Wrangler pulling a C-Dory

[kevrangray]

I recently purchased a 4 cylinder Jeep Wrangler and was curious as to if anybody has ever used one to pull there C-Dory. The specs of the Jeep and C-Dory are below.

C-Dory 22' Cruiser
90HP Honda
9HP Kicker
Single Axle Trailer


Jeep Wrangler
4 Cylinder
33" Tires
4:88 Gears
Dana 35 in Rear
Dana 30 in Front

[T.R. Bauer]

I have towed my cd 22 with my full sized bronco. It will do it, but ultimately what happens is you get the tail wagging the dog effect, and it gets worse the faster you go. Without questioning, your 33 inch tires will accentuate this. I suspect it is because of the short wheelbase and I think if you went freeway speeds, had some ruts due to studs and trucks, and some wind, I think you'd end up in the ditch wheels up. The wrangler will probably be about the same or worse and and gutless as hell.

[kevrangray]

Makes sense. I have been pulling it with a F350 and don't really even notice it back there. I think that I will just continue using the truck to pull it and the Jeep for the mud holes.

Thanks,

[Walldog]

[Sam Walker]

I have never towed a 22 Cruiser. However, I did tow a McGregor 222 (Approx. 2500#) w/ my wife's 1991 Wrangler w/ the 6 cyl and auto w/ stock tires to and from Folsom Lake (12 miles each way). Single axle and no trailer brakes. I never went on the freeway and the max speed was 50 mph. The boat and trailer pushed the Wrangler all over the place and stopping was a true adventure.

Given that the 22 and trailer are at least 1500# more and you have 33's, which will indeed exorbate the handling issues, there is no way I would ever tow the Cruiser w/ the Wrangler except to move it around the yard.

Sticking w/ the Ford is the only option IMHO or NSHO.

[Chester]

I've owned a modified Wrangler. Maybe tow on streets but stay the hell off the highway. The real problem isn't the serious lack of power, inadequate trailer hitch or lightweight rearend, it's the lack of control. You will be a danger to others as well as yourself.

[Swee Pea]

I owned a 2001 4 Cylinder Jeep Wrangler. I would not tow anything with that vehicle. It has trouble getting up a steep hill without pulling something behind it.

It's not built for towing. Many years ago, when I lived in Simi Valley, CA, I knew a guy who towed a small trailer/camper behind his 6 cylinder Wrangler. A gust of wind got hold of him on the Freeway and that was it. Out of control and rolled everything. Lucky he was wearing a seat belt and had the roll bar in the Wrangler. He lived to talk about it.

I have since sold the Wrangler and bought a Ford Escape. I tow my 22' C Dory up the street to the Honda Dealer. Thats about it. At it supposedly has a 5000# tow rating. Its not the motor in the vehicle (V6) as it is putting stress and strain on the transmission. I never considered towing anything with the Wrangler, don't even know what its tow rating is. I would be suprised if it was very much.

I originally towed my 22 with a Dodge Dakota V6 4WD. It towed OK, but took some time getting up hills. Sought the advice of a transmission specialist in town. He advised not to tow to the top of the ratings. Sold the truck and got a V8 Ford F150. As been said, don't even know the 22 is behind me.

Just my 2 cents. The Wrangler is a fun little vehicle - but it is what it is.

John
Swee Pea

[Cheers]

I own a 6 CYL Wrangler. I've towed a small trailer taking stuff to the Dump; but NOTHING else - nor will I. That's what the Grand Cherokee is for.

[Fun Patrol]

I own an 04 Rubicon that I only use for a yard tug. It's totally unsafe to tow my (4200# w/trailer) 22 past the driveway. I have towed with my 91 Cherokee with essentially the same 6-cylinder 4.0 engine and auto trans, BUT..the short-wheelbase wranglers are way too short, and 97 and later models have an all-coil suspension. Many call them "Slinkys". That soft terrain compliance (and articulation with a lift) is great for crawling over rocks, but a disaster on the hiway. Go for something long, heavy and powerful. My 32 ft motorhome works great.

Roy

[T.R. Bauer]