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Topic: I'm wondering what my towing capacity is (Read 306 times) previous topic - next topic
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I'm wondering what my towing capacity is
I have been towing a Honda CRV and I am considering a Jeep Wrangler.
The Jeep is heavier.

I have 1995 23.5TK with a 460 ci (7.5L) motor with a Banks system.
2021 Mid Bath
Re: I'm wondering what my towing capacity is
Reply #1 –
Me thinks you'd be pushing the margins with the Wrangler but Larry can give you better advise than I.   ::)
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: I'm wondering what my towing capacity is
Reply #2 –
Quote from: Lazy Bones  - 
Me thinks you'd be pushing the margins with the Wrangler but Larry can give you better advise than I.  ::)

So I'm assuming the newer V10's are a motor with a lot more torque for towing?
2021 Mid Bath
Re: I'm wondering what my towing capacity is
Reply #3 –
Quote from: tedeboy  - 
I have been towing a Honda CRV and I am considering a Jeep Wrangler.
The Jeep is heavier.
I have 1995 23.5TK with a 460 ci (7.5L) motor with a Banks system.

Older Wranglers, with self-tops, only weight a few hundred more than a late-model CRV, depending on the age of each
Jeep Wranglers have been in production for 32 years and cover a wide range of vehicle weights.
The older Jeep ranger TJ are lighter than the newer models which exceed 4000-lbs.
The bumper and hitch are rated for 4000-lbs, beyond they will need upgrading.

The 460 was Ford's towing engine before the V10 and while it does an OK job, the V10 gets much better mileage and has a wider power range. The push-rod 460 is a low RPM engine, while the overhead-cam V10 is designed to spin at higher speeds, for long periods. 
A major 460 issue is cracked and warped exhaust manifolds. Since you already have Banks headers, this shouldn't be a problem.
The transmission is your major weak point, I would install a transmission temperature gauge and the largest transmission cooler that will fit.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: I'm wondering what my towing capacity is
Reply #4 –
What generation and model of Wrangler?  The Wrangler label spans several different vehicles since 1997 or 1998.  They have tended to get heavier over time, and the longer wheelbase models are heavier.  Also options and especially offroad extras tend to add weight.  Our 2001 TJ model weighed about 3600 lbs with hardtop when stock.  After some offroad changes including a heavy rear bumper, lift and other changes, it was around 4000 lbs, right at LD's flat tow rating.  We did travel with friends that had a 1990s Chevy LD with the big V8 and they did tow a pretty stock TJ Wrangler around many of the mountains of the west.  Most of the others that had Chevys with the small V8s usually stuck with Trackers or Suzuki Samurais.

Edit: I forgot to include the YJ Wranglers (1986-1995).  I also see that Larry responded while I was composing my post!

Art
Art and Barbara
Settled in Atterdag Village of Solvang
2015-2022 fulltime in a 2016 Tiffin Allegro Bus 37AP
2002-2015 2002 LD MB
Art's blog
Re: I'm wondering what my towing capacity is
Reply #5 –
Also, 1995 23.5' (and 26.5') models have a gvwr of 11500 pounds; the gcvwr is correspondingly reduced.

2003 TK has a new home
Re: I'm wondering what my towing capacity is
Reply #6 –
Quote from: Joan  - 
Also, 1995 23.5' (and 26.5') models have a gvwr of 11500 pounds; the gcvwr is correspondingly reduced.

I looked and could not find an official GCWR for a 1995 E350.
A E350 has a better weight to horsepower ratio and will pull a Jeep. The limiting factor is the 4.10 rear end ratio (compared to the E450's 4.56 ratio) and the small, vacuum boosted brakes.
The E450 has larger, hydraulically boosted brakes, there is a vey noticeable difference in ride and braking, when compared to the E350.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: I'm wondering what my towing capacity is
Reply #7 –
"I looked and could not find an official GCWR for a 1995 E350."
---
I looked, too, and didn't find a GCVWR for a 1995 E-350. Maybe the OP and/or someone else with this year and model might look at the sticker on the door jamb?  (Was there a weight, etc., spec sticker on the door jamb for 90s Fords?)
2003 TK has a new home
Re: I'm wondering what my towing capacity is
Reply #8 –
Hi Ted, (Larry, Art, Joan & Steve). It's listed on the sticker affixed to the inside of my closet door.  For a 1999, V10 E350 the GCWR is listed at 18,500#. With a GVWR of 11,500#, That leaves a capacity of 7000 pounds. More if you aren't loaded up to the 11,500# weight, which I am.
    So I don't know how much different the chassis is between your 1995, and my 1999. The engines are different, I have the 4R100 transmission, and disc brakes all around. Without the 'hydroboost' brakes of the E450, you would definitely want good auxiliary braking for your Jeep. The remaining weight limiting factor is your rear bumper mounted hitch plate. While mine has the 4000# limit, yours could have the earlier 3500# limit.  Either way, a bar welded from the square tube receiver and bolted onto a crossbar attached farther into the frame would be a good addition.  RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: I'm wondering what my towing capacity is
Reply #9 –
Quote from: Larry W  - 
Older Wranglers, with self-tops, only weight a few hundred more than a late-model CRV, depending on the age of each
Jeep Wranglers have been in production for 32 years and cover a wide range of vehicle weights.
The older Jeep ranger TJ are lighter than the newer models which exceed 4000-lbs.
The bumper and hitch are rated for 4000-lbs, beyond they will need upgrading.

The 460 was Ford's towing engine before the V10 and while it does an OK job, the V10 gets much better mileage and has a wider power range. The push-rod 460 is a low RPM engine, while the overhead-cam V10 is designed to spin at higher speeds, for long periods. 
A major 460 issue is cracked and warped exhaust manifolds. Since you already have Banks headers, this shouldn't be a problem.
The transmission is your major weak point, I would install a transmission temperature gauge and the largest transmission cooler that will fit.

Larry

Thanks Larry.
I did install a trans temp gauge for our 4 month trip this spring and summer.
Even on a long pull uphill in the heat it rarely got in the range to be concerned and even then for just a short period.
2021 Mid Bath
 
Re: I'm wondering what my towing capacity is
Reply #10 –
Thanks for those specs, Ron!  ;) 
2003 TK has a new home