[snwchris]

I'm looking to get a car trailer for the Jeep and have found a few in my area. I was wondering what things should I look for on the trailer to make sure that it will work for hauling.

The one I found so far near my house is going for $900 and looks like still in decent shape. I did NOT see any trailer brakes for it and it looks like it could use new set of tires as well. I might have to weld on some anchor points for the ratchet straps as well.

I'll be towing the trailer & Jeep with a Ram 2500 as well.

Chris

[4x4Outcast]

Dual axles is a must.

Look at the condition of the axles and mounting.

[dodchall70]

Make sure it has trailer brakes. Most states require them if over 3000#.

[snwchris]

From what I could see, it does NOT have trailer brakes, but will take a closer look this weekend / week next time I drive past

[h2ojeep]

Dual axle is a must, but of importance is to have a towing vehicle that will stop your load (most half ton PU will). Texas does not require brakes on my size trailer (dual axle, 7000#). I have pulled my jeep from Northern Calf via the mountains lake Tahoe, across Nevada, AZ and New Mexico. I pull the mountains of New Mexico and West Texas routinely, No problems.
If you are required to have brakes, it is an easy swap, to install an axle with electric brakes.

[deltabravo]

Maker sure the width between the wheel wells is wide enough to fit your Jeep.

[Joe Dillard]

Here's a few recommendations from somebody who tows their YJ in various places.

1. Do not get a low profile trailer.

What I mean by that is, one that sits too low to the ground & would tend to catch all sorts of debris. I prefer not going with a dove tail version as well for similar reasons. The tail simply catches/drags on all sorts of things if you were to tow it on dirt roads that are not very "tow friendly".

2. Get a ball & tongue that's at least 2 5/16" with a ball shank of at least 1.25". You'll thank yourself for the extra added safety & small price to upgrade.

3. Brakes - get 'em, period. Preferably on both axles.

4. Don't settle for a low budget brake controller - you'll regret it eventually.

5. Install/use a hitch that's rated accordingly, not some light weight POS. I recommend at least a Class IV. I run a Class V Titan.

6. Minimum, tandem axle - period.

7. Run the best tires you can afford. I run, at a minimum, load range D radial tires.

8. Carry two spares. One tire can often take out a second tire. I sometimes carry 3 spares on longer trips.

9. Get nice ramps & don't get into the habit of not using the ramps. Your tail end will thank you.

10. Carry at least one spare bearing buddy if you run them, plus carry a grease gun & grease. Grease the bearings often.

11. Ensure the tie-downs are mounted securely & are rated for overkill.

12. At a minimum, use at least 10K# rated straps in good condition. I carry 2 new spares.

13. Mount the license plate up where it's out of harms way.

[Silverton34]

Originally Posted by snwchris

I'm looking to get a car trailer for the Jeep and have found a few in my area. I was wondering what things should I look for on the trailer to make sure that it will work for hauling.

The one I found so far near my house is going for $900 and looks like still in decent shape. I did NOT see any trailer brakes for it and it looks like it could use new set of tires as well. I might have to weld on some anchor points for the ratchet straps as well.

I'll be towing the trailer & Jeep with a Ram 2500 as well.

Chris

Too much money, by the time you add brakes and four new tires you will be at $1,500. I just bought a new 7,000 gvwr trailer with brakes on one axel for $1,650. I paid an extra $150 for brakes on the second axle.

Do use trailer brakes. It may be legal to run without them in some states but just because it is legal does not mean you should do it. In my opinion it is a special kind of stupid to tow 6,000 lbs. down the road with no brakes behind a pickup truck. If you killed someone you would never get over it.