Towing with a Jeep Rubicon - Event Date: 18 Jan 2012 |
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sostler
Newbie Joined: 18 Jan 2012 Location: Boise Idaho Online Status: Offline Posts: 2 |
Calendar Event: Towing with a Jeep Rubicon Posted: 18 Jan 2012 at 5:30pm |
HI!
We are looking at buying the 182G R-pod. Wondering if anyone has experience towing with a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon We are looking at buying the 2012 4 door version that supposedly has a more powerful engine than the previous years- However the tow weight is listed as 3500 lbs and the r-pod 182 dry weight is 2800 lbs. Loaded would be probably at least 3500 lbs - Does anyone else have experience towing with other vehicles that have a 3500 pound tow limit? Thanks |
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techntrek
Admin Group - pHp Joined: 29 Jul 2009 Location: MD Online Status: Offline Posts: 9059 |
Posted: 18 Jan 2012 at 6:33pm |
Welcome. My 2003 Sienna has that limit and isn't quite powerful enough or has a stiff enough suspension for all situations for my 171 - all due to the frontal area of the Pod when towing at highway speeds. Back roads aren't a problem.
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Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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TerryM
Admin Group - pHp Joined: 16 Nov 2009 Location: Saint Augustine Online Status: Offline Posts: 1950 |
Posted: 18 Jan 2012 at 7:40pm |
I think you would be really cutting it close. The engine would handle it. My Jeep Liberty 3.7L 4X4 does just fine and you would have a bigger engine. The tranny, brakes and suspension would be the weak points. The brakes and suspension would be easy to fix.
Terry |
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RP-175 W/Lift Kit 2011 Ford F-150 4X4
Saint Augustine, FL: The first permanent European settlement in the USA: 1565 |
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Tidalwave4455
Groupie Joined: 25 Aug 2011 Location: minnesota Online Status: Offline Posts: 57 |
Posted: 23 Jan 2012 at 7:37pm |
I would recommend a weight distribution hitch. My Jeep Wrangler used to porpoise like mad on bumpy roads when towing a small travel trailer. My Pod towed solidly behind my Jeep Liberty with a WDH installed.
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dcrispin1
Newbie Joined: 04 Feb 2012 Online Status: Offline Posts: 7 |
Posted: 06 Feb 2012 at 12:38am |
I just started towing an RPod 173 with a 2008 Rubicon. my 173 weighs 2150lbs. My 173 is about 400 lb lighter than your 182.
there have been some improvement in the jeep rubicon since mine was made on 08. I pull mine in 3rd gear with overdrive off. I cruise at 55-60 at 2500 rpm. I am at my limits of capacity with that. I cant get torque converter lockup in overdrive so I keep it off and cruise in 3rd. I do pull it steady with no seesawing, no swaying, tracks like a dream, electric brakes work quite well. So far I am pleased and satisfied that I can tow anywhere I want. at 2500 rpm the engine is not over revving and not overheating and my tranny is cool and good. you will be able to do better with your increase in power and torque and more gears. You will be towing in higher gear at lower rpms and can downshift when you need to higher rpms and more power without having to be in too low a gear. you will find that every lb of weight matters. I plan on taking off my hard top and travelling with my trek top which will save about 150lbs. going to take one propane bottle, keep water tanks empty till I get to where Im going, carry minimal extra clothing and general gear. keep to minimal weight on gear and stuff you plan to travel with. may have to keep speeds aroung 60 or so but thats OK with me. Mileage will drop drmatically as mine is around 10-12 remember the rubicon is very hevay duty with oversize axles and differntials, heavier shoks, springs, overall suspension. bigger brakes etc. It all helps. THe Jeep is plenty strong and can handle the load on the frame and suspension. You may consider a tranny cooler add on too. I have flash chip that also gives me a bit more HP that could help you too. I think you will be fine. I kow of a few other Jeepers pulling trailers in this weight class and are doing fine. and they arent in Rubicons. I think you will be happy but it wont be like pulling a jet ski behind you. If you think you are cutting it to close you may consider other 4X4s if you arent stuck on a jeep (I am so I accept the comprimises) If you can find a good jeep Commander with a bigger engine that is a kick arse rig, a Grand Cherokee, of a Ford F-150 Pickup, severl other vehicles could fit your needs with more power. see my post under camping in Ocala. good luck
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dcrispin1
Newbie Joined: 04 Feb 2012 Online Status: Offline Posts: 7 |
Posted: 06 Feb 2012 at 12:47am |
sorry didnt realize there is almost 700 lbs weight difference in our trailers. but with this generation of Jeep Rubicon you still have the strongest suspension, frame, axles and diffs available in a production vehicle short of an F -250 dually pickup.
Again its all about weight and comprimise. again best of luck dave |
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marwayne
Senior Member Joined: 25 Oct 2011 Location: Edmonton AB Can Online Status: Offline Posts: 1002 |
Posted: 06 Feb 2012 at 1:32am |
Hi sostler, welcome to the group.
I hate to burst your bubble, you say the dry weight of the 182G 2800#, you can add another 350 to 450# for things like batteries, propane tanks, AC, microwave, furnace, hotwater tank, fridge, cooktop ect. Dealers dont tell you that, I found that out after the fact. Good Luck
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If you want something done right, do it yourself.
2011 RP172, 2016 Tundra 5.7 Litre, Ltd. |
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TIDALWAVE
Senior Member Joined: 21 Nov 2009 Location: MINNESOTA Online Status: Offline Posts: 315 |
Posted: 06 Feb 2012 at 8:58am |
I stopped over at my local Jeep dealer. I took my Pod Spec sheet with. The sales person looked it over and asked me how much did my dual tanks weigh and an estimate on how much stuff I bring with in the Pod. He shook his head and said that with four people in a Rubicon and a full tank of gas...that the jeep exceeded Chrysler's weight limits. He mentioned that the Liberty could handle the Pod but he was worried about using a Wrangler Rubicon. The jeep was designed to haul itself and passengers, not a heavy tow load. |
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TIDALWAVE
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sostler
Newbie Joined: 18 Jan 2012 Location: Boise Idaho Online Status: Offline Posts: 2 |
Posted: 06 Feb 2012 at 10:09am |
Thanks for your replies and suggestions. My husband is really stuck on getting the jeep wringer rubicon so I guess we will need to find an additional vehicle for towing or look at other travel trailer options. Does anyone know of a good lighter weight camper than the r-pod? I found one in canada called the safari condo but it is listed as 24,000-33,000 dollars!- |
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this_is_nascar
Senior Member Joined: 24 Jan 2010 Location: NJ Online Status: Offline Posts: 466 |
Posted: 06 Feb 2012 at 10:58am |
Consider a pop-up camper.
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"Ray & Connie"
- 2017 R-Pod RP-180 - 2007 Toyota Tacoma TRD-Off Road |
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