Towing a Jeep Wrangler April 13, 2016, 08:50:21 am Yahoo Message Number: 159878I want a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited which is about 4100lbs, is that to much for a 2015 27MB to tow. I would have the hitch beefed up and welded to the frame and then I'm not sure of which brake system to use. Just would like to hear some comments about the weight. Thanks John in Oregon
Re: Towing a Jeep Wrangler Reply #1 – April 13, 2016, 09:02:15 am Yahoo Message Number: 159879You will see many E-450 based class C motorhomes pulling the 4-door Jeep so once you beef up the hitch you should be OK. We do it with a 2006 RB and SMI braking system but only have 600 miles on it so far. The new hitch no longer attaches to the bumper and is bolted to the frame.We will know next year if it causes any problems but don't expect any. Harry 2006RB
Re: Towing a Jeep Wrangler Reply #2 – April 13, 2016, 11:10:55 am Yahoo Message Number: 159880"I want a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited which is about 4100lbs"JohnWhat year Unlimited are you thinking about? The new, four-door JK Unlimited (2007-Present) will weight over 5000-lbs, once properly equipped with gear. It's a very big vehicle and a heavy load for a E450.The old TJ Wrangler Unlimited (1997-2006) is in the low 4000-lbs weight range but, once again, they can get much heavier when set up for back country travel. On both models, most owners eventually replace the lightweight soft tops with hard tops, which adds even more weight.My built 2001 Jeep Cherokee started at 3400-lbs and now weights 4000-lbs or more, when loaded.Either way, the hitch and bumper need attention. With the lighter TJ Unlimited, beefing up all the bumper and hitch mounting hardware is suggested. Switch all the hardware to Grade-8. The hitch receiver plate can and should have it's hardware upgraded or even replaced with larger bolts, due to hardware failure in the past. l add some welds in critical places, for good measure. Pulling the much heavier JK will required the attention a good hitch shop, especially if you plan of pulling the Jeep down poor roads.I have used and installed SMI Tow Brakes for over a decade with good results. They have great customer service, if you do have problems.Larry
Re: Towing a Jeep Wrangler Reply #3 – April 13, 2016, 09:02:24 pm Yahoo Message Number: 159886We tow a 2011 CRV that weighs in about 3800 including storage items, but thinking of a jeep as well. 16K miles with the SMI braking system and well pleased for the most part (their 'wireless' brake indicator are 3 measly red leds that show white in the rear camera - replaced with a 2" receiver LED brake light fixed to the roof rack facing forward). Off tomorrow for another jaunt from CA to Key West and Raleigh with the towd. joel & Mary 3013 31 IB/ 2011 CRV towd
Re: Towing a Jeep Wrangler Reply #4 – April 15, 2016, 12:06:29 am Yahoo Message Number: 159900"replaced with a 2" receiver LED brake light fixed to the roof rack facing forward"We put the indicator on the dash of the E-450 using the center contact of a 7 pin trailer connector. It took a bit of work but no need to look for it in the mirror or display.Before that we had it taped to the rear window. That worked well, too. Harry 2006 RB
Re: Towing a Jeep Wrangler Reply #5 – April 15, 2016, 03:14:57 pm Yahoo Message Number: 159914We have a 2004 MB with the E450 chassis. We currently tow a 2003 Wrangler. All the specs on the internet show this vehicle at 3400 with automatic, 6 cylinders, and cloth top. In Oregon you can pull into a closed weigh station anytime. We stripped everything extra off the Jeep such as the tow hitch, nerf bars etc. It is over 3900 lbs. So I wouldn't trust the weights you see on the internet unless you are buying a brand new stripped model.My husband thought about upgrading to the 2004 to 2006 unlimited which is 18 inches longer but still two doors because he might be able to tow his boat and then could sell his pickup taking us down one vehicle. Sounded like a great idea but I convinced him that he would be trying to push the envelope in both directions, a too heavy vehicle to be towed and not quite enough vehicle to do towing. If you insist on a bigger Jeep look at this one commonly referred to as an LJ.For the braking my husband installed a Ready Brake. it is a surge brake meaning no electronics. It mechanically applies the Jeep brakes. It was really a basic installation as long as you don't mind getting down on the floor. It has worked perfectly for us once we got the slack in the cable set right. It was inexpensive and hooking up the Jeep is a snap. When we drive the Jeep we put the tow bar with brake in the space behind the back seat of the Jeep and it fits perfectly.http://www.hitchsource.com/nsa-ready-brake-receiver-p-32850.html?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Shopping+-+All+Products%28BSC%29&utm_term=N.S.A+RB-4000&utm_content=HitchSourceHope this helps.Lisa
Re: Towing a Jeep Wrangler Reply #6 – April 17, 2016, 08:02:50 pm Yahoo Message Number: 159952Something on that line is on my 'to-do' list. Interesting idea. I could replace the 6 pin receptacle on the towd.
Re: Towing a Jeep Wrangler Reply #7 – April 17, 2016, 10:14:17 pm Yahoo Message Number: 159954It works with the six pin toad connector as is. The RV has the 7 pin connector. The unused pin is the trailer brake activation pin. I used the center pin of the 7 pin connector to run the brake light signal forward coming up inboard of the left step up to the dash to mount the indicator. I do remember having to change the cable connector wiring to make it work. There are enough pins to make it work in the 6-pin connector.For the JK Wranglers you need a battery charger that takes 12 volts from the RV as there is a current draw when the ignition switch is turned to allow front wheel steering. Either that or pull a fuse. We choose to charge the toad battery while moving. The SMI system uses the toad battery for power. No more braking when it discharges. Harry 2006 RB towing a 2011 4 door Wrangler.
Re: Towing a Jeep Wrangler Reply #8 – April 17, 2016, 10:38:53 pm Yahoo Message Number: 159955When the toad brake's circuity allows, I like having a button on the dash that activate the toad brake, useful for testing the brakes while moving. Also have a dash light that illuminates when he toad's brakes are activated. Both can be accomplished with a 7-pin plug. http://www.flickr.com/photos/lwade/2072903410/in/album-72157603323570942/Larry
Re: Towing a Jeep Wrangler Reply #9 – April 17, 2016, 10:50:39 pm Yahoo Message Number: 159956"When the toad brake's circuity allows, I like having a button on the dash that activate the toad brake, useful for testing the brakes while moving."Just touching the brake pedal accomplishes the same thing, at least with the SMI system, but not while stopped or below 20 mph. I don't have enough experience with it to understand when it works below 20 mph and when it doesn't.
Re: Towing a Jeep Wrangler Reply #10 – April 18, 2016, 11:08:01 am Yahoo Message Number: 159960"Just touching the brake pedal accomplishes the same thing, at least with the SMI system, but not while stopped or below 20 mph. I don't have enough experience with it to understand when it works below 20 mph and when it doesn't."Just touching the brakes does NOT activate the SMI system, if it is properly adjusted. SMI brakes should be adjusted to only activate when medium to heavy braking is needed and not to activate under light braking. Light to moderate braking can be easily handled by the LD's own brakes.With a test button, the SMI brake can be checked any time the ignnition is on, even when not moving, nice when connecting solo. Can't do that with just the brake pedal. Remember that to activate the SMI requires the RV brakes must be used (LD's brake lights on) and the deceleration rate must meet or exceed the preset adjustment of the inertia sensor.The SMI works under 20 MPH, if the brake pedal is quickly pushed hard enough. At that speed, the extra braking usually isn't that noticeable or very effective due to the slight delay in activation. You are probably stopped before the SMI brake can take full effect.65,000 miles of SMI use, pulling a Jeep Larry
Towing a Jeep Wrangler Reply #11 – April 20, 2016, 08:07:48 am Yahoo Message Number: 159981Looks like I need to reduce the SMI brake sensitivity. Thanks. Harry
Topic: Towing a Jeep Wrangler (Read 59 times)
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Topic: Towing a Jeep Wrangler (Read 59 times)
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