towing suggestions

jeeperman

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Aug 2, 2001
Messages
1,513
Re: towing suggestions

I will guess that his un-mentioned method is to jackup one rear wheel then try to drive away. And off the jack.

Jacking up both rear wheels and turning one wheel by hand will turn the other wheel too.

If the other wheel turns in same direction you have a limited slip diff of some kind.

If it the other wheel turns in opposite direction you have an open diff.
 

scottgrissom

Cadet
Joined
Jun 2, 2005
Messages
16
Re: towing suggestions

I wouldn't try it. I have a Jeep Cherokee 98 2wd and have come close several times to slipping into the water unloading my 18 ft Wellcraft (appox. 2,500).
 

Cptkid570

Ensign
Joined
Oct 18, 2005
Messages
967
Re: towing suggestions

scott - I used to have a 1988 Jeep Cherokee -- 6 cyl, 4x4, towed a 24' boat with it (book says it weighed 3,650lbs). I never had a problem getting it in or out of the water... I remember my trailer brakes sucked, so my stopping distance was terrible.
 

Cptkid570

Ensign
Joined
Oct 18, 2005
Messages
967
Re: towing suggestions - update

Re: towing suggestions - update

Hey everyone?

Just wanted to give an update to my thread? I took the boat out 3 times over the past weekend and the blazer actually did a wonderful job of towing the boat. The engine temperature stayed really low, handled and braked well on the road (I didn?t go over 35 mph), towed it up and down the ramp with absolutely no problems. The car didn?t slide down the ramp at all. Tires didn?t spin at all going up the ramp. I really didn?t even have to give it much gas to go up the ramp. I kept it hi 4x4, didn't try it in lo 4x4,

I do know that this isn?t the most appropriate tow vehicle for this boat ? as most of you have noted in this thread. But, I have to admit, I was very impressed with how well it did.
 

valkyr

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Apr 13, 2007
Messages
522
Re: towing suggestions

Where do you find info on the towing rating/capacity of vehicles?

Would a 4x4 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the V8 be much better than my 4x4 Blazer with a 4.3 liter? I'm guessing that the vehicles weigh about the same, so the towing ability of each would be close?

Also, if I have traction problems, couldn't I put a rear end in my blazer that has posi-traction? I doubt it would cost all that much for a used one if one would fit... at least not much more than having to buy another vehicle.

I really appreciate all of the feedback everyone...

I have a 2004 Jeep GC with 4.7L HO...Towing capacity = 6800lbs :D
Not sure what the towing capacity of the jeep is you're talking about though.
I have a 3900lb (NADA weight) 22' foot Wellcraft and never have a problem...except for those tractor-trailers on the interstate going by me at 80+ .... *shudder*....
 
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