Hello everyone,I'm trying to figure out if I can safely tow a travel trailer with my 2018 Wrangler 4 door. Looking at a small trailer with bunk beds for the kids. I feel like the trailers below are too much to handle for my Jeep :( Any help is much appreciated. 2018 Jeep Wrangler specs: Weight | Towing Capacity | Max Payload4015 lbs | 3500 lbs | 1310 lbsTrailers I'm looking at:2019 COACHMEN VIKING ULTRA LITE 17BH• Length: 21 ft• Dry Weight: 2,952 lbs2019 JAYCO JAY FLIGHT SLX 174BHW• Length: 21.5 ft• Dry Weight: 2,935 lbs

Dry weights don’t include options, propane or batteries etc. With those added you’ll be at your tow rating before putting anything in the trailer. Unfortunately Jeeps don’t make for good tow vehicles on anything bigger than a pop up. I had a neighbor who tried what you’re considering. After 1 tow he started using his Caravan to tow with instead.

You’ll be over your TV’s max....so I wouldn’t try it.

Consider a hybrid trailer if you must tow with the Jeep. They will be shorter and lighter for what they will sleep and hold (fold out sleeping platforms on the ends) Its like having the beds of a popup with the body of a regular travel trailer in between.Hybrids are not allowed in certain areas and parks, due to bears. Same areas will not allow tent camping either.Charles

Jeep Wranglers are not very good tow vehicles. Remember, it is not just the weight, but the mass. A flat bed trailer with 3500 lbs of concrete on the floor will tow dramatically different than a 3500 lb. travel trailer!

Jeeps jut plain suck as tow vehicles. Make good Toads though.

Towing with Jeep Wrangler | Good Sam Community

afidel
Explorer II
Jun 15, 2019
Huntindog wrote:
Menanlg wrote:
Thank you all for the help.

I will not be getting of the trailers I mentioned, I might look into a hybrid.

Does the tire type/size matter when towing? I have 35 inch tires.
Well that changes things.... For the worse.
As tough as those tires make the Jeep look.... Reality is that they are an added stress to the jeep. The manufacturers ratings are now worthless. They need to be reduced... A LOT.

Yeah, look at the powerwagon vs the 2500 it's based on, less than half the payload capacity because the off-road suspension and big tires make it basically worthless for hauling or towing.
drsteve
Explorer
Jun 15, 2019
There is a reason more people tow Wranglers, than tow with Wranglers. And with 35 inch tires? I'd be looking at popups.
camp-n-family
Explorer
Jun 15, 2019
afidel wrote:
camp-n-family wrote:
Dry weights don’t include options, propane or batteries etc. With those added you’ll be at your tow rating before putting anything in the trailer. Unfortunately Jeeps don’t make for good tow vehicles on anything bigger than a pop up.

I had a neighbor who tried what you’re considering. After 1 tow he started using his Caravan to tow with instead.

According to the federal standard the weight on the yellow sticker is to include battery, full propane tanks, spare tire if included and all factory installed equipment. In addition if the dealer installs equipment increasing the weight by more than 5% they are to install a new updated sticker. Now the yellow weight can and might vary from the "brochure weight", but that's up to the manufacturer, my trailer was within tens of pounds of the brochure weight.

This is true if the OP is looking at a trailer on the lot and its actual yellow sticker. Most people when shopping are looking at brochures which tend to have substantially lighter “dry weights” that don’t tend include the above. Another sales tactic that gets the uninformed into trouble, much like 1/2 ton trucks with 12k tow ratings.
Huntindog
Explorer
Jun 14, 2019
Menanlg wrote:
Thank you all for the help.

I will not be getting of the trailers I mentioned, I might look into a hybrid.

Does the tire type/size matter when towing? I have 35 inch tires.
Well that changes things.... For the worse.
As tough as those tires make the Jeep look.... Reality is that they are an added stress to the jeep. The manufacturers ratings are now worthless. They need to be reduced... A LOT.
Jebby14
Explorer
Jun 14, 2019
softer rubber will hurt your towing. the soft tires with high sidewalls are not what you want for this. given your situation please take a long look at either a low profile popup or an upgraded tow vehicle.
Menanlg
Explorer
Jun 14, 2019
Thank you all for the help.

I will not be getting of the trailers I mentioned, I might look into a hybrid.

Does the tire type/size matter when towing? I have 35 inch tires.
profdant139
Explorer II
Jun 14, 2019
I hate to be discouraging, but this is not safe. The two biggest problems are (1) the big tail wagging the little dog, and (2) braking. A Wrangler can pull anything. But it can't stop everything.
GrandpaKip
Explorer II
Jun 14, 2019
I cannot comment on actual towing with a Jeep, because I’ve never done it.
Numbers however, are another story.
Both those campers will be over 400# tongue weight when ready to go. With a weight distribution system, real close to 500#.
That leaves you with about 800# for you, your family and anything else you put in there. You will probably be close to max.
I would be concerned with the Jeep’s tow rating because you will be at max or over.
I would not want to be at max on both those weights at the same time, pulling a sail through the air.

If you want to keep the Jeep, you will probably have to set your sights a little lower. You could also go to a Jeep forum to get opinions from people who have actual experience towing with one.
myredracer
Explorer II
Jun 14, 2019
twodownzero wrote:
Nobody has mentioned it, but the wheelbase of a Jeep, even the 4 door, is not safe for towing. It is as short or shorter than a regular cab/shortbed pickup. That is not good!
This is what I was going to add. The Jeep may also have tires that are not that great for highway towing. Have seen a few Jeeps towing a small R-pod and as is common, WDHs were clearly not adjusted properly.

'Course, a Hensley WDH will make it all good... :R
afidel
Explorer II
Jun 14, 2019
camp-n-family wrote:
Dry weights don’t include options, propane or batteries etc. With those added you’ll be at your tow rating before putting anything in the trailer. Unfortunately Jeeps don’t make for good tow vehicles on anything bigger than a pop up.

I had a neighbor who tried what you’re considering. After 1 tow he started using his Caravan to tow with instead.

According to the federal standard the weight on the yellow sticker is to include battery, full propane tanks, spare tire if included and all factory installed equipment. In addition if the dealer installs equipment increasing the weight by more than 5% they are to install a new updated sticker. Now the yellow weight can and might vary from the "brochure weight", but that's up to the manufacturer, my trailer was within tens of pounds of the brochure weight.