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et2's avatar
et2
Explorer
Aug 27, 2017

The tale of two toads

Well .... We retired our old Grand Cherokee Overland and purchased the same new 3 weeks ago. That was wife's car. It was a great toad - just over 5000lbs.

I just changed jobs ( had a company car) and had to buy a vehicle for me ( pick up Monday). 2017 Jeep Wrangler unlimited Rubicon Recon. I saw one while camping this summer and fell in love with it ( always wanted a Wrangler too).

I'm leaning toward the Wrangler as our toad, lighter, and stronger tow bar setup it looks like as it has a crossbar (blue ox). And it's just really cool ... Lol.

Those towing Wrangler unlimited (4 door) have you had any problems? Please no wheel slap, car out of control stories.


Thanks
  • et2's avatar
    et2
    Explorer
    Aug 27, 2017
    Thanks, this will help my decision. Being a little lighter and a stronger tow bar is beneficial.

    That jeep looks great with the MH!
  • jeepfreak's avatar
    jeepfreak
    Explorer
    Aug 27, 2017
    Just finished an almost 8000 mile trip from coast to coast towing our 14 jkur and it was a flawless trip for both the mh and jeep.
  • Mile_High's avatar
    Mile_High
    Explorer
    Aug 27, 2017
    Recon is a nice Jeep. My buddy just got the 2 dr and it sure has some nice specs.

    We towed our TJ for a while, then I gave it to our daughter and picked up a 2013 JKU last early spring. It tows fantastic. I went with the blue ox base plate, as I don't trust some of the aftermarket bumpers. I do feel the weight of the JKU, and I run a little hotter in the rocky mountains than I did with the TJ, but beyond that no change.

  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Aug 27, 2017
    Some JEEP information.
    Jeep does make non-4WD vehicles
    And some 4WD jeeps (those with automatic transfer or full time 4wd) they say DO NOT TOW.. Most 4wd with MANUAL transfer can still be towed with Transfer in NEUTRAL and transmission in PARK of all gears.

    Some modern jeeps have a problem with what we term "Death Wobble" I am not sure why this is since the only jeep I ever owned was older and only lasted 4 days (long story not the jeep's fault). This is where teh steering suddenly wobbles from side to side when towing.

    I SUSPECT it is the Castor setting on the alignment. but as stated. I do not have a jeep any more.. Or a wife (Same accident).
  • CT_WANDERER's avatar
    CT_WANDERER
    Explorer
    Aug 27, 2017
    I have a 2013, tows great easy to get ready for towing. Have not had any problems towing. Have pulled it from the CT across the country before going to TX for the winter, every year since we got it. You will be happy with it. Oh my wife doesn't enjoy the jeep for long drives.
  • imgoin4it's avatar
    imgoin4it
    Explorer
    Aug 27, 2017
    Just got one, 4 door sport unlimited. Took it for a 10 mile or so test "tow" for the first time yesterday. It just tucked in behind, tracked true, no wobble nothing. (just like it us supposed to be) previously towed a silverado 1500 crew cab and really looking forward to our first outing with the wrangler next week. I think it is a little lighter than the truck so anxious to see if any noticeable difference
  • sprintmod1's avatar
    sprintmod1
    Explorer
    Aug 27, 2017
    Well, enjoy the new Wrangler! They are nice vehicles.

    Friends bought one a few months ago to tow behind their new Tradition.

    A few weeks ago they replaced it with a new Chevy 2500 pickup as their toad.

    Your results may vary. . . . . . . . . . .
  • w4phj's avatar
    w4phj
    Explorer
    Aug 27, 2017
    It took my wife and I about 2 hours to install a Blue Ox baseplate on our 15 JKU. No problems of any kind towing.

    Installation requires 2 people as she had to hold the whiz nuts while I applied the thread lock and torqued the bolts.

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