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Towing Heavy Trailer with JLUR?

KAB4

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New JLRU delivered yesterday. Asked for & received recommendations on bumper (THX). I plan on towing 3500 lb (when loaded) trailer (Lance 1475s) to site then wheeling (member of FMCA 4 wheelers-may be first trailer in group). I'm used to wheeling 03 Rubicon (5 1/2 lift & 35s) & have always wondered how people were able to get the "BIG Jeeps thru", suppose I'll be figuring that out. Anybody else tow "heavy" trailers with their Jeep? I'm planning on 2 inch lift & 35's for low center of gravity, but wonder if I could get away with 37's (buildt the TJ 3 times, can't afford that now that I'm retired). THX
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Plongson

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Just saw your post...but we're about to pull a 19FD GeoPro (Rockwood GeoPro) taking delivery very soon. I'm gonna try real hard to keep it =/< the 3500 limit...which I personally think is bullshit, but that's fodder for another thread.

We're gonna have a EQ hitch/sway control and I installed the Mopar trailer brake control. The diesel JLR weighs in at 5200+ so it's no lightweight, and with 440 lb/ft tq. it will be fine. BTW, absolutely GET the brake controller from Mopar. It's a PITA to install but follow a thread here on the forum and you'll be fine. it does have it's caveats though...

My only issues pulling with this diesel rig is keeping it cool...we went to Moab in the fall and pulling a 20 flatbed with all the gear and a Honda Pioneer (total about 3200lbs) I really had to keep my eye on the coolant temp, it rolls up there pretty fast on steep grades.

IMO, the diesel rigs need more cooling capacity, but it pulls like a freight train.
 

NCJL

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Congratulations.
we have a ‘20 JULR modified with all the normal stuff. AEV lift w/35” tires. Jeep is Probably #500 over spec when loaded. We also tow a #3500 plus off-road trailer. Still stock 4.10 gearing. Everything is better than expected except power when pulling trailer. 35” tires are doable without regearing, not 37”. The power is great when not connected to the trailer.
 
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KAB4

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THX. Not often on the computer or I'd have replied earlier. Are you using the Jeep trailer hookup or are you using aftermarket bumper? Still have plastic bumpers (lol) & trying to decide on bumpers.

Thx
KenB
 

NCJL

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THX. Not often on the computer or I'd have replied earlier. Are you using the Jeep trailer hookup or are you using aftermarket bumper? Still have plastic bumpers (lol) & trying to decide on bumpers.

Thx
KenB
We have the Factory Tow Package. Would not recommend aftermarket bumper for towing.
 

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BlackGenesis

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It will feel very underpowered, but with US bs tow rating, it will handle anything 4,000 lb fine.
 
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KAB4

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We have the Factory Tow Package. Would not recommend aftermarket bumper for towing.
I also have factory tow package, was thinking maybe could get just a touch better departure angle...I understand that the gladiator has aftermarket bumpers rated to tow, wondering if any had been rated for the unlimited.
KenB
 

NCJL

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Thinking most of the aftermarket JL bumpers work with Factory Tow Hitch.
 

wibornz

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Not advised, but a bud of mine pulls a skid steer on a heavy steel trail at times with his JLUR.

Jeep Wrangler JL Towing Heavy Trailer with JLUR? 1608912200986


OPERATING WEIGHT 10688 lb + the trailer that is capable of hauling it. He is probably over 13,000 pounds. I tell him all the time, "hey if you get into an accident, your insurance will not cover you with you being 10,000+ pounds over the tow capacilty".....
 

Oldbear

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Not advised, but a bud of mine pulls a skid steer on a heavy steel trail at times with his JLUR.

Jeep Wrangler JL Towing Heavy Trailer with JLUR? 1608912200986


OPERATING WEIGHT 10688 lb + the trailer that is capable of hauling it. He is probably over 13,000 pounds. I tell him all the time, "hey if you get into an accident, your insurance will not cover you with you being 10,000+ pounds over the tow capacilty".....
Because you “can” doesn’t mean you “should”😏
 

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MtCamper

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The stability of the tow vehicle is directly proportional to the wheelbase of the TV. JLs and JLUs are all short wheelbase compared to your average crewcab. They are going to react quickly to any sway from the trailer. Remember all those threads about "Jeep wanders"? It's only going to get worse with 3500# back there. I'd strongly recommend sway control. Also note that the factory receiver is a Class 2 although it looks like a Class 3. If you plan on a WDH, go to a good hitch shop and have them add braces from the hitch to the frame. Otherwise you may end up torque bending the receiver. I'm guessing wibornz buddy with the skid steer doesn't go far and I'll guarantee he doesn't go fast. To keep that trailer stabile he would need 1300 to 2000# of hitch weight. Pretty sure he has the skid loaded tail heavy.
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