Towing a Vehicle?

[Todd Adams]

Short wheelbase vehicles have been in use worldwide for towing applications since the dawn of motorized transport, even in big-rigs. I'm the owner and operator of a short wheelbase semi even, fully rated at 79,000 lbs.

Here you are talking about a fifth wheel, which is not the same as a ball hitch. Forces act much differently when the pivot center is above the drive axle rather than behind it.

To get close to the GVW when towing some type of load equalizing hitch is required and I see no mention of that in this post as well or are you just referring to experience as being gained by trial and error? This could be disastrous for someone that has little experience in towing vehicles.

Joe you and I both know there is a big difference between a professional driver and someone that is asking for advice because he is not sure what to do. I have a friend that tows a 35’ 5thwheel with a 25’ boat behind a F350. Would this be safe for anyone no. But a retired long haul driver that made his living driving triples why not?

I had no problem years ago towing our 23’ trailer behind a full sized Bronco. Plenty of power, equalizer hitch and within the manufactures tow rating. I turned the driving over to my wife who had only towed with a shorter trailer. As she was passing a semi a gust of wind caused the trailer to sway. She over corrected and rolled.

Even if the VX was rated for 5000# a trailer with a Jeep YJ would exceed this rating. I guess it could be flat towed but stopping would be an issue. If the YJ is trailed, a load equalizing hitch and trailer brakes are a must. Then he could still get in trouble with load placement, which is critical. There are so many variables that telling someone it would be safe to tow a YJ with a VX in my book is irresponsible.

[Raque Thomas]

Towing is always dangerous when done by a novice. I for many years towed a 24' boat that weighed approx 6,000 lbs (incl trailer) behind a Jeep Cherokee. The weight of the boat seriously exceeded the weight of the Jeep, & it was a short wheelbase vehicle. Towed it generally 60 miles each way, winding, narrow, hilly roads. Never once did I have an issue or a scary moment - make sure your equipment is set up properly and you are attentive to what you are doing. Make sure your tongue weight is right, and make sure the components on the trailer are sound.

The only scary moment I ever had pulling that boat was when I pulled it with a full size Dodge PU, and it pushed me around a corner, nearly jack-knifing me. There wasn't enough weight on the rear axle relative to the rest of the vehicle to provide proper traction.

I just saw a lady nearly lose a 6' trailer with an ATV on it pulled by a full size SUV - it was ALL OVER the road before she got it stopped. Driver skill and attentiveness is the most important factor in towing.

[Joe_Black]

Joe you and I both know there is a big difference between a professional driver and someone that is asking for advice because he is not sure what to do. I have a friend that tows a 35’ 5thwheel with a 25’ boat behind a F350. Would this be safe for anyone no. But a retired long haul driver that made his living driving triples why not?

I certainly don't disagree with you here and that's why I prefaced my earlier post with the statement that towing by it's very nature is hazardous. My feeling is if you and I were involved in this conversation in person we'd quickly get in step rather than dancing on opposite sides of the mulberry bush. Probably my defense of the VX as a capable tow vehicle is where we get off-track, so my apologies for any misunderstanding. :bgwg:

Even if the VX was rated for 5000# a trailer with a Jeep YJ would exceed this rating.

An average YJ weighs around 3000 lbs, so you'd have to be using a pretty beefy trailer to top 5000 lbs. Granted, lighter is always better and safer. That 14' Featherlite linked earlier weighs just under 1000 lbs IIRC, and most standard 16' steel trailers push around 1500 - 1800 lbs. The nice thing about loading a Jeep is since it's also SWB you can move it quite a bit on the trailer to find the right balance on the tongue for a good tow. That 14' Featherlite tows like a dream and is probably the best single-vehicle hauler I've ever come across. Put the optional electric brakes on there with a decent controller and you've got a winning no-brainer package. And there's lots of comparable trailers out there, new and used, with brakes and comparable features and weight.