Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » I'm thinking about a Jeep CJ-5 as a towd (Can anyone chime in with good/bad experiences or reasons why this would be a bad idea?)
| I'm thinking about a Jeep CJ-5 as a towd [message #324481] |
Sat, 30 September 2017 16:48  |
timthenomad
Messages: 63
Registered: June 2015
Location: Austin, TX
Karma: 5
|
Member |
|
|
Hi All,
I've read many of the towd threads and have been pondering it for a while. My desires for a towd are..
- lightweight
- can be towed 4 down (no room for a dolly)
- can fit a baby and a dog in the back seat
- Fun -- and looks, if not sexy, at least appropriate being towed behind a GMC
- Can double as second car for grocery getting and light runs around town
After a lot of thought and research the only vehicles that I was really interested in were...
Tracker
Checks a lot of the boxes, but I think as a vehicle it falls into the class of often loved, but seldom respected.
Samurai
Tempting, but I'd really like to be able to keep up with traffic on the interstate. I remember these things barely being able to hit 55 when new. Trucks blowing by would freak out the dog.
VW Thing
Love the look and period correctness. But sometimes these things look California cool and sometimes they just look like something Hitler would be driving. Also just too much of a classic (side curtains, no heat, unobtainium parts).
Dune Buggy
It looked cool when Barbie did it. I think cartoons in the seventies made Dune Buggies seem like a sensible life choice. I really shouldn't do this. I live in Texas, we have no Dunes.
Which leaves my thinking about a 80's ish CJ5. I have had no experience with them but I like the look a lot better than the CJ7. They are 10" shorter so I feel they may tuck in back there better and take up less room at the site. Curb weight of ~2600 lbs puts them in the range of a tracker. I like the 4wd and general toughness for national forest type camping.
Outfitted with some of the 80's graphic packages I one will look good back there.
http://www.phoenixgraphix.com/amc/1985jss.php
Should anyone be talking me out of this?
thanks
--tim
Tim Taylor
Austin TX
Philadelphia PA
76 Birchaven (SB)
76 Triumph TR6
|
|
|
|
| Re: I'm thinking about a Jeep CJ-5 as a towd [message #324483 is a reply to message #324481] |
Sat, 30 September 2017 17:20  |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
|
Senior Member |
|
|
CJ-5... last of the Jeep Jeeps. With the V8 and breathed on some it's a screamer. It's close coupled, very short wheelbase (No automatics fit under it which is why the CJ-7 came into being) With roll bar please, they >will< go over if you get silly. I'd have one in a minute. If they're too pricey for you, add a Kia Soul Base to your list.
--johnny
Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] I'm thinking about a Jeep CJ-5 as a towd [message #324484 is a reply to message #324481] |
Sat, 30 September 2017 17:23 |
Richard Denney
Messages: 920
Registered: April 2010
Karma: 9
|
Senior Member |
|
|
You mentioned two difficult Volkswagens (Thing and dune buggy) but not the
easy one: something like a 1971 Super Beetle. These are relatively easy to
rebuild even now.
Rick "old memories" Denney
On Sat, Sep 30, 2017 at 5:49 PM Tim Taylor wrote:
> Hi All,
>
> I've read many of the towd threads and have been pondering it for a
> while. My desires for a towd are..
> lightweight can be towed 4 down (no room for a dolly) can fit a baby and
> a dog in the back seat Fun -- and looks, if not sexy, at least appropriate
> being towed behind a GMC Can double as second car for grocery getting and
> light runs around town
>
> After a lot of thought and research the only vehicles that I was really
> interested in were...
>
> Tracker
> Checks a lot of the boxes, but I think as a vehicle it falls into the
> class of often loved, but seldom respected.
>
> Samurai
> Tempting, but I'd really like to be able to keep up with traffic on the
> interstate. I remember these things barely being able to hit 55 when new.
> Trucks blowing by would freak out the dog.
>
> VW Thing
> Love the look and period correctness. But sometimes these things look
> California cool and sometimes they just look like something Hitler would be
> driving. Also just too much of a classic (side curtains, no heat,
> unobtainium parts).
>
> Dune Buggy
> It looked cool when Barbie did it. I think cartoons in the seventies made
> Dune Buggies seem like a sensible life choice. I really shouldn't do this.
> I live in Texas, we have no Dunes.
>
> Which leaves my thinking about a 80's ish CJ5. I have had no experience
> with them but I like the look a lot better than the CJ7. They are 10"
> shorter so I feel they may tuck in back there better and take up less room
> at the site. Curb weight of ~2600 lbs puts them in the range of a tracker.
> I like the 4wd and general toughness for national forest type camping.
>
> Outfitted with some of the 80's graphic packages I one will look good back
> there.
> http://www.phoenixgraphix.com/amc/1985jss.php
>
>
> Should anyone be talking me out of this?
>
> thanks
>
> --tim
> --
> Tim Taylor
> Austin TX
> 76 Birchaven (SB)
> 76 Triumph TR6
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
--
Rick Denney
73 x-Glacier 230 "Jaws"
Off-list email to rick at rickdenney dot com
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] I'm thinking about a Jeep CJ-5 as a towd [message #324485 is a reply to message #324484] |
Sat, 30 September 2017 17:27 |
James Hupy
Messages: 6806
Registered: May 2010
Karma: -62
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Think about a Rav-4. But the CJ5 tows well. Quite a few GMC s tow them in
Oregon and Washington and Canada.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Or
78 GMC ROYALE (I Tow a 1990 Bronco II) but not often.
On Sep 30, 2017 3:21 PM, "Johnny Bridges via Gmclist" <
gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:
CJ-5... last of the Jeep Jeeps. With the V8 and breathed on some it's a
screamer. It's close coupled, very short wheelbase (No automatics fit under
it which is why the CJ-7 came into being) With roll bar please, they
> will< go over if you get silly. I'd have one in a minute. If they're too
pricey for you, add a Kia Soul Base to your list.
--johnny
--
76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
"I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me
in hell" - ol Andy, paraphrased
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] I'm thinking about a Jeep CJ-5 as a towd [message #324486 is a reply to message #324485] |
Sat, 30 September 2017 18:04 |
jimk
Messages: 6734
Registered: July 2006
Location: Belmont, CA
Karma: 9
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Tim,
Be sure to address the gear ratio in the coach.
People in the know are using 3.70 as it takes you to the torque curve and
will not cause your milage to suffer at all.
Transmission will hold up better this way
Go to our web site and review the chart and see.
Should you desire to discuss it, give me a call. We have been supplying
these gears for over 17 years and have received considerable feedback.
On Sat, Sep 30, 2017 at 3:27 PM, James Hupy wrote:
> Think about a Rav-4. But the CJ5 tows well. Quite a few GMC s tow them in
> Oregon and Washington and Canada.
> Jim Hupy
> Salem, Or
> 78 GMC ROYALE (I Tow a 1990 Bronco II) but not often.
>
> On Sep 30, 2017 3:21 PM, "Johnny Bridges via Gmclist" gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:
>
> CJ-5... last of the Jeep Jeeps. With the V8 and breathed on some it's a
> screamer. It's close coupled, very short wheelbase (No automatics fit
> under
> it which is why the CJ-7 came into being) With roll bar please, they
>> will< go over if you get silly. I'd have one in a minute. If they're too
> pricey for you, add a Kia Soul Base to your list.
>
> --johnny
> --
> 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
> Braselton, Ga.
> "I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me
> in hell" - ol Andy, paraphrased
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] I'm thinking about a Jeep CJ-5 as a towd [message #324487 is a reply to message #324481] |
Sat, 30 September 2017 18:04 |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Tim,
The Honda CRV, up until 2013, was very hard to beat as a toad (we've towed
a 1999 since new). It has adequate room, power, and fuel economy. The
behind-the-rear-set space is larger than on a Tracker, I believe. While
it's heavier than the Tracker or the Samurai, at about 3200#, we've never
had a problem towing it anywhere between Key West and Fairbanks. It can be
towed 4-down with its automatic transmission.
The CRV is not quiet or it would be our primary family car. Instead, it's
our everyday runabout with a bigger car for road trips. It goes everywhere
the GMC does (and has, at times, been the motive power for the out-of-gas,
stuck, or broken GMC).
Most importantly of all, SHE selected and loves it! :-)
Ken H.
Americus, GA
'76 X-Birchaven w/Cad500/Howell EFI & EBL,
Manny Brakes & 1-Ton, Troy-Bilt APU, etc., etc., etc.
www.gmcwipersetc.com
On Sat, Sep 30, 2017 at 5:48 PM, Tim Taylor wrote:
> Hi All,
>
> I've read many of the towd threads and have been pondering it for a
> while. My desires for a towd are..
> lightweight can be towed 4 down (no room for a dolly) can fit a baby and
> a dog in the back seat Fun -- and looks, if not sexy, at least appropriate
> being towed behind a GMC Can double as second car for grocery getting and
> light runs around town
> ...
>
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
|
|
|
|
| Re: I'm thinking about a Jeep CJ-5 as a towd [message #324492 is a reply to message #324481] |
Sat, 30 September 2017 19:19 |
timthenomad
Messages: 63
Registered: June 2015
Location: Austin, TX
Karma: 5
|
Member |
|
|
Those are some interesting suggestions.
Rav4
I initially had the convertible version of this one on my list
https://www.theautochannel.com/db/images/1999500910.jpg
I think they only made them like that for a couple of years around 99-02 and I never saw one for sale in anything like decent shape.
Regular Rav4 / CRV
Nice, good cars. I'd really like to stay under 3000 lbs. They also don't really seem like fun/ vacation / travel cars. More of a reliably get you to the office vibe.
Super Beetle
My next door neighbor is a "Bug" guy and dotes on his. I think I kinda have to let that be his thing. I could get away with a Thing, but another Bug right next door would be weird. Also the hardtop is way too hot in Texas. I like the convertible but I think the Top Gear guys would refer to it as a hairdressers car.
Kia Soul
Would probably be a great towd. More affordable than Fiat 500 or Mini Cooper that I was thinking about initially. And after Stephanie test drives the available "comfort" in a CJ5, I may end up getting nudged in that direction.
--tim
Tim Taylor
Austin TX
Philadelphia PA
76 Birchaven (SB)
76 Triumph TR6
|
|
|
|
| Re: I'm thinking about a Jeep CJ-5 as a towd [message #324494 is a reply to message #324481] |
Sat, 30 September 2017 19:37 |
lqqkatjon
Messages: 2324
Registered: October 2010
Location: St. Cloud, MN
Karma: 5
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Tim,
1st off the Vw thing. I have one in the garage and plan to tow it behind the gmc. Super light, and some of your comments are correct. Parts are very easy to find and most are inexpensive. It is not much different then any other VW.
I cant say a cj-5 is any
Different then a thing. Heat is poor, they are drafty, and noisy. They are also not the best freeway cruiser, as the older suspension, and the short wheelbase can make it a handful at high speeds. Both the thing and the cj's have the cool factor.
A tj jeep has a bit better wheel base, and on road driving ability. I towd one for a year and it made a fun towd. I went for the thing because it is lighter and something I have always wanted.
Jeeps And vw's are nice because easy tow bars and wiring.
I am currently towing a 99 crv. It sure is a practicle towd, heat, a/C. Automatic, hauls 4 people easily. It is probably the same weight as a cj, and is a little lighter then a tj jeep. The jeep axles, frame and running gear add up the weight.
Lighter is always better, but there are trade off's. You should always think about brakes, and most states legally require brakes on 3000 pound towds. I would personally want brakes on anything over 2500 pounds behind the gmc.
Jon Roche
75 palm beach
EBL EFI, manny headers, Micro Level, rebuilt most of coach now.
St. Cloud, MN
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
|
|
|
|
| Re: I'm thinking about a Jeep CJ-5 as a towd [message #324495 is a reply to message #324481] |
Sat, 30 September 2017 21:09 |
JohnS
Messages: 126
Registered: December 2014
Location: Vacaville, CA
Karma: -2
|
Senior Member |
|
|
If you want a small sedan, the Honda Fit, at about 2500 pounds tows nicely. If you get one before 2014, the automatic ones can be towed 4 wheels down. 2014 and later went to a CVT transmission an can no longer be towed without a dolly. I have now towed a 2013 auto trans one about 10,000 miles and am a happy tower.
John Shutzbaugh, Vacaville, CA, ncserv@aol.com;
78 Buskirk stretch, "What were we thinking?"
|
|
|
|
| Re: I'm thinking about a Jeep CJ-5 as a towd [message #324499 is a reply to message #324481] |
Sat, 30 September 2017 22:43 |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
|
Senior Member |
|
|
We tow an '03 4WD Tracker four down, but I have had a '53 CJ-3B since was 14 years old. I used to tow it four down occasionally, but never with the GMC. I tow it from Tucson to the dunes in SE California once per year on a trailer (with paddle tires on the jeep).
The CJ-5 should make a good towd, especially if it has reasonable size tires (32" or smaller) and if it is not geared too low (3.73 or higher) so the axles are not spinning too fast. I've often thought about getting another Jeep to tow and thought a later CJ-5 would work.
As mentioned. it will ride kind of hard with short leaf springs all the way around, and will tend to be noisy drafty, leaky and smelly (exhaust).
There was a guy at the WS rally a few years ago with a ~'48 Jeepster as a towd. It was VERY cool!
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/gmcws-las-vegas-fall-2010/p36546-awesome-2748-jeepster-towed.html
Carl Stouffer
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
|
|
|
|
| Re: I'm thinking about a Jeep CJ-5 as a towd [message #324500 is a reply to message #324499] |
Sat, 30 September 2017 23:22 |
Hal StClair
Messages: 971
Registered: March 2013
Location: Rio Rancho NM
Karma: -12
|
Senior Member |
|
|
The Fiats and Mini's are pretty light and not too pricey if you look around. I picked up 1990 VW Cabriolet to tow which tips the scales at 2300 lbs. They are still the first generation 'Rabbit' so some parts are getting tough to find but most mechanicals are available. They aren't too noisy, have A/C, keep the water out very well and even have air bags and a built in roll bar. What more could you ask for? 
Hal
"I enjoy talking to you. Your mind appeals to me. It resembles my own mind, except you happen to be insane."
1977 Royale 101348,
1977 Royale 101586, Diesel powered,
1974 Eagle Bus 45',w/slideout,
Rio Rancho, NM
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Re: I'm thinking about a Jeep CJ-5 as a towd [message #324511 is a reply to message #324481] |
Sun, 01 October 2017 08:18 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
|
Senior Member |
|
|
A pox upon Super Beetles... real VWs have flat windshields and swing axles. Although their price appears to be climbing, they're 'classics' now. New Soul Basic listed for 13,900 by the local dealer. Add 6% for the State in perpetuity, I suspect an offer of fourtenn and a half would drive it out. I'm keeping mine to see if it will do the second 100K as well as the first.
--johnny
Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
|
|
|
|
| Re: I'm thinking about a Jeep CJ-5 as a towd [message #324512 is a reply to message #324481] |
Sun, 01 October 2017 09:12 |
Scott Nutter
Messages: 781
Registered: January 2015
Location: Houston/San Diego
Karma: 4
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Hey Tim,
How about a ford pinto woodie wagon!
I just saw a restored one a few months back. Even had AC!! But they might need a drive shaft disconnect.
Good luck, Scott.
Scott Nutter
1978 Royale Center Kitchen, Patterson 455, switch pitch tranny, 3.21 final drive, Quad bags, Dave Lenzi super duty mid axle disc brakes, tankless water heater, everything Lenzi. Alex Ferrera installed MSD Atomic EFI
Houston, Texas
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] I'm thinking about a Jeep CJ-5 as a towd [message #324520 is a reply to message #324519] |
Sun, 01 October 2017 18:09 |
tphipps
Messages: 3005
Registered: August 2004
Location: Spanish Fort, AL
Karma: 9
|
Senior Member |
|
|
2nd vote for the Honda Fit. Light, easy tow. Excellent gas mileage. Very roomy interior. VW Super Beetles has a weak front end to attach your tow base plate. Must be reinforced.
Kia Soul would be my second choice. Johnny Bridges is a going machine.
Tom, MS II
2012 Phoenix Cruiser model 2552
KA4CSG
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] I'm thinking about a Jeep CJ-5 as a towd [message #324521 is a reply to message #324516] |
Sun, 01 October 2017 18:26 |
powerjon
Messages: 2446
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 5
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Hal,
Is the Cabriolet with the manual transmission flat towable with the manual transmission without any modifications?
JR
> On Oct 1, 2017, at 2:30 PM, Hal StClair wrote:
>
> That's a lot of $$$ for that VW. I paid $500 and drove ours 50 miles home. Needed a top and the interior was a little rough but with an additional
> $1500 in her she should look road ready.
> Takes a little time to find a good one for the right price. Prices are all over the map.
> Here's one locally now;
> https://albuquerque.craigslist.org/cto/d/1992-volkswagen-cabriolet/6312781673.html
> Hal
> --
> 1977 Royale 101348,
>
> 1977 Royale 101586, Diesel powered,
>
> 1975 Eleganza II, 101230,
>
> 1974 Eagle Bus 45',w/slideout,
>
> Rio Rancho, NM
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
J.R. Wright
GMC GreatLaker
GMC Eastern States
GMCMI
78 30' Buskirk Stretch
75 Avion Under Reconstruction
Michigan
|
|
|
|
Goto Forum:
Current Time: Fri Apr 26 03:33:17 CDT 2024
Total time taken to generate the page: 0.01125 seconds
|
GMCforum
Search
Help
Register
Login
Home
