News:

SMF - Just Installed!

Main Menu

RE: towing popup with a jeep

Started by mike4947, Apr 08, 2003, 11:18 PM

Previous topic - Next topic
Print
Go Down Pages1
User actions

gash

Sep 28, 2003, 07:05 PM
 Does anyone here tow their popup with a CJ7? I am wondering how stable it would be.
 
 gash

mike4947

#1
Apr 08, 2003, 11:18 PM
 gashThank you. I was feeling down tonight an you managed to give me a good laugh.
 
 Since it s only got a towing limit of 2000 pounds to start with (unless it a 4cyl auto then it s 1000) and a wheelbase the length of most bicycles it s not exactly towing material.
 Also that 2000 pounds includes anything but 150 pounds of driver weight inside the CJ. So unless it a VERY light trailer it ll be over limit and that short wheelbase really does make for a lot of tail wagging the dog when towing. Only thing worse is one with a lift kit and oversized tires.

JemJen24

#2
Apr 09, 2003, 05:57 AM
 gashNot sure what type of Jeep you have.  We have a Cherokee Sport and it pulls our pop up, our two dogs, us, and a ton of supplies, just fine.  
 
 [:)]

gash

#3
Apr 09, 2003, 06:40 AM
 gashIts an  81 CJ7 with a Chevy 350 V8 engine. Plenty of pulling power! I was just concerned about the short wheel base and stability.

AustinBoston

#4
Apr 09, 2003, 07:32 AM
 gashI see from your other post that you are interested in a Coleman Bayside.  While I feel the Bayside is an excellent trailer, it does have an achillies heel.  Unless everything is just right, it can be rather unstable.  If your heart is set on a Bayside (or any other 12  Coleman model with a front trunk), then you need a vehicle with a longer wheelbase.
 
 Austin

springer02

#5
Apr 09, 2003, 09:44 PM
 gashGash,
 
 Actually, it doesn t matter what engine you have -- you re limited by physics to 2,000 lb. towing capacity in the CJ, and actually maybe less. Remember that you shouldn t for safety exceed 80% of the 2,000 lb limit.
 
 Now, that 2,000 number quoted is for a YJ or newer short wheel base Jeep. The CJ, without sway bars, can experience even more body roll and other dynamics that make it ill-suited for towing on the highway. I m not sure I d want to get much over 1,000.
 
 The wheel base is the real issue here. It has to do with your hold on the road. Try this: Stand with your feet close together, don t move them and have someone give you a good shove.  Over you go. Do the same thing with your feet apart. Much more stable, right? Same deal on the road. The problem with the " tail-wagging"  mentioned above is that on a short wheelbase vehicle, the tail easily wags the dog, turns it over and kills it. Not pretty.
 
 As you can see from the signature, I love Jeeps, but I d no more tow with my YJ as my wife s Craftsman lawn tractor.
 
 Dave
 
 
Print
Go Up Pages1
User actions