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increase towing capacity

5K views 61 replies 21 participants last post by  superj 
#1 ·
i have a 95 YJ 4cyl 5spd. i want to tow a boat with it. normally we use my wifes suv, but when she is out of town i can't use my boat. i know there is no capacity rating for this jeep. what can be done to ensure safe towing of the boat? i am only 5 miles from the landing and the boat is 2300lbs including the trailer.
 
#38 ·
My hitch is a custom made one. So far it's hauled a full jeep on a dual axle trailer. I have no idea what the trailer weighed. Borrowed it from a friend. Mine ties into the two holes on the bottom of the frame rails and to this crossmember on the back where the stock bumperettes went. It hauled it just fine. Of course the brakes were not as responsive, but as anyone with common sense, I braked earlier than normal. And I kept off highways as I didn't want to give my old jeep a heart attack. If you are careful and stay legal, then go ahead and do it.
As for the arguing, lets just crack a beer and take it easy. Some wires were crossed, the op is getting nothing from any of this. Yes, some people have their differences. But I agree with above, take it to pm if you are not going to help.

Sent from my iPhone, probably because I am bored at work.
 

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#40 ·
Just like the rest here I have towed and haven't had issues. Stopping is always the biggest variable but with a manual trans you have at least some advantage in downshifting to slow down faster in case of emergency. Just 5 miles is nothing but most people just want to get around the guy with the trailer so be careful
 
#41 ·
mzimerf said:
Just like the rest here I have towed and haven't had issues. Stopping is always the biggest variable but with a manual trans you have at least some advantage in downshifting to slow down faster in case of emergency. Just 5 miles is nothing but most people just want to get around the guy with the trailer so be careful
I'm my opinion, this is 100% accurate!

Sent from my iPhone, probably because I am bored at work.
 
#43 ·
On my 1993 we have a tow hitch that mounts to the frame under the bottom and to the cross member. Not saying you should tow a camper behind it, but for a boat or a utility trailer filled with equipment it does just fine. I'd just be careful to make sure that I wasn't towing more than my vehicle weighs and of course plan on taking it slow and allowing extra room for stopping. Both of which are required with my F150.
 
#45 ·
Pasinbuy, really? This seems a bit unnecessary in this post. If you don't agree with the guy, or fell that he was rude to you that's fine. Do you really feel the need to prove something by posting that stuff here? Rear departure is the angle at which you can clear with the rear end, but doesn't your fuel tank hang below the rear crossmember anyway? As far as him lying do you have pictures of his rig that you can use to prove otherwise? As the accusing party the burden of proof is on you. I went and measured on my rig and I have 2" between the fuel tank and the frame rails, so it's very well possible that a home built unit could fit in there. You seem to want to pick a fight with the guy and no one else seems to care man, let go of it. I have also seen where you have attacked him on another post about some seat sliders, I did ask him about that personally, he said that his comment stands because as far as he knew the only difference in the sliders was possible because the bases were changed. Rather than be outraged about something meaningless, try reading everything in the postings before blasting off at the mouth.
 
#49 ·
Now measure between the spring bolts and the fuel tank skid plate. Look at where your tailpipe sits. There is very little room, and not enough for a receiver as xj93 states that he has.

I stand by what I stated. If anyone outright lies in this forum about what they have they should be called on it. I understand mistakes happen, I have made a few myself. There is no room for liars in this forum!

xj93 just plain lied about what he has installed on his rig, and then attacked me yelling and screaming in print. I did not catch his lies until he started the harassment. I thought I was easy on him. I did not call him on all of the lies. Would you like me to list them all?

I did not attack him on the slider post. I just pointed out that he did not read the post correctly. His post had nothing to do with the question. Try reading it: http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f12/seat-slider-confusion-1023862/

We all have opinions... xj93 lied. No room for that type, lies can hurt others that do not know.
 
#47 ·
Michaelgoesrawr said:
Someone's not being a bigger man here.

Arguing on the Internet is really stupid. There is a saying about the special Olympics but ill keep it politically correct.
Amen brother!

Sent from my iPhone, probably because I am bored at work.
 
#48 ·
From the Jeep owners manual, page 81: "Towing over 2000 lbs is not recommended" It doesn't say illegal, forbidden ect.

Your trailer is 2300lbs. 300 lbs is not that far off.

Go enjoy you boat, and as with all vehicles towing, watch your distances and use care.

If it's an automatic think about adding an extra cooler. Manual? try not to slip your clutch too much on the ramp.

Happy Towing.
 
#50 ·
That assumes he has stock location for his exhaust. As I said you could do a homemade job and make it to fit. Isn't that kind of a mantra around here "You can make anything fit with a welder and a hammer"? As far as harassment, I have seen the messages you guys sent back and forth. You contacted him first, belittled him, insulted him, cursed at him, and continued the contact after he told you to stop. That's all I can say on that matter. I really think the both of you need to cool off and just leave things as they are and just mind yourselves. That may be the best course of action here.. Honestly I feel like I am still working in a prison here.
 
#53 ·
140mower said:
Trying to pull this back on topic: this is my trailer combination. By driving defensively and being aware of other drivers, you should have no problems. Mine pulls, stops, and tracks pretty much as well as any other loaded, but well balanced load.
I love the outboard on the front. Lol add a couple 45gallon barrels and she might be amphibious.

Sent from my iPhone, probably because I am bored at work.
 
#56 ·
OP if you are worried about weight and the hitch holding up, here are 2 options.

A class 3 hitch: The hidden hitch is a class 3 rated hitch. Does it hang down low? Yes, but I have wheeled with it plenty of times. It is is bolted down with 6 grade 8 bolts. (2) each side of the frame, (2) bottom of frame, (2) crossmember. I had it, it works.

Weld: Remove your crossmember and weld in a 2X4-3/16" tube. Cut a hole in the tube and weld your reciever to both sides. Dont forget to put a peice of angle iron on the tube to hold your gas tank, as well as burn on some plates for your body mounts.
 
#57 ·
eww eww eww I want to play!

Go ahead and tow with extra caution. Personally I would get a trailer with or add brakes to the existing trailer. Make sure the tongue wieght is no more or less than a couple of hudred lbs.
Be careful and have fun.

Oh yeah also make damn sure your E brake works 100%. You wouldn't want the whole thing to roll back into the water when you get out:rofl:

 
#59 ·
Yes, but that gives good access to the cooler in the trunk with-out the hassle of having to unload at the launch, it also cuts down on the walk back to the trailer after a long day on the water. The car also doubles as a crab/prawn trap when used this way, just be sure to leave one window partly open.:rofl:
 
#62 ·
i love when the ramp is slippery and people go up with huge boats and tiny two wheel drive vehicles. makes me laugh watching the car inch back and the people trying to push it with their hands. someone always pulls them out with a big truck but its still funny to hear them yelling for the wife get in and set the brake or something, ha ha ha
 
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