Wrangler for towing

[Markyboyo]

Thinking of getting a wrangler (1998-2001 ish) as a second car for towing purposes.

Plenty of grunt with the 4L engine, not too worried about the fuel as I'll only be doing minimal miles and it will also be a bit of fun in the summer with the roof down.

Depreciation seems pretty minimal if you pick up a 7-10 year old model. Wouldn't want to go newer than 2001 due to the tax implications!

MArk

[Lugnut]

They do have plenty of power, and they're loads of fun by themselves! But that short wheel base can be downright TERRIFYING to tow with.

I won't do it again.

[Markyboyo]

Is the wheel base that much less than a defender 90? I'd only be towing a tonne max.
Had a look on the net and they are rated upto 1900kgs which does seem on the high side, nearly 400kgs over kerb weight so figured a tonne would be easy....maybe i'm wrong

[Tony]

I had a Wrangler 4L manual,,,,,as already said fantastic fun! but in the wet, way too much power for slippery roads..>:O(
but still, a great jeep.
Tony

[Lugnut]

Originally Posted by Markyboyo

Is the wheel base that much less than a defender 90? I'd only be towing a tonne max.
Had a look on the net and they are rated upto 1900kgs which does seem on the high side, nearly 400kgs over kerb weight so figured a tonne would be easy....maybe i'm wrong

I've never played with a Defender but I can't imagine anything with a shorter wheel base than a wrangler. LoL!

I towed a small camper trailer that weighed in at 2700Lb's or so. Went around a turn and a guy in oncoming lanes ran his red light to turn in front of me. I hit the brakes and the trailer pushed right on through pointing me back in the direction I came from. Bystanders said it looked like I was going over on my side, but I don't remember that.

[randski]

Guy I work with tows his hard boat (about 1500ks) with his Wrangler, no problems

[Markyboyo]

The wrangler's wheelbase is actually 3 inches longer than a defender 90.
Lugnut, did the trailer have brakes?!

Lots of folks on here seem to think the 4L is just too powerful, maybe the 2.5 would be a better and cheaper bet!

[codprawn]

Originally Posted by Markyboyo

The wrangler's wheelbase is actually 3 inches longer than a defender 90.
Lugnut, did the trailer have brakes?!

Lots of folks on here seem to think the 4L is just too powerful, maybe the 2.5 would be a better and cheaper bet!

Actually it's the same - the Defender is also 93".

I would much rather tow with a longer wheelbase - Defender 110 is much better than the 90.

Land Rovers are rated to 3500kg so a much higher safety limit.

If you are only towing a ton I wouldn't worry.

Remember they are on leaf springs - Land Rover ditched them in 1983. They don't do much for roadholding or ride comfort. Also only part time 4x4 - in RWD most of the time.

[codprawn]

Originally Posted by Lugnut

I've never played with a Defender but I can't imagine anything with a shorter wheel base than a wrangler. LoL!

The little suzuki SJ has an 80" wheelbase as did the very early Land Rovers - great off road - crap on it!!!

[Markyboyo]

Didn't the post 96 Wranglers, when they went from square to round lights have coil springs?
Sure I read that on the net somewhere but may be wrong....

[Markyboyo]

Maybe I'm thinking of the frontera, didn't that get coils in 1996...???

[codprawn]

I know the later ones did but not sure what year they came.

Just found this

http://www.allpar.com/model/cj/specs.html

looks like it was 1997 but you better check - it may be different for different countries.

[pressman]

Have had some fun with our Wrangler Not much towing oh only the odd Landrover out of the mud Sorry Codders couldnt resist that one.This one has coils and a bored out throttle body

[Mollers]

Originally Posted by Markyboyo

The wrangler's wheelbase is actually 3 inches longer than a defender 90.
Lugnut, did the trailer have brakes?!

Lots of folks on here seem to think the 4L is just too powerful, maybe the 2.5 would be a better and cheaper bet!

If it's cheap and MPG isn't an issue why not buy the 4ltr. How can it be too powerful? Unless the driver has a nerve issue with the right foot.

[Markyboyo]

4 litre it is then!!

[Mollers]

Originally Posted by Markyboyo

4 litre it is then!!

[Lugnut]

No such thing as "too much power" lol! But some have feet that are heavier on the pedals than others

Yes the trailer I was towing had brakes. That was the worst situation I've pesonaly had but I've seen others with short wheel base vehicles. I'm not saying it's not possible, just that I MUCH prefer a longer wheelbase for towing.

Wranglers here in the US have coil springs as of 1996. Not sure about your side of the pond.

[Mollers]

Originally Posted by Lugnut

No such thing as "too much power" lol! But some have feet that are heavier on the pedals than others

Yes the trailer I was towing had brakes. That was the worst situation I've pesonaly had but I've seen others with short wheel base vehicles. I'm not saying it's not possible, just that I MUCH prefer a longer wheelbase for towing.

Wranglers here in the US have coil springs as of 1996. Not sure about your side of the pond.

Yeah, LWB is preferable, but Markyboyo and I live in the same area. We barely hit a decent stretch of road between home and the water. A tractor would almost do the trick.

[codprawn]

Originally Posted by pressman

Have had some fun with our Wrangler Not much towing oh only the odd Landrover out of the mud Sorry Codders couldnt resist that one.This one has coils and a bored out throttle body

The Wrangler is great off road as is the Suzuki Jeep - unfortunately they are crap on road!!!

[Mollers]

Originally Posted by codprawn

The Wrangler is great off road as is the Suzuki Jeep - unfortunately they are crap on road!!!

As is a Defender.