Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » [GMCnet] Jeep as Toad
| [GMCnet] Jeep as Toad [message #210805] |
Wed, 12 June 2013 11:51  |
Wil Sinclair
Messages: 12
Registered: June 2013
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Junior Member |
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Is anyone towing the latest model Jeep Wrangler? I've heard it makes
for a good toad; I know I can't tow my Land Cruiser because of all the
transmission doodads. The curb weight of the Wrangler is about 3800
lbs. Will a GMC tow that much weight safely and with some power to
spare?
Also, will I need to get a special tow bar? Is it hard to install? Is
there a guide I could look at online to figure out if it's within my
capabilities?
I appreciate you guys putting up with all my questions. Hopefully
after I get this thing and a little experience under my belt, I can
help y'all field questions like these from other newbs.
Thanks again!
,Wil
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| Re: [GMCnet] Jeep as Toad [message #210808 is a reply to message #210805] |
Wed, 12 June 2013 12:11  |
roy1
Messages: 2126
Registered: July 2004
Location: Minden nevada
Karma: 6
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[quote title=Wil Sinclair wrote on Wed, 12 June 2013 09:51]Is anyone towing the latest model Jeep Wrangler? I've heard it makes
for a good toad; I know I can't tow my Land Cruiser because of all the
transmission doodads. The curb weight of the Wrangler is about 3800
lbs. Will a GMC tow that much weight safely and with some power to
spare?
Also, will I need to get a special tow bar? Is it hard to install? Is
there a guide I could look at online to figure out if it's within my
capabilities?
I appreciate you guys putting up with all my questions. Hopefully
after I get this thing and a little experience under my belt, I can
help y'all field questions like these from other newbs.
Thanks again!
,Wil
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3800 lbs is a lot of weight to tow 2800 would be a much better choice. A 370 final in the coach would help a lot but it would still be a tough pull if you live in a mountain state. Flat land would be the only place I would consider it if I already owned it. Don't forget you will need a brake buddy or something similar if you want to be able to stop.
Roy Keen
Minden,NV
76 X Glenbrook
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| Re: [GMCnet] Jeep as Toad [message #210821 is a reply to message #210805] |
Wed, 12 June 2013 14:38 |
lqqkatjon
Messages: 2324
Registered: October 2010
Location: St. Cloud, MN
Karma: 5
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Senior Member |
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I have no real world experience with modern Jeeps.
but I would believe that if you can pop the transfer case in neutral. you should be good to tow it anywhere.
also for a tow bar, a blue ox, or other style tow bar would be preferred, but if it has a solid enough bumper, you could use just about any tow bar mounted.
Braking are another issue that can be discussed.
I have towed a 94 jeep wrangler. at 3800#'s, with just a cheapy reese towbar. with no issues. but only have towed it for a few hours, and have not tried to climb grades, or stop going down hills.
I feel that it can be done, but I prefer to tow way lighter vehicles. so even though I think it could work as a towd, I think trying to keep a towd as light as a vehicle as possible, would be preferred. both for fuel mileage and load towing, as well as for general wear and tear on GMc. But people can tow some heavy stuff with 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/
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| Re: [GMCnet] Jeep as Toad [message #210836 is a reply to message #210821] |
Wed, 12 June 2013 16:22 |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
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Wil,
A new JK might be a bit on the heavy side. Maybe a stripped down two door with a soft top weighs as little as you state, but I think they are heavier than that.
I have towed my '87 Cherokee Laredo which tips the scales at 3850# It was a bit heavy and I only towed it a little over 500 miles on mostly pretty flat ground (Tucson to Quartzsite and back). It did OK, but I think it is somewhat hard on the transmission to tow that kind of weight. I also tow my other Jeep, a '53 CJ-3B, on a trailer, combined weight estimated to be about the same. It tows really well and once I am up to speed, I hardly notice that it's back there.
We changed our lifestyle somewhat and traded in a heavy luxury car (Chrysler 300-M) in for an '03 Chevy Tracker, weighing about 2850#. We drag that along with us nearly everywhere we go. I also changed out the final drive for a 3.70 limited slip from Jim K. I think that puts the transmission in a happier place and gets the engine in a more efficient RPM range for the speeds I drive.
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g5523-towing-etc.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
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| Re: [GMCnet] Jeep as Toad [message #210837 is a reply to message #210836] |
Wed, 12 June 2013 16:25 |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
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Senior Member |
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Oh, to add to the above; Check with Quadratek for towing equipment built specifically for Jeeps.
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
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| Re: [GMCnet] Jeep as Toad [message #210839 is a reply to message #210808] |
Wed, 12 June 2013 16:39 |
powerjon
Messages: 2446
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 5
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Senior Member |
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Wil,
Yes, you could tow a Jeep Wrangler 4 wheels down if that what you desire. It is a heavier vehicle at 3800# (remember it will weigh considerably more when you put stuff in it ) so you will have to beef up the GMC by going to 3.70 final drive to help out the transmission and engine. As for towing equipment Blue Ox and Roadmaster both have tow bar setups that will work just fine. You will need auxiliary braking as you are over the weight limits for almost all states. The real deal in all honesty is tow as light as possible. We tow a Honda FIT four down which is just at 2500#. I still have a braking system and it really helps cut down the braking distance. Your possible cost will approach $3000 plus for the towing system and braking system depending on what type you purchase and how much you can do yourself. If you're an FMCA member then you can review these articles.
http://www.fmca.com/motorhome/towing
JR Wright
78 Buskirk Stretch
Michigan
On Jun 12, 2013, at 1:11 PM, roy@gmcnet.org wrote:
>
>
> [quote title=Wil Sinclair wrote on Wed, 12 June 2013 09:51]Is anyone towing the latest model Jeep Wrangler? I've heard it makes
> for a good toad; I know I can't tow my Land Cruiser because of all the
> transmission doodads. The curb weight of the Wrangler is about 3800
> lbs. Will a GMC tow that much weight safely and with some power to
> spare?
>
> Also, will I need to get a special tow bar? Is it hard to install? Is
> there a guide I could look at online to figure out if it's within my
> capabilities?
>
> I appreciate you guys putting up with all my questions. Hopefully
> after I get this thing and a little experience under my belt, I can
> help y'all field questions like these from other newbs.
>
> Thanks again!
_______________________________________________
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Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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J.R. Wright
GMC GreatLaker
GMC Eastern States
GMCMI
78 30' Buskirk Stretch
75 Avion Under Reconstruction
Michigan
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| Re: [GMCnet] Jeep as Toad [message #210842 is a reply to message #210839] |
Wed, 12 June 2013 17:05 |
Wil Sinclair
Messages: 12
Registered: June 2013
Karma: 0
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Junior Member |
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Thanks John + Carl, this is *really* useful.
Yes, I was planning to flat tow it. I want something that is off road
capable so that I'll be able to park the coach at a campsite and let
the towd handle the rough stuff to get to the best fishing holes, etc.
As you guys probably know much better than I, Jeeps KISS by not adding
a bunch of TLA stuff to the drivetrain in an attempt to handle well
for the soccer moms/dads, who may not have even thought of taking them
off road and presumably buy them because they cost a lot and other
people know it. :D
I grabbed 3800 lbs of the Jeep website, and, yeah, I'm thinking about
a soft top 2 door. Sounds like that may still be asking a bit much.
Maybe an older Jeep would weigh less; taking care of two old guys at
once may be a bit too much for me, tho.:) Maybe what I'm looking for
is more like an ATV. You guys gave me a lot of food for thought.
Thanks!
,Wil
On Wed, Jun 12, 2013 at 2:39 PM, John Wright <powerjon@chartermi.net> wrote:
> Wil,
> Yes, you could tow a Jeep Wrangler 4 wheels down if that what you desire. It is a heavier vehicle at 3800# (remember it will weigh considerably more when you put stuff in it ) so you will have to beef up the GMC by going to 3.70 final drive to help out the transmission and engine. As for towing equipment Blue Ox and Roadmaster both have tow bar setups that will work just fine. You will need auxiliary braking as you are over the weight limits for almost all states. The real deal in all honesty is tow as light as possible. We tow a Honda FIT four down which is just at 2500#. I still have a braking system and it really helps cut down the braking distance. Your possible cost will approach $3000 plus for the towing system and braking system depending on what type you purchase and how much you can do yourself. If you're an FMCA member then you can review these articles.
>
> http://www.fmca.com/motorhome/towing
>
> JR Wright
> 78 Buskirk Stretch
> Michigan
>
> On Jun 12, 2013, at 1:11 PM, roy@gmcnet.org wrote:
>
>>
>>
>> [quote title=Wil Sinclair wrote on Wed, 12 June 2013 09:51]Is anyone towing the latest model Jeep Wrangler? I've heard it makes
>> for a good toad; I know I can't tow my Land Cruiser because of all the
>> transmission doodads. The curb weight of the Wrangler is about 3800
>> lbs. Will a GMC tow that much weight safely and with some power to
>> spare?
>>
>> Also, will I need to get a special tow bar? Is it hard to install? Is
>> there a guide I could look at online to figure out if it's within my
>> capabilities?
>>
>> I appreciate you guys putting up with all my questions. Hopefully
>> after I get this thing and a little experience under my belt, I can
>> help y'all field questions like these from other newbs.
>>
>> Thanks again!
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
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| Re: [GMCnet] Jeep as Toad [message #210844 is a reply to message #210805] |
Wed, 12 June 2013 17:40 |
lqqkatjon
Messages: 2324
Registered: October 2010
Location: St. Cloud, MN
Karma: 5
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Keeping up lots of old things does take some work and money. I have way too much experience there.
However for what you would pay for a new jeep, I think is $25000 for stripped down model(in my opinion they are pretty spendy). you could buy a pretty nice older vehicle (jeep or other), that should not need any work, or you could pay someone to do the work for that cost.
a suzuki samauri, would get you to any fishing hole, and be lighter then a jeep.
a VW will probably get you to about any fishing hole too. lots to choose there. Baja bug, vw thing,, or a dune buggy or sand rail. only problem is they do not have air conditioning, and the heaters are usually not so good.
I tow a sand rail/woods buggy around behind the gmc. I can go most all places a jeep can go. it is licensed for street, so I also drive it on the road. but it is not what a person wants when it is raining, or cold out.
Jon Roche
75 palm beach
EBL EFI, manny headers, Micro Level, rebuilt most of coach now.
St. Cloud, MN
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
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| Re: [GMCnet] Jeep as Toad [message #210846 is a reply to message #210842] |
Wed, 12 June 2013 17:41 |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
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Senior Member |
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Wil,
The off road capability is why we went with the 4WD Tracker. It is not really set up for any serious off roading, but could be as it is a real four wheel drive (with a transfer case and low range) and body on frame construction. We use it for fire roads and light trails. Plus, my wife uses it as her daily driver.
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
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| Re: [GMCnet] Jeep as Toad [message #210852 is a reply to message #210844] |
Wed, 12 June 2013 18:02 |
Wil Sinclair
Messages: 12
Registered: June 2013
Karma: 0
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Junior Member |
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Jon, you just hit one powerful chord with the thought of towing a VW
conversion dune buggy behind a GMC rig. I've wanted a dune buggy to
play with for a while now; I can't believe I didn't think of that. And
I could probably recoup some of my costs by charging admission to my
"Best of the 70's" traveling museum. :D
Actually, looking beyond the raw chick magnet factor for a moment, a
dune buggy sounds perfect. Nice and light, yet capable. I'd imagine
they weigh even less than a beetle after the conversion. And I have a
friend who spends his free time putting insanely powerful engines in
baja bugs, who said he'd help me out if I ever fulfilled my dune buggy
fantasy; so I wouldn't be on my own trying to learn how to keep up
with maintenance on one more oldie but goodie.
Thanks.
,Wil
On Wed, Jun 12, 2013 at 3:40 PM, Jon Roche <lqqkatjon@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>
> Keeping up lots of old things does take some work and money. I have way too much experience there.
>
> However for what you would pay for a new jeep, I think is $25000 for stripped down model(in my opinion they are pretty spendy). you could buy a pretty nice older vehicle (jeep or other), that should not need any work, or you could pay someone to do the work for that cost.
>
> a suzuki samauri, would get you to any fishing hole, and be lighter then a jeep.
>
> a VW will probably get you to about any fishing hole too. lots to choose there. Baja bug, vw thing,, or a dune buggy or sand rail. only problem is they do not have air conditioning, and the heaters are usually not so good.
>
> I tow a sand rail/woods buggy around behind the gmc. I can go most all places a jeep can go. it is licensed for street, so I also drive it on the road. but it is not what a person wants when it is raining, or cold out.
>
>
>
> --
> 75 palm beach
> St. Cloud, MN
> http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
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| Re: [GMCnet] Jeep as Toad [message #210892 is a reply to message #210852] |
Wed, 12 June 2013 21:48 |
Mr ERFisher
Messages: 7117
Registered: August 2005
Karma: 2
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Senior Member |
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here are a few
bugs turned into toads
http://gmcmotorhome.info/toad.html#vw
gene
On Wed, Jun 12, 2013 at 4:02 PM, Wil Sinclair <wllm@wllm.com> wrote:
> Jon, you just hit one powerful chord with the thought of towing a VW
> conversion dune buggy behind a GMC rig. I've wanted a dune buggy to
> play with for a while now; I can't believe I didn't think of that. And
> I could probably recoup some of my costs by charging admission to my
> "Best of the 70's" traveling museum. :D
>
> Actually, looking beyond the raw chick magnet factor for a moment, a
> dune buggy sounds perfect. Nice and light, yet capable. I'd imagine
> they weigh even less than a beetle after the conversion. And I have a
> friend who spends his free time putting insanely powerful engines in
> baja bugs, who said he'd help me out if I ever fulfilled my dune buggy
> fantasy; so I wouldn't be on my own trying to learn how to keep up
> with maintenance on one more oldie but goodie.
>
> Thanks.
> ,Wil
>
> On Wed, Jun 12, 2013 at 3:40 PM, Jon Roche <lqqkatjon@gmail.com> wrote:
> >
> >
> > Keeping up lots of old things does take some work and money. I have way
> too much experience there.
> >
> > However for what you would pay for a new jeep, I think is $25000 for
> stripped down model(in my opinion they are pretty spendy). you could buy a
> pretty nice older vehicle (jeep or other), that should not need any work,
> or you could pay someone to do the work for that cost.
> >
> > a suzuki samauri, would get you to any fishing hole, and be lighter then
> a jeep.
> >
> > a VW will probably get you to about any fishing hole too. lots to
> choose there. Baja bug, vw thing,, or a dune buggy or sand rail. only
> problem is they do not have air conditioning, and the heaters are usually
> not so good.
> >
> > I tow a sand rail/woods buggy around behind the gmc. I can go most all
> places a jeep can go. it is licensed for street, so I also drive it on the
> road. but it is not what a person wants when it is raining, or cold out.
> >
> >
> >
> > --
> > 75 palm beach
> > St. Cloud, MN
> > http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
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>
--
Gene Fisher -- 74-23,77PB/ore/ca
“Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and
-------
http://gmcmotorhome.info/
Alternator Protection Cable
http://gmcmotorhome.info/APC.html
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| Re: [GMCnet] Jeep as Toad [message #210894 is a reply to message #210805] |
Wed, 12 June 2013 21:59 |
rallymaster
Messages: 662
Registered: February 2004
Location: North Plains, ORYGUN
Karma: -4
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4 door 4WD Suzuki Sidekick here. About 2800 #. Close relative of the
Tracker. Tracker may be easier to get parts and service for. Chev
dealers are easier to find than Suzuki, even though the parts (except for
trim) are probably identical. Newer Trackers are Suzuki Vitara clones.
Ron & Linda
On Wed, 12 Jun 2013 17:41:14 -0500 Carl Stouffer <carljr3b@yahoo.com>
writes:
>
>
> Wil,
>
> The off road capability is why we went with the 4WD Tracker. It is
> not really set up for any serious off roading, but could be as it is
> a real four wheel drive (with a transfer case and low range) and
> body on frame construction. We use it for fire roads and light
> trails. Plus, my wife uses it as her daily driver.
> --
> Carl S.
> '75 ex Palm Beach
> Tucson, AZ.
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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>
Ron & Linda Clark
1978 Eleganza II
North Plains, ORYGUN
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Ron & Linda Clark
North Plains, ORYGUN
78 Eleganza II
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| Re: [GMCnet] Jeep as Toad [message #210907 is a reply to message #210894] |
Thu, 13 June 2013 01:59 |
jimk
Messages: 6734
Registered: July 2006
Location: Belmont, CA
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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Will,
We are an authorized dealer for Blue Ox.
We have several people towing over 4,000 lbs.
They all run a 3,70 ratio.
There is no need to go to a higher rated tow bar as they are mostly rated
or 6,000 lbs.
Blue Ox has the simplest connection and disconnect of all the various
manufctures.
You will also need a brake on the toad.
We hae installed and sold these systems for several years and can give you
good advise. If you can find that you can get them at a lower price than
from us, I am never offended.
Our assistance is fre
On Wed, Jun 12, 2013 at 7:59 PM, <rallymaster@juno.com> wrote:
>
> 4 door 4WD Suzuki Sidekick here. About 2800 #. Close relative of the
> Tracker. Tracker may be easier to get parts and service for. Chev
> dealers are easier to find than Suzuki, even though the parts (except for
> trim) are probably identical. Newer Trackers are Suzuki Vitara clones.
> Ron & Linda
>
> On Wed, 12 Jun 2013 17:41:14 -0500 Carl Stouffer <carljr3b@yahoo.com>
> writes:
> >
> >
> > Wil,
> >
> > The off road capability is why we went with the 4WD Tracker. It is
> > not really set up for any serious off roading, but could be as it is
> > a real four wheel drive (with a transfer case and low range) and
> > body on frame construction. We use it for fire roads and light
> > trails. Plus, my wife uses it as her daily driver.
> > --
> > Carl S.
> > '75 ex Palm Beach
> > Tucson, AZ.
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
> >
>
>
> Ron & Linda Clark
> 1978 Eleganza II
> North Plains, ORYGUN
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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>
--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Fremont,CA
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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| Re: [GMCnet] Jeep as Toad [message #211058 is a reply to message #210805] |
Fri, 14 June 2013 09:56 |
habbyguy
Messages: 896
Registered: May 2012
Location: Mesa, AZ
Karma: 3
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Senior Member |
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I considered getting a Suzuki Sidekick/Samurai for a towd, but then realized that it's really only a few hundred pounds lighter than my 1996 Jeep Cherokee (XJ for the faithful). The listed weight for the 4x4 two door is only 3057 pounds, so it should tow about as well as anything. I bought a Blue Ox tow bar and baseplate, and a NOS VIP brake system (my coach came pre-wired with the system, so I just need to install the "towd part").
I haven't put it all together yet, but am sure that my coach has enough umph to tow an extra 3,000 pounds... I was a lot more worried about stopping and I suspect it'll stop better than without a towd when I install the VIP brake system.
Mark Hickey
Mesa, AZ
1978 Royale Center Kitchen
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| Re: [GMCnet] Jeep as Toad [message #211077 is a reply to message #211058] |
Fri, 14 June 2013 18:17 |
 |
ljdavick
Messages: 3548
Registered: March 2007
Location: Fremont, CA
Karma: -3
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Senior Member |
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My Beloved PO towed a Jeep CJ, I believe. I have an under-bumper trailer hitch, no receiver. I've never towed so much as a skateboarder with the coach, but I know she can do it.
He also installed lower gears - Marvyn Peck 3.5's?
Larry Davick
A Mystery Machine
1976(ish) Palm Beach
Fremont, Ca
Howell EFI + EBL + Electronic Dizzy
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