Can a Jeep Tow This?

[mike2587]

Hello,

Can a 2012 Jeep GC Laredo with a 5,000lb hitch tow capacity tow a trailer and 24' pontoon boat? It has to go bout 15-20 miles each way with putting it in via a boat launch and taking it out comfortably. Its the 6 cylinder auto 4x4. The pontoon is late 70's with a somewhat smaller 45hp Chrysler outboard, three to four pontoon benches a captain chair. The motor is a few hundred for sure but can be carried by two guys without too much of an issue.

Any insight is appreciated, I'm planning on putting it in tomorrow if seems like it won't be an issue.

Thanks

 

[mike2587]

Re: Can a Jeep Tow This?

...also, the trailer I rented doesn't have brakes, just a regular trailer, I would guess 7-1,000lbs. But it also won't be highway driving since I'm sure that also matters.

 

[Lou C]

Re: Can a Jeep Tow This?

How heavy do you think the pontoon boat is? It should be able to do it as long as the weight of the boat and trailer is below 5,000. Does the trailer have brakes and do they work? Ive towed the boat in my sig with both of my Jeeps, it weighs about 3700 and both tow it fine naturally the 5.7 Hemi does it with no effort, but the 4.0 Six gets it done too. The trailer has brakes that work....

woops just saw your post about the brakes, well then take it slow, the late model Grands have very good brakes but still you are going to be stopping way over what the gross vehicle weight rating is for that Jeep, ie your total load could be as much as 7500-8000 lbs depending on what the boat weight.
I towed the boat in my sig with my 98 without trailer brakes maybe 2x and it was a white knuckle ride. Combined 7500-8000 lbs on 4 bitty 11" disc brakes no good. Put brakes on the trailer that summer (9 years ago).

 

[mike2587]

Re: Can a Jeep Tow This?

Oh wow.. I bought the boat last year and drove it about 1 hour with a jeep before even realizing that the max might not be able to hold it. I realize this was stupid on my behalf, I just didnt think it could be that close. But I made it and put it in at a small lake that wasn't busy. However, I don't want to run into any issues this time. Its on a somewhat busy local lake now.. Maybe I got lucky at the time. There can be some long lines on a weekend at the launch. Do you think I should really try to find a trailer that has brakes or since last year was okay it shouldn't be an issue? The place I rent from which doesn't have brakes is such a good deal on a day rental, but Im willing to pay more and look around for safety. If its pushing it. I unfortunately am not sure how much it weighs. I'd say at least 2. 24' aluminum pontoons, deck, fairly light benches x 4. No canopy, rails, 2-300lb motor. However I could be off. Again its just a guess.

 

[Noltz]

Re: Can a Jeep Tow This?

I think you're okay, and this is why;

Starting with this guys numbers for a basis (20' pontoon @ 1600lbs loaded), I'm going to add 20% for your extra length. I'm estimating 1900lbs on your boat. My steel trailer for my little 15' boat is 500lbs. I'll go with 1500 for yours, just because safety, which puts you at a total of 3400lbs. Just looking again, and I'm not far off of this guy's estimates.

The lack of trailer brakes doesn't scare me, but remember your truck now weighs twice as much and the brakes didn't get any bigger. So brake at twice the distance. I flat-towed a 3500lb SUV with a 4100lb suv, went to go around the corner and the rear truck pushed the towing truck's back end around. Jack-knifed myself. SUV's, including yours, are light in the back. Make sure you're at 80% tongue weight (probably 400lbs), and practice safe, straight stopping.

Finally, you're slightly overworking the Jeep. Edmunds puts your trucks at 4500lbs curb, and gross weight at 6500. This means your maximum payload is 2000lbs. Again, there's a lot of safety room built into this number but it's up to you what you think is prudent.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Can a Jeep Tow This?

You are way over the weight limit for needing brakes.

You will not be able to control it in an evasive maneuver or emergency stop.


Most new suv and trucks say you need brakes at anything over 1500-2000.
I've seen some at 1000#, and they had tow ratings at 5000#+.



This, for example is from the owners manual of a 2005 Nissan Pathfinder:

When towing a trailer load of 1,000 lbs.
(454 kg) or more, trailers with a brake system
MUST be used.

Tow rating has nothing to do with brake requirements.

Take the vehicle to the dealership and ask them if you can't find it in the manual.


And then there is the state law concerning brakes.

What state or province are you located in?

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Can a Jeep Tow This?

Yes you DO need brakes but being 15 miles twice a year... I'd keep the speed WAY down (IE 30 mph), run hazards and brake early.

 

[1stgenbird]

Re: Can a Jeep Tow This?

No problems towing with your GC. Keep your speed reasonable and have fun.

 

[Rancherlee]

Re: Can a Jeep Tow This?

No problems towing with your GC. Keep your speed reasonable and have fun.

x2 I really don't see an issue, the total package should be under 3000# IMO unless its a modern tritoon with a 200hp engine on the back. My Home built (OVER BUILT) bunk trailer for my 20' pontoon is UNDER 700# and my grandpas 30' drop down rail trailer is under 1000# An older 24' twin tube with a 2 smoke motor should be well under 2000# unless the tubes are waterlogged.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Can a Jeep Tow This?

With a pontoon, the weight isn't as important as you think. Even a relatively light, short pontoon is going to tow like a much heavier boat, because of all the wind drag and the tiny tires. If you aren't trying to tow it at highway speeds, you will be fine.

 

[Irish_sailor]

Re: Can a Jeep Tow This?

you could find a weigh station close to you when you go and rent the trailer swing by and get weighed. When you get the boat on there go back to the weigh station and weigh again. I would check with the weigh station first to see if they are ok with this. That I think would be the easiest way to find out how much the boat weighs

 

[bigdee]

Re: Can a Jeep Tow This?

No problems towing with your GC. Keep your speed reasonable and have fun.

I am towing a similar pontoon with a 2004 GC 4.0 with no issues at all. Tows better than my Blazer and pulls up ramp better than a borrowed F-150 did.

 

[moosehead]

Re: Can a Jeep Tow This?

Yes. 2011 JGC 5.7L with 5,500 lbs tow load at 11k' elevation. No problemo.

 

[krakatoa]

Re: Can a Jeep Tow This?

Beautiful Colorado! I really loves that state!

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Can a Jeep Tow This?

You are way over the weight limit for needing brakes.

How do you figure? Sounds like he has maybe 3500lbs, which is just at the limit for brakes in most states and a GC has huge brakes which would have no problem at all stopping a little load like that.

 

[bigdee]

Re: Can a Jeep Tow This?

How do you figure? Sounds like he has maybe 3500lbs, which is just at the limit for brakes in most states and a GC has huge brakes which would have no problem at all stopping a little load like that.

Agree. In NC you would be hard-pressed to find a single axle trailer with brakes because single axle usually does not exceed the states 3500# limit. My GC stops fine.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Can a Jeep Tow This?

While the state has weight requirements for trailer brakes, Jeep may have lower ones. The answer is in the owner's manual.

 

[Dr. Evil]

Re: Can a Jeep Tow This?

A 2 year old Jeep wont have any issues pulling that light load. Use common sense, make sure your vehicle is in good working order and have fun. Making sure your weight is properly distributed and your driving with a load is appropriate is key. Brakes on trailers are handy but at that weight level you really don't need them IMO. They keep the weight of your load from pushing you around when stopping more than anything, especially when you brake during a turn.

I tow my 20'pontoon with all gear and 4 people in my 02 Blazer 4x4 with a V6. I have 4w disc brakes, good pads and dual piston front calipers. Your Jeep is newer and probably more capable than mine.