Tow vehicle choices February 06, 2021, 11:39:56 am When we finally get out new 27' MB (on the list) our current tow, a 2002 CRV, will be upgraded.Our goal with a tow is to open up new areas off road to explore. We've seen most of the western USA and would now like to go deeper with exploration.The Jeep Wrangler stands out of course. The high price tag and lack of reliability have me thinking twice.Does anyone here tow one?Do you have issues with reliability?It's incredible the price they get for them, even used. Any other off road capable suggestions for a tow?4x4 small truck like a Canyon or Colorado?
Re: Tow vehicle choices Reply #1 – February 06, 2021, 12:13:50 pm Don’t know if it’s towable 4-down, or the weight, but you may want to investigate the new Ford Broncos.
Re: Tow vehicle choices Reply #2 – February 06, 2021, 12:18:03 pm Quote from: HiLola - February 06, 2021, 12:13:50 pmDon’t know if it’s towable 4-down, or the weight, but you may want to investigate the new Ford Broncos.I've got an eye on those.Sadly, the lighter "Sport" version isn't flat towable. 1 Likes
Re: Tow vehicle choices Reply #3 – February 06, 2021, 02:54:17 pm I have been told that the Bronco Sport version which is out now is not flat towable. However, the Bronco with 2.7l v6 will be towable. Dont know about the 4 cylinder. The Ford Ranger is flat towable as well. The problem always is toad weight with the LD units. 1 Likes
Re: Tow vehicle choices Reply #4 – February 06, 2021, 05:34:14 pm We towed a Liberty for 7 years, no problems. Still have it as a daily driver. No problems with 70,000 driven miles.We wanted to crawl over bigger rocks, so we got a Rubicon in 2014. spent 5-digits to allow it to crawl over even bigger rocks.No problems. 30,000 driven miles.Yes, they sell at a premium. Gee so do LDs recently.We would no longer be traveling if we did not have a Jeep as we have "seen it all" from the paved roads. I would not give much for the new Bronco's. You can an old one restored for $50,000+
Re: Tow vehicle choices Reply #5 – February 06, 2021, 08:20:37 pm We have towed a 2005 Wrangler since 2007. I imagine we have about 80,000 towing miles on it. No issues other than you need to rotate tires per owner's manual. Just follow the maintenance requirements and your Jeep will be very reliable. The newer Jeeps are heavier and IMO more car-like. You can re-build a Jeep from a catalog if you want. Can't do that with practically any other vehicle.Chuck 3 Likes
Re: Tow vehicle choices Reply #6 – February 06, 2021, 09:29:51 pm Quote from: tedeboy - February 06, 2021, 11:39:56 amWhen we finally get out new 27' MB (on the list) our current tow, a 2002 CRV, will be upgraded.Congrats on your "upcoming" new Lazy Daze. New is always nice, but I totally love towing my 2002 Honda CR-V and it has a lot of life left... 2 Likes
Re: Tow vehicle choices Reply #7 – February 06, 2021, 09:35:25 pm Quote from: desertdivanm - February 06, 2021, 09:29:51 pmCongrats on your "upcoming" new Lazy Daze. New is always nice, but I totally love towing my 2002 Honda CR-V and it has a lot of life left... Ours does also. Even at 200K. Good cars.Just looking for an off road capable vehicle.
Re: Tow vehicle choices Reply #8 – February 07, 2021, 11:49:30 am We bought a 2004 Jeep Wrangler Sport (a TJ in Wrangler nomenclature) new shortly after taking delivery of our 2003 LD and have towed it on almost every RV trip since. It has a 6-cylinder engine, manual transmission, upgraded rear axle and a hardtop. It doesn't record mileage when being towed. So the odometer reads just over 100K miles, but it probably has been towed another 120K miles. It has been very reliable. But it has little in common with current Wranglers, which are more complex and heavier.My preference is to keep the old one running vs. buying a new one to replace it. For towing I personally think the TJ is the sweet spot among the various Wrangler versions over the years. If I needed a replacement I'd look for a low mileage TJ much like what we have and I'd be willing to pay a premium to get it and would make whatever repairs are necessary to get it into tip-top shape. But I don't see it coming to that as it is easy to keep a TJ in good shape.Our Wrangler is very easy to tow. Hook up the tow bar, plug in the wiring harness, place the manual transmission in second gear and the transfer case in neutral, turn the key to the first stop to unlock the steering (but not activate the electrics), switch on the auxiliary brake system and we're off. The whole operation takes about five minutes.Our Wrangler is an adequate highway vehicle for shorter local excursions of the type we usually take while traveling in the LD and really comes into its own when we want to explore off pavement in the west. But it's not a vehicle for long highway trips.What I like best about the TJ is its simplicity, something it has in common with our now older LD. When it has needed service or repair I've found that decent mechanics just about anywhere understand it and have little trouble diagnosing and repairing any problem, usually quickly and at modest cost. I think that is an important consideration when traveling on long trips to out of the way places. Actually it is especially familiar to mechanics in more remote areas because that's the Wrangler's natural habitat. 3 Likes
Re: Tow vehicle choices Reply #9 – February 07, 2021, 02:56:42 pm We have always towed a motorcycle trailer (containing our BMW R1200GS) or a 4x4. The previous 4x4 was a 1978 Toyota FJ40 Landcruiser, which was reliable as a hammer, but not civilized or comfortable. When we decided to upgrade, we looked at a 2015 Subaru Forester manual transmission. Since we previously owned a 2005 Forester, we knew what it could do and not do in rough conditions. In the end, we wanted a vehicle that would take us into rougher terrain and bought a new 2017 Jeep Wrangler. It tows nicely, has been perfectly reliable, is more comfortable on and off road than the FJ40, and gets us to most of the places we want to visit off the pavement. It all depends whether you will spend more time on the highway or more time on trails with your toad.Naturally, the decision involves compromises and what you settle on decides where you fit on the spectrum.Harold 1 Likes
Re: Tow vehicle choices Reply #10 – February 07, 2021, 03:22:25 pm Quote from: Blueox25 - February 07, 2021, 02:56:42 pmIn the end, we wanted a vehicle that would take us into rougher terrain and bought a new 2017 Jeep Wrangler. You may have posted this already and I apologize in advance but what hitch modifications did you do to be able to tow this weight?
Re: Tow vehicle choices Reply #11 – February 07, 2021, 03:23:20 pm As a side note:Our friends have a 2003 Forester with over 200K miles and it has been very reliable. On the other hand, our 2005 (bought new) used a quart of oil every 1000 miles for its entire life. Subaru turned its back on my letters and complaints regarding oil use and only admitted the problem when ours was past the miles limitation. Sucked for us. In spite of regular and expensive maintenance, it blew a head gasket, lost its coolant and self destructed at 150K miles. Regular maintenance by our Subaru shop included a timing belt, water pump, regular tune-ups, etc. cost more per mile than my BMW motorcycle maintenance.Our 2017 Jeep Wrangler uses no oil and hasn't required anything but oil changes. I use it as a daily driver and it is a pleasure to own.Harold 1 Likes
Re: Tow vehicle choices Reply #12 – February 07, 2021, 03:27:24 pm The only modifications I have made to the wimpy Lazy Daze hitch is an upgrade to grade 8 bolts and I keep them torqued. I have a Blue Ox tow hitch and a Stay in Play brake. I no longer have any concerns with the hitch.Remarkably, towing the heavier Jeep results in a smaller fuel consumption difference than towing the lighter enclosed motorcycle trailer. It must be the wind resistance, although the Jeep is as aerodynamic as a brick.Harold
Re: Tow vehicle choices Reply #13 – February 07, 2021, 08:08:50 pm We have pulled Jeep Cherokees since 2003, racking up around 100,000 miles and for the past few months, a 2020 Jeep Rubicon.The Cherokees are great off-road machines but both (1997 and 2001) of them are suffering from failing electrical wiring that cannot be replaced, new stock is not available.We wouldn't be without a Jeep after eight years of not towing. Since the majority of the roads in the West are not paved, the Jeeps let us go where we please, within reason. A Subaru or older CRV can go many places but when the rocks get bigger, we leave them behind. I'm happier not being around civilization, a Jeep, or other 4X4, allows leaving the crowds behind.Unfortunately, very few vehicles are flat towabLe, most are too heavy.The Canyons are too heavy and the Bronco will not be available in numbers for a while, plus I'm wouldn't be interested in buying any new vehicle until it has been on the market for a couple of years. Ford vehicles have not proved to be any more dependable than Jeeps and I doubt if they will be any cheaper, when the prices of comparably equipped models are compared. If a Bronco was on my buy list, it would be a totally restored 1968 model.Larry 3 Likes
Re: Tow vehicle choices Reply #14 – February 07, 2021, 09:09:18 pm We flat tow our Jeep Liberties, first one was a 2006 Renegade version got 170,000+ miles when it replaced by a 2007 Liberty in 2018. There are very few automatic transmission vehicles still equipped with a transfer case for flat tow w/o speed limit. Some of the front drive or all wheel drive vehicles are classified as towable but speed higher the 60mph will damage the automatic transmission. Completely agree with Larry that the new Bronco is just too new, it will take a couple of years for Ford to work out the bugs. The Bronco Sport is a completely different vehicle with a front wheel drive chassis, a sibling of the Ford Escape. 1 Likes
Re: Tow vehicle choices Reply #15 – February 07, 2021, 10:43:51 pm Quote from: Larry W - February 07, 2021, 08:08:50 pmWe have pulled Jeep Cherokees since 2003, racking up around 100,000 miles and for the past few months, a 2020 Jeep Rubicon....LarryI'm leaning towards a Wrangler. I think we miss out on too many back roads. Did you add any aftermarket equipment?
Re: Tow vehicle choices Reply #16 – February 08, 2021, 01:15:01 am I removed the seat in our 2-door Wrangler to enable cargo, kids, and dogs. 4 Likes
Re: Tow vehicle choices Reply #17 – February 08, 2021, 02:24:44 pm Quote from: cli288 - February 07, 2021, 09:09:18 pm... Some of the front drive or all wheel drive vehicles are classified as towable but speed higher the 60mph will damage the automatic transmission. ...I can attest to the toughness of our 2002 CRV while towed.I had to get emergency eye surgery while in East Glacier Montana. Denver Colorado was the closest.We towed this Honda straight through nearly 900 miles. All night and into the next day. No stopping. I may have started it up at gas refills to circulate the trans oil but I don't remember. Speeds hitting 75 mph on that long stretch through Wyoming.Still runs great and shifts fine.I was worried it would be damaged. 2 Likes
Re: Tow vehicle choices Reply #18 – February 08, 2021, 06:58:58 pm I really like my Subaru Forester for a towed in the MidAtlantic and eastern USA. But if I lived further west I would look for an older Jeep. The 2016 Forester’s first and reverse gears are ratios more appropriate for flat smooth roads. It is my one peeve with the car. Mine does use a quart of oil when driving at high speeds for a long trip (think 65-85 on I-95), or when sitting at idle (think waiting for the wife to grocery shop when it’s 35deg and raining).
Re: Tow vehicle choices Reply #19 – February 08, 2021, 07:10:50 pm Quote from: John DaCrema - February 08, 2021, 06:58:58 pmI really like my Subaru Forester for a towed in the MidAtlantic and eastern USA. But if I lived further west I would look for an older Jeep. The 2016 Forester’s first and reverse gears are ratios more appropriate for flat smooth roads. It is my one peeve with the car. Mine does use a quart of oil when driving at high speeds for a long trip (think 65-85 on I-95), or when sitting at idle (think waiting for the wife to grocery shop when it’s 35deg and raining). I haven't noticed the burning oil issue with my 2015 Forester but then I haven't had it that long and don't drive it very often. Just under 80K miles.
Re: Tow vehicle choices Reply #20 – February 08, 2021, 07:52:43 pm I'm a big fan of the Ford Bronco. I had a 1974 model, it was great at off road exploration.Ford has done an excellent job on the new Bronco. Too many options in my opinion, but hey, more is better.They offer a variety of packages, and have a manual transmission option on some of them.Ford has gone directly at the Jeep Wrangler, and it seems that they have pulled off an unthinkable task.Upending the Wrangler dominance in the off road and toad market. 1 Likes
Re: Tow vehicle choices Reply #21 – February 09, 2021, 10:22:55 am Both the Wrangler and Bronco are purpose-built toys. Both are light years different from what the Jeep was 20 years back. Or 40 years for the Bronco. Loads of gadgets to give problems. We enjoy technical rock crawling and the Wrangler’s solid front axle will always have an advantage over the Bronco’s independent front suspension. No comparison in that niche. 1 Likes
Re: Tow vehicle choices Reply #22 – February 09, 2021, 03:54:16 pm Quote from: Larry W - February 07, 2021, 08:08:50 pms. Ford vehicles have not proved to be any more dependable than Jeeps and I doubt if they will be any cheaper, when the prices of comparably equipped models are compared. If a Bronco was on my buy list, it would be a totally restored 1968 model.LarryWell, Larry, there are 3 of that vintage within walking distance of my house, all of them restored. Local cult? — Jon 1 Likes
Re: Tow vehicle choices Reply #23 – February 09, 2021, 07:20:41 pm Quote from: Jon & Loni - February 09, 2021, 03:54:16 pmWell, Larry, there are 3 of that vintage within walking distance of my house, all of them restored. Local cult? — JonThinking about a tow vehicle?You and Loni would look good in a classic Bronco.Larry
Re: Tow vehicle choices Reply #24 – February 09, 2021, 09:28:05 pm We sure do like our Wrangler JL Rubicon two door. It allows us to explore back and off road places (like Death Valley’s West Side road and Capital Reef’s drivable slot canyons, below). It is also a great car for city life given the tight turning radius and excellent visibility. The wrangler, equipped for towing and off roading (bumpers, winch and rack, no skid plates), weighs in at 4300 Lbs, a bit heavy but lighter than a similarly equipped Bronco and, as has been said, very capable. We’re happy with our choice overall. Warren 4 Likes
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