaching the point where the terrain gets too tough.Skid plates and mild lift kits are available for most Subarus. The lifts should never go above 1-1/2", above that, the driveshaft's constant velocity joints wear quickly. Check the site below for off road Subaru products and information.Primitive Racing Subaru Performance Parts - Primitive RacingLarry 2 Likes
Re: 4 Dr Wrangler Reply #15 – June 16, 2017, 10:06:39 pm Some of you may have seen this. I don't think I would try this in my Forester. Even with the mods. I found a shop to install a baseplate and will be buying the tower and hitch as well. I have seen the work on a friend's towd, a Ford hybrid. I looked through the installation procedures that Blue Ox provides on line. For someone that works with tools, it is really straight forward. I have not worked on cars for a long time, and have no desire to see my red Forester passing me as I drive down a hill.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DslXqIfWigs 2 Likes
Re: 4 Dr Wrangler Reply #16 – June 16, 2017, 10:38:39 pm That was pretty impressive! I don't think AAA includes that trail in their service area if the Subie doesn't make it. 1 Likes
Re: 4 Dr Wrangler Reply #17 – June 16, 2017, 10:58:16 pm Wow! I may have to put the Subaru back on my list. Wonder what mods he did to make Hells Revenge?
Re: 4 Dr Wrangler Reply #18 – June 17, 2017, 10:01:10 am Quote from: folivier - June 16, 2017, 10:58:16 pmWow! I may have to put the Subaru back on my list. Wonder what mods he did to make Hells Revenge?According to the poster:This is a 2011 Subaru Legacy 3.6r with 2013 Subaru Outback struts and 1/2" strut top spacers. Other mods includes oversized tires (225-65-17) I agree, that was quite amazing! One thing we learned in the 4WD class I took that, as a driver, you really need to trust your spotter. It took me some time to do that (being I'm always right, ya know!)
Re: 4 Dr Wrangler Reply #19 – June 17, 2017, 12:48:24 pm Quote from: folivier - June 16, 2017, 10:58:16 pmWow! I may have to put the Subaru back on my list. Wonder what mods he did to make Hells Revenge?Mostly stock suspension parts from an Outback, taller tires, and skid plates. Below the video he typed in the mods made. He also modified the front bumper to allow better approach angles.
Re: 4 Dr Wrangler Reply #20 – June 19, 2017, 12:01:56 pm Here's another video byQuote from: Blueox25 - June 16, 2017, 10:38:39 pmThat was pretty impressive! I don't think AAA includes that trail in their service area if the Subie doesn't make it.Here is another one. I don't think AAA will respond to this trail either:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEhFksadVnw&feature=em-subs_digest-vrecs
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