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LostInOz's avatar
LostInOz
Explorer
Feb 09, 2021

Shopping for a Jeep Wrangler... maybe?

Hey All... relative RV newbie here.

I have a 2008 Chateau Sport (Class C) 28' RV and normally we travel without a toad.

But I'm kinda kicking the idea around of getting a Jeep Wrangler to flat tow behind it. We travel a lot in the summer and I've always wanted a Jeep.

I'm thinking about a used Wrangler of course and I'm pretty much a minimalist at heart, so I'm asking for some collective wisdom on what I should look for as far as which generation is best to flat tow? Does it matter? Are there significant differences in weight etc? Auto or manual transmission?

It seems logical that a 2 door with a soft top is going to be the lightest, but other than what kind of advice would you offer to someone who is considering going down this road (haha no pun intended).

I've watched a lot of youtube videos and it seems like the wrangler would be awesome for what I want to do, and would tow well. Thanks y'all, I appreciate your opinions. I'm sure some of you have learned the some lessons about this the hard way. And it's probably time
Tow Vehicles
  • bgum's avatar
    bgum
    Explorer
    Feb 10, 2021
    It is my understanding that there are some 2 wheel drive Jeeps. It is also been said that the 2 wheel drives are not towable 4 down as they don't have a transfer case. We currently own a 2016 Rubicon Hardrock and have owned 4 others in the past. Having said that I have never seen a 2 wheel drive Jeep.

    Just be aware.
  • Grit_dog's avatar
    Grit_dog
    Navigator
    Feb 09, 2021
    Friends tow a TJ with an old gasser class A. The (V10) doesn't really know it's there. Simple $100 tow bar bolted to the front bumper and some mag mount lights and off to the races.

    I agree on the model, I'd target a TJ or YJ unless you have the scratch to step up to a JL.

    That said, they are all popular and retain value quite well, so don't turn down a deal, even if it's a 3.8L. Auto or manual is personal preference. All will flat tow no problem.
    Soft top? Depends what you want to do with the rig. Security, durability and less road noise vs easy top down cruising. Weight difference isn't really a concern.
  • Merrykalia's avatar
    Merrykalia
    Explorer
    Feb 09, 2021
    We also just purchased a toad for our motorhome, but we went with a Chevy Spark for the ease of flat towing, as well.

    In and around our area, a used Jeep is just not affordable. Most of them are going 2 and 3 K above the NADA pricing. We live in a mountain area that gets lots of snow, so a Jeep Wrangler is a daily driver instead of just a fun vehicle.
  • kellem's avatar
    kellem
    Explorer
    Feb 09, 2021
    As a long time Jeep owner I can offer this.
    The TJ line of Jeeps with the 4.0 were simply the cream of the crop.

    Avoid JK'S with 3.8, go with 3.6

    The new JL is nice but over priced imo.

    Very good point above regarding frame rot, adhere.
  • wowens79's avatar
    wowens79
    Explorer III
    Feb 09, 2021
    I like the TJ's from 1997-2006(I have a 2001 and a 2002), they are a simpler to work on, and the inline 6 is very reliable, and long lasting. They are getting older now, so finding a good one is getting more difficult. Also avoid ones from areas where they use salt on the roads, it settles in low points in the frame, and rots them from the inside. I won't consider one from north of Tennessee.
    The JKs started in 2007, the first few years with a 3.8 liter engine are reliable, and cheap, but that motor was straight from a minivan, and is pretty gutless. But if just to tool around with the top down, might be a decent choice for the price. The 3.6 liter started in like 2012, and is better suited to the jeep, but you will see a price jump with those.
  • wildtoad's avatar
    wildtoad
    Explorer II
    Feb 09, 2021
    You really can’t go wrong with towing a Wrangler. We tow a 2015 JK Wrangler 2 dr hardtop with auto transmission. It’s also my daily driver. Ride can be a bit harsh compared to a regular car. Have been doing so for a couple of years now. Zero issues thus far. We took the back seat out to provide more room for “stuff”.

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