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Which size RV to tow Jeep Wrangler on trailer?

jeeper5usa
Explorer
Explorer
I am researching, and am new to website so I apologize in advance if my post is in the wrong place. I want to know which size RV would be a good size for me to tow my 1999 Jeep Wrangler on a full size trailer bed. I thought about buying a travel trailer and towing with my jeep but really want a tiolet and more space to move aroun in. Considering a C class, but is that enough or should I be looking at a bigger class RV?
34 REPLIES 34

Explorer1016
Explorer
Explorer
Hi Jeeper5USA,
Welcome to the forum. This is why I read this site daily because of the wealth of information you can receive. I might add, not all of it is good but none the less, a great site.

I have a 1987 Wrangler that is pretty modified. Big tire, big axles, big steering components, etc. My 87 weighs in at about 4600#'s as recorded a few years back at my local truck stop CAT Scale. I pull an enclosed trailer with extra height to be able to accommodate the height of the wrangler. The trailer has a 7' tall ramp door on the rear and a 42" wide side door, a tool box/work bench mounted against the front wall. My dilemma was that most of the places we go for 4 wheeling were in extremely rural areas without descent or close motels. I got tired of tent camping so I bought a truck camper. I put it on my '06 2500, 4x4 Chevy Dmax and had plenty of tow capacity left over for my 9500# towload. I traded my 2500 Dmax for a 11' 3500 crew cab, long box 4x4 Dmax. Now I had even more towing/carrying capacity so we started looking at new truck campers when we were on a trip to Moab back in 2013. Then while driving down the highway and needing to use the bathroom I always had to pull over. Brain storm setting in!

I started looking for the motorized RV that could handle exactly what you are looking for. I had 3 criteria that I couldn't live without!

#1 Diesel. I work for a heavy equipment dealer in STL and have diesel in my blood and the fact I would be towing heavy load through the mountains and a gasser would suffer in my application.
#2 and this is a big one........10,000# tow capacity. This will be your biggest challenge because a Class C rig that can tow this much weight and get off road is close to non-existant.
#3 Had to have a cold weather package.

this was a tall order and not for the faint of wallet. I ended up with (see picture) an '08 Ford F-550, 6.4L Power Stroke, 4x4 with a diesel genny and 10,000# tow capacity. 14 months into ownership and I have driven this RV through the mountains of Colorado 6 times. We even drove over Cottonwood Pass in the middle of the night towing the Jeep. Scared the heck out of us but we did it. No problems. Plenty of horsepower and torque to get us through the hills of Colorado.

I own a Host 300. Very nice rig. and the wifey can use the bathroom while we are going down the highway and get me snacks and Gatoraide without having to pull over.

Another issues lots of posters are bringing up is storage for the trailers. We live on acreage so it has never been a problem for us. I once owned a construction company and I will tell you that the enclosed trailer has been the #1 borrowed tool I have ever owned. The only friends that haven't borrowed it are the ones that own their own enclosed trailer. Maintenance has been tires and brakes over the years but this is by far one of my smartest purchases.

I also have a tow bar for the '87 jeep but would never tow that Jeep more than a couple hundred miles. If I broke any drive train component while out on the trail I would be stuck making a trail repair that could cost in the area of $1000.00 or more. Have already experienced this and replacing ball joints or axles or even a broken differential is not fun when you are laying in the sand or tall weeds.

You need to look at Super C class RV's otherwise you will have to go to a Class A or a Big Rig type. DynaQuest/DynaMax make a Super C on the F-550 and on the M2 Freightliner. Host wasn't selling enough of these RV's and have put builds on hold for now so only used ones are available. I looked at the Senaca's but the older ones on the Chevy Kodiak Chassis didn't have the tow capacity nor the bigger Allison trany. We didn't want the bigger Freightliner due to the area's i get the RV into, plus an M2 with 4 wheel drive really stands tall and is expensive. I hope this helps.
2008 Host 300 Super 'C'
2008 Ford F-550 Chassis
Diesel
4x4
Lariat crew cab
20' enclosed car hauler/garage
'87 Jeep rock crawler
Turbo'd

jeeper5usa
Explorer
Explorer
I am just learning about this configuration and am seriously considering it as well. I may go the gooseneck trailer route. Thank you for the suggestions, I'll let you know what I decide. I have rented a little guy to pull got next month to try that out, but really wanting a tiolet. The camper for the gooseneck looks comfortable. More room then a little guy. I'm also going to check my jeeps owners manual tonight after work. Thanks for all the comments

PRodacy
Explorer
Explorer
Have you considered a truck camper on a 1 ton dually? Easily tows a jeep on a trailer, but the camper may not be big enough for you. Many people in our Jeep club use this configuration.
2012 GMC 3500 dually 4x4
2006 OKanagan 90W
2003 Jeep Rubicon, modified for off road performance

bshpilot
Explorer
Explorer
pauldub wrote:
Since you can drive your jeep 55 mph, there should be no problems with flat towing it. Your owners manual you give you the specifics on flat towing and it should say to put the transfer case in neutral and unlock the steering wheel. If it's a auto tranny it will say to put it in park, for a manual tranny I'm guessing it says to put it in neutral.


manual trans are put in some forward gear.
only the transfer case is left in neutral when towing 4 down.

from the jeep owners manual -

Don R.
'04 42' Haulmark Motor Coach - 450hp/1650tq / 12 spd SmartShift
'12 Jeep Wrangler Sport (manual trans)
'17 Platinum F350 (6.7L, SRW, CC, Long bed, 4x4)

pauldub
Explorer
Explorer
Since you can drive your jeep 55 mph, there should be no problems with flat towing it. Your owners manual you give you the specifics on flat towing and it should say to put the transfer case in neutral and unlock the steering wheel. If it's a auto tranny it will say to put it in park, for a manual tranny I'm guessing it says to put it in neutral.

jeeperdude10
Explorer
Explorer
l have pulled my "99 Sahara four down for quite a while and quite a few miles-no issue. Put transfer case in neutral, manual tranny in 5th gear, and unlatch steering wheel to be able to move. Put auxiliary braking system and you be ready to ROLL.
2016 Bounder 35K
2014 Freedom Edition JEEP Unlimited
Traveling thru this great country

bshpilot
Explorer
Explorer
wcjeep wrote:


The JK's have a bigger tow/haul capacity. TJ's were 2k. The shorter wheel base, weaker tranny and weaker axles are contributing factors. The straight 6 engine is great off-road. It would run out of power towing just about anything.


as i would expect, but i could not find any specific details on the TJ.

the JK's imo shouldn't to much if anything either, its just gonna shorten the over all life of the jeep & their mpg is bad enough as it is (w/out towing).
Don R.
'04 42' Haulmark Motor Coach - 450hp/1650tq / 12 spd SmartShift
'12 Jeep Wrangler Sport (manual trans)
'17 Platinum F350 (6.7L, SRW, CC, Long bed, 4x4)

wcjeep
Explorer
Explorer
bshpilot wrote:
Olddud wrote:

For newer Wranglers, I believe there is a separate payload capacity, that has nothing to do with towing, other than hitch weight.


Nope...not according to my manual (and there has been no change or improvement since my model year) - they STILL list GCWR, Max GTW (gross trailer wt) & Max Trailer Tongue Wt.

There is no separate "max payload weight"

in fact they continue to use a standard definitions & their only mention of payload is:

Payload
The payload of a vehicle is defined as the allowable load weight a truck can carry, including the weight of the driver, all passengers, options and cargo.


depending on the year model and gearing the current JK GCWR is between 5329 & 8280 w/ a Max Trailer weight of between 3500 & 2000 lbs (again axles, springs & gearing effect these numbers as do mods like tires bumpers winches etc).

my BET (based on a 4200+ lb jeep which is the lightest) you'd never be able to get a 3500 lb trailer connected and still be able to stay under the GCWR because the gearing won't support it (even by the manufactures definition)....by the time you COULD get close to the GCWR the jeep models weight itself has increased such that you be over the GCWR (again).

published & available (free) manuals only cover the last 10 years - http://www.jeep.com/en/owners/manuals/




The JK's have a bigger tow/haul capacity. TJ's were 2k. The shorter wheel base, weaker tranny and weaker axles are contributing factors. The straight 6 engine is great off-road. It would run out of power towing just about anything.

bshpilot
Explorer
Explorer
Olddud wrote:

For newer Wranglers, I believe there is a separate payload capacity, that has nothing to do with towing, other than hitch weight.


Nope...not according to my manual (and there has been no change or improvement since my model year) - they STILL list GCWR, Max GTW (gross trailer wt) & Max Trailer Tongue Wt.

There is no separate "max payload weight"

in fact they continue to use a standard definitions & their only mention of payload is:

Payload
The payload of a vehicle is defined as the allowable load weight a truck can carry, including the weight of the driver, all passengers, options and cargo.


depending on the year model and gearing the current JK GCWR is between 5329 & 8280 w/ a Max Trailer weight of between 3500 & 2000 lbs (again axles, springs & gearing effect these numbers as do mods like tires bumpers winches etc).

my BET (based on a 4200+ lb jeep which is the lightest) you'd never be able to get a 3500 lb trailer connected and still be able to stay under the GCWR because the gearing won't support it (even by the manufactures definition)....by the time you COULD get close to the GCWR the jeep models weight itself has increased such that you be over the GCWR (again).

published & available (free) manuals only cover the last 10 years - http://www.jeep.com/en/owners/manuals/
Don R.
'04 42' Haulmark Motor Coach - 450hp/1650tq / 12 spd SmartShift
'12 Jeep Wrangler Sport (manual trans)
'17 Platinum F350 (6.7L, SRW, CC, Long bed, 4x4)

Olddud
Explorer
Explorer
wcjeep wrote:
Your 2k Wrangler capacity includes people, fuel, additional weight of mods and armor. Hopefully your not still running the Dana 35.


For newer Wranglers, I believe there is a separate payload capacity, that has nothing to do with towing, other than hitch weight.

gkainz
Explorer
Explorer
jeeper5usa wrote:
Sorry, forgot to mention, my jeep is modified and prefer not to tow it 4 down plus the fact that my owners manual advises against the 4 down, so I will probably be trailering it.


Curious what model Jeep is discouraged from 4 down towing? I've towed TJ and YJ Wranglers behind a Class C with no issues, and no discouragement from the owners manual in fact - it reads as a normal operation ... just curious, not trying to change your mind.
'07 Ram 2500 CTD 4x4 Quad Cab
'10 Keystone Laredo 245 5er

wcjeep
Explorer
Explorer
Found an idea for you. This configuration is rated for your probable needs. It's also easier to get the trailer combo into the woods than a Class A or C. This combo allows the truck to be disconnected for runs into town for parts and dinner.

Edit, added link






Truck Camper Magazine

wcjeep
Explorer
Explorer
jeeper5usa wrote:
PghBob. Thanks for the heads up on the show. I'll definitely be there!

With a 2000 pull, I can pull a little guy travel trailer with no issues. Might not be the most comfortable but at 55mph I don't foresee a problem.

That's why I'm asking, researching. If I tow the Wrangler, it will be on a trailer, I'm thinking behind a Class C. Possible? Recommended? It's either that or a travel trailer around 1500 lbs.


Your 2k Wrangler capacity includes people, fuel, additional weight of mods and armor. Hopefully your not still running the Dana 35. This sounds like the standard TJ wheel base, 94"? I wouldn't tow anything more than 5mph. Your bigger tires also decrease stopping distance.

I've seen some Class C's that are rated for towing your prospective weight. Say 3500lb Jeep and 1400lb trlr. Also, most toy haulers will not support a Jeep. Many have tie downs that do not connect to the frame.

A friend in my offroad club has a truck camper mounted on a gooseneck trailer. His MJ Comanche fits on the end all towed by his Dodge Diesel.

jeeper5usa
Explorer
Explorer
PghBob. Thanks for the heads up on the show. I'll definitely be there!

With a 2000 pull, I can pull a little guy travel trailer with no issues. Might not be the most comfortable but at 55mph I don't foresee a problem.

That's why I'm asking, researching. If I tow the Wrangler, it will be on a trailer, I'm thinking behind a Class C. Possible? Recommended? It's either that or a travel trailer around 1500 lbs.

bshpilot
Explorer
Explorer
you'd have to look at the weight & towing capacity ratings (along w/ the gross combined weight ratings) of your coach as well as your hitch.

the 99 Wranglers weigh between 3045 & 3247 lbs (dry) depending on the model - then add the weight of the trailer plus your mods and liquids....id say its gonna be tight (unless you buy and expensive aluminum trailer).

IMO a wrangler is not safe to tow much of anything (the 99'stowing capacity is 2000 lbs maximum)...if you don't wanna tow the jeep 4 down then surely you don't want to tow anything behind it either.

Im also 6' tall & while our shower is big, its not like being at home either...the fact that i can take a shower & be comfortable (after riding dusty trails) is HUGE.
Don R.
'04 42' Haulmark Motor Coach - 450hp/1650tq / 12 spd SmartShift
'12 Jeep Wrangler Sport (manual trans)
'17 Platinum F350 (6.7L, SRW, CC, Long bed, 4x4)