[bkrjeeper]

Since there was some chat over on the Tech section about towing with a SWB vehicle, does anyone have experience with towing a small 2 person camper safely behind a SWB vehicle? Looking at possibly buying new, just an idea right now. Maybe like a 10 - 12 footer?
I have an 87 YJ, 350 SB,TH 350 trans. 8.8, 4.10's, 4 in. Superlift, 32's

[hoghead1]

A small pop-up would be alright. I have a 99 TJ with a 2.5 and I pulled one with no problem. I wasn't going to win any races but it got me there. I pulled a 14' camper for a friend and when the wind would catch it or I got drafted by a semi, I thought I was going to lose it because the Jeep was so light.

[StrongWind]

I wouldn't be concerned with your Jeep's ability to PULL any trailer, I would be more concerned with its ability to STOP the trailer in a panic situation.

Most accidents are caused by an inability to STOP in a controlled manner. A modified, lifted Jeep with larger tires does NOT stop anything like a stock one....And the short wheelbase on a YJ will not handle being pushed around (sway) by the trailer.

I believe the "stock" tow rating for a YJ was 1,000#'s??? Need to check...I've never considered using my YJ to tow. (I have a truck for that..)

How big (weight) is the trailer you are considering?
Is it "low" profile (popup) or hard sided trailer?

Have you seen/considered the small two person "teardrop" style trailer/camper?

[b1pig]

i think a smaller pop-up would be fine... as mentioned... so long as the brakes are good on the Jeep. i've towed way over the 3,500 lb rating on my JK-U at very slow speeds.

the setup of the Jeep is a key factor, too. if you have big floaty 33-35" tires, the tendency to wander will be greater. i would also suggest that the angle of the trailer be as near horizonal as possible. i towed with the ZJ on 33's and 5.5" just fine. i flipped the axle (SOA) on the trailer to get it a little higher and level it out. improved the handling, too.

[bkrjeeper]

Originally Posted by b1pig

i think a smaller pop-up would be fine... as mentioned... so long as the brakes are good on the Jeep. i've towed way over the 3,500 lb rating on my JK-U at very slow speeds.

the setup of the Jeep is a key factor, too. if you have big floaty 33-35" tires, the tendency to wander will be greater. i would also suggest that the angle of the trailer be as near horizonal as possible. i towed with the ZJ on 33's and 5.5" just fine. i flipped the axle (SOA) on the trailer to get it a little higher and level it out. improved the handling, too.

I've done a lot of towing in my many years of driving, but I have never towed with any of my Jeep's. I was looking at something like this. I haven't priced them yet, but I'm sure they're not cheap. No frills just a place to sleep.

[b1pig]

no... they are NOT cheap.... i've priced em, but its been before this depression we're in.

[StrongWind]

This is the style I've seen around a few campgrounds - pretty sweet...Basically give you a place to sleep protected from the elements.




Here's a few different links

http://www.cozycruiser.com/index.html

http://www.littleguytrailers.net/

[bkrjeeper]

Originally Posted by StrongWind

This is the style I've seen around a few campgrounds - pretty sweet...Basically give you a place to sleep protected from the elements.

Thanks Stongwind! That would be nice. I've got a trip coming up to the badlands in Indiana? Never been there, but I will need a place to sleep. Plan on driving the Jeep. We may just tent it too.