Re: Tow vehicle choices Reply #25 – March 22, 2021, 02:17:34 pm We've been pulling a 5X8 utility trailer and renting vehicles as needed. Now that I no longer have my incredible Enterprise discount, it's time to pivot to dragging a toad.I can't figure out how members are towing Jeeps with the 4000# hitch limitation.How are you doing this, and with which trim?Thanks!Nancy
Re: Tow vehicle choices Reply #26 – March 22, 2021, 03:07:04 pm 2 door Jeep Wranglers (2014) weight in at 3,900-4200 pounds or more depending on how outfitted. We have been towing ours for 4 years without any problem. I talked with Steve at factory noting the higher weight and he had no problem telling me it was okay to tow, 4 wheels down. He was more concern with towing a trailer that would have a high tongue weight. Some people have upgraded their bolts, others have had the hitched welded to the frame or both. As for us, we have not changed anything. We do inspect the bolts periodically. 1 Likes
Re: Tow vehicle choices Reply #27 – March 22, 2021, 04:29:00 pm Ford rumors are saying that a new mini-truck is coming out soon. It will be on the same chasis as the bronco sport and of unibody design. I don’t know if it will be 4x4 or towable. Dale from Downey. It will be called the Maverick. It should be much smaller than the current Ranger.
Re: Tow vehicle choices Reply #28 – March 22, 2021, 05:42:05 pm Quote from: dollinsdale - March 22, 2021, 04:29:00 pmFord rumors are saying that a new mini-truck is coming out soon. It will be on the same chasis as the bronco sport and of unibody design. I don’t know if it will be 4x4 or towable. Dale from Downey. The Bronco Sport shares a platform with the gas Ford Escape. Neither are listed as towable 4-down.The Escape hybrid is listed as 4-down towable. So, I guess it depends....(on the transmission probably).The Ford Ranger is towable 4-down, but only with the 4WD package. Even though it's the 'smaller' Ford truck right now, it weights ~ 4300lbs. That would be a serious consideration for me if I wanted an offroad capable toad. Rumor is that there is a Ranger Raptor version coming to the US. I'll have the check the couch cushions for some extra funds.Rich
Re: Tow vehicle choices Reply #29 – March 22, 2021, 07:41:45 pm Quote from: Ross and Beverly Taylor - March 22, 2021, 03:07:04 pm2 door Jeep Wranglers (2014) weight in at 3,900-4200 pounds or more depending on how outfitted. We have been towing ours for 4 years without any problem. I talked with Steve at factory noting the higher weight and he had no problem telling me it was okay to tow, 4 wheels down. He was more concern with towing a trailer that would have a high tongue weight. Some people have upgraded their bolts, others have had the hitched welded to the frame or both. As for us, we have not changed anything. We do inspect the bolts periodically. So you're running the factory hitch setup, not even a bolt upgrade? I've been wondering if I should make any modifications when we start towing our 2015 Forester but, at under 3,500#, I guess it's not necessary.
Re: Tow vehicle choices Reply #30 – March 23, 2021, 09:03:59 am Quote from: HiLola - March 22, 2021, 07:41:45 pmSo you're running the factory hitch setup, not even a bolt upgrade? I've been wondering if I should make any modifications when we start towing our 2015 Forester but, at under 3,500#, I guess it's not necessary.Yes
Re: Tow vehicle choices Reply #31 – March 24, 2021, 03:04:38 pm If only I had more money than I knew what to do with, one of these would make a fine toad!Revology Cars - Brand-New Reproduction Classic Mustanghttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=no7XR7s8Z7o
Re: Tow vehicle choices Reply #32 – March 25, 2021, 01:40:59 pm Quote from: Baby Daze - March 22, 2021, 02:17:34 pmI can't figure out how members are towing Jeeps with the 4000# hitch limitation.How are you doing this, and with which trim?Years ago in a discussion with LD's Steve, he told me the hitch should be good for 5000-lbs but he had rated it lower as a CYA device.We have pulled a Jeep for most of our LD's 125,000 miles and have had problems to solve.On the way to an LD Caravan, the rear bumper mounting bolts loosened and one of the four bolts fell out. we came close to tearing up the rear bumper and possibly losing the Jeep. It was the result of poor manufacturing and sub-standard hardware and required a bit of work to cure.Hitch receiver upgrade | FlickrOn a camping trip in the Sierras, we ran into the steel fabricator that builds the hitch receivers for LD. He told me the older rigs had undersize bolts and were prone to breaking when towing heavy vehicles. Upgrading the bolts size and grades was my next project, plus welding the receiver to the bumper. I also upgraded the bumper's attachment to the rear wall with additional bolts.Rear bumper mounting repair | FlickrThese upgrades were done 40-50,000 miles ago and have worked without further problems. All the bumper and hitch hardware is checked for proper torque and inspected for cracks annually.Larry 4 Likes
Re: Tow vehicle choices Reply #33 – May 26, 2021, 03:43:04 pm Thanks Larry, I am on the wait list, and learning so much from the generosity of everyone in this group! We plan to continue camping near difficult terrain trails, and need a dependable 4x4 towed to reach the trailheads. I have also been curious how so many folks tow jeeps that are heavier than the 4Klb LD limit. Thanks for helping me understand better, especially Larry, how this could be possible and safe. Does anyone know if the Mothership has addressed the substandard bolts issue, and begun using the higher quality hardware many of you have modified to? And if so, do you think it will still be necessary to additionally have the plates welded?
Re: Tow vehicle choices Reply #34 – May 27, 2021, 11:03:42 am As to towing a Wrangler with the stock LD hitch we have been doing that for about 17 years and 125,000 miles with no problems. I believe our 2003 LD has the somewhat upgraded hitch that was introduced about that time and our 2-door Jeep Wrangler TJ is lighter than the current models.I personally feel that there is a tendency to "over-option" Wranglers, driving the weight up in the process. Unless you plan on a lot of rock crawling a basic Wrangler will get you wherever you want to go and will be lighter when towed. And the older Wranglers, like ours, are inherently lighter.There is often a discrepancy between published weights and actual weights. If you're buying a Wrangler I'd insist on weighing it first. There are lots of easily accessed public scales around. Then add the weight of your expected towing equipment (tow bar, brake system, etc.) and whatever you plan to carry in the Jeep when towing it. We try to keep ours empty but many use their toad as a sort of trailer with extra gear and supplies stored in it. That can add up.I don't think towing a few hundred pounds over the LD spec will be a problem, as others have explained. I'm sure we've done that at times. If your towing equipment is properly set up there is no vertical and not much sideways force on the hitch. It's just a straight pull.FWIW I think the Wrangler is almost the perfect toad for the west. Easy to set up for towing, easy to actually tow and always ready to head off pavement when the opportunity presents itself. If you get a two door it's also short. And it's a vehicle that most mechanics in the west are familiar with. If in the east I might consider a small car instead as there is less likelihood of heading off pavement and the better fuel economy would be nice. 5 Likes
Re: Tow vehicle choices Reply #35 – May 27, 2021, 11:08:06 am "I think the Wrangler is almost the perfect toad for the west."Now if they only didn't build them so dang high off the road a person wouldn't need a step stool to climb on board! 2 Likes
Re: Tow vehicle choices Reply #36 – May 27, 2021, 11:31:49 am I have an older jeep cherokee xj and it makes an excellent toad. First of all, it is easily towable and the weight typically is under 4k. It also comes mainly as a 4 door which means comfort if there are more than 2 people (try sitting in the back of a 2 door wrangler). It also can carry a lot of stuff behind the back seats. Now for the heartburn and that is finding one that hasnt been trashed by 4 wheelers. These vehicles are extremely popular for off roaders because they used to be cheap. Not any more. The last one that I saw on bringatrailer.com went for $18k. 2 Likes
Re: Tow vehicle choices Reply #37 – May 27, 2021, 04:04:53 pm The Suzuki Sidekick is a great 2 passenger vehicle. It has an additional bench seat in the rear for 2 passengers (tight).Will go anywhere that the big muscled off road vehicles go, but at least a 1,000 pounds lighter. A tradeoff for space and comfort.Not easy to find. The 1998's have a passenger airbag added so you might try for that model first if you are of interest.Also, the 3 speed automatic transmission is limited with no overdrive (we have this one), but it's not meant for speed, but touring, and off-road. The 4 speed with overdrive is the way to go if you can find one, and plenty of parts are available. It's a GM tranny.Cheers!Tony R (aka codefour) 1 Likes
Re: Tow vehicle choices Reply #38 – May 28, 2021, 12:37:24 pm Quote from: parussky - May 27, 2021, 11:31:49 amI have an older jeep cherokee xj and it makes an excellent toad. First of all, it is easily towable and the weight typically is under 4k. It also comes mainly as a 4 door which means comfort if there are more than 2 people (try sitting in the back of a 2 door wrangler). It also can carry a lot of stuff behind the back seats. Now for the heartburn and that is finding one that hasnt been trashed by 4 wheelers. These vehicles are extremely popular for off roaders because they used to be cheap. Not any more. The last one that I saw on bringatrailer.com went for $18k.We towed our 2001 Cherokee XJ for almost 18 years and over 100,000 miles, I still consider it to be the most practical toad available. It carries five, has good storage and can be built to do anything a Wrangler will do. My well-built 2001 XJ is the equivalent of a Rubicon and has been used as such throughout the West..That said, the last XJ was manufactured 21 years ago. They were intended to be inexpensive, soccer mom-type of car, for those living with winter climates (a market now owned by Subaru). They were not made for the long-term and the effects of time have slowly destroyed our XJ's plastics and electrical system. If I could have found a new wiring harness. along with new power door locks, windows and switches, I would still be towing it. Sadly, all OEM parts were depleted many years ago.Here in SoCal, clean XJs are impossible to find, so now we tow a Wrangler.Larry
Re: Tow vehicle choices Reply #39 – May 28, 2021, 03:12:11 pm Quote from: parussky - May 27, 2021, 11:31:49 amIt also comes mainly as a 4 door which means comfort if there are more than 2 people (try sitting in the back of a 2 door wrangler). .I recently sat in the back seat of Larry’s 2020 Wrangler. While contorting my 6’ skinny frame into the seat was challenging, once there it was very surprisingly comfortable! — Jon
Re: Tow vehicle choices Reply #40 – May 28, 2021, 03:17:05 pm Quote from: Jon & Loni - May 28, 2021, 03:12:11 pmI recently sat in the back seat of Larry’s 2020 Wrangler. While contorting my 6’ skinny frame into the seat was challenging, once there it was very surprisingly comfortable! — JonThe back seat of a 2-door Wrangler JL is surprisingly comfortable with good legroom.The seat does use much of the interior storage space and will be left home on more adventurous trips, to allow carrying more off-road-oriented gear. Larry
Re: Tow vehicle choices Reply #41 – May 28, 2021, 03:33:36 pm "The back seat of a 2-door Wrangler JL is surprisingly comfortable with good legroom."----Jon, Leah will show you how to do a "leap and scramble" into the Wrangler's back seat!
Re: Tow vehicle choices Reply #42 – December 01, 2021, 10:47:33 am We are towing a 2021 Ford Ranger. WI to WY 2X. Now, WI to FL. We are happy with our choice. 1 Likes
Re: Tow vehicle choices Reply #43 – December 02, 2021, 04:26:27 am We are towing a 2021 AWD Ford Escape hybrid. Easy to put it into neutral tow mode. We have an RVi toad battery charger as the Neutral Tow Mode draws down the battery.The Ford Escape Hybrid mileage is great - about 37 mpg in mixed driving.We also use a Tow Car Shield made by RV and Off Road in Hesperia CA - was recommended by Gary Asfalk of Arrow Trailer in Ontario California, for very complete protection of the tow vehicle. 4 Likes
Re: Tow vehicle choices Reply #44 – December 02, 2021, 11:26:11 am "We also use a Tow Car Shield ..."My 2 ¢ ! My '04 30'IB LD has towed a Honda Civic and a Honda CRV for nearly all of it's 100K miles. I have yet to see any stone chip or other damage that I could attribute to not having protected my toads. YMMV And now LazyBones2 is towing her own CRV, adding still more miles.
Re: Tow vehicle choices Reply #45 – December 02, 2021, 12:35:27 pm Quote from: Lazy Bones - December 02, 2021, 11:26:11 am"We also use a Tow Car Shield ..."Picked up a 2011 CRV in 2013 as a lease return. A few minor front end 'barnacles' put it well beyond the 'first scratch' jitters.50 K towd miles later, aside from dirt and mud, the only owies are ones that it got when not hiding behind Orwan.YMMV. Your vehicle, your choiceJoel
Re: Tow vehicle choices Reply #46 – December 02, 2021, 01:19:07 pm We tow a 2001 Jeep Wrangler TJ behind our 2006 23' TK... Jeep weighs in a little over 3300 lbs. and is towed using the Readi-Brake elite. We've got our "hooking up ballet" down to 10 mins. and ready to go. This is our 4th TJ, loved for its simplicity, ease of towing and lack of electronic gizmos. Have towed 'em behind 2 Foretravels and one Country Coach, the Lazy Daze being the easiest because of the readi-brute. On all, we took out the rear seat allowing room for lawn chairs & coolers. We've stayed in the model years '99-'01 with them essentially being plug & play.The jeep is great in the west & southwest for riding trails and other off-road adventures. Besides, easy to park and drive in crowded areas.
Re: Tow vehicle choices Reply #47 – December 02, 2021, 03:04:30 pm Quote from: Baby Daze - December 01, 2021, 10:47:33 amWe are towing a 2021 Ford Ranger. We are happy with our choice.Any idea what it weighs?Wish a two-door, club-cab version was available or the original lightweight Ranger 4X4 was still available.Larry
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