Can I tow my Jeep?

hello everyone.

I have a 2004 4dr 3.4L V6 Tacoma. Online it looks like I have 5,000lbs tow capacity.

I have a 2015 2dr Jeep Wrangler, online it says it weighs 2,000lbs.

I plan on pulling my Jeep approximately 600 miles next weeks. I would be pulling it through a tow bar attached to the front of my Jeep. Of course my numbers make it look like there’s no issue, but will be my first time towing so I’m trying to make sure I won’t have any issues. And tips appreciated. Thanks guys.

 

You should be fine. If you put that thing on a flatbed trailer, that would obviously increase your weight by a probably 1000#s or more, depending on the trailer.

It's light enough that you *probably* don't need to have a remote braking system on the jeep, but I would read up on that before you venture off on your trip.

Since you've never towed before, I highly suggest take a couple "practice runs" towing it before taking the full 600 mile trip. Just run it around town, and maybe hit the highway a little bit to make sure you work out any kinks before the actual trip.

Go slow, increase your following distance by more than you think you should, and practice backing up a bit. It beats having to get out and uncouple if you get stuck at a gas station or something and need to back out of a driveway or whatever.

 

I'm seeing a weight of 3900 pounds.

https://www.autoblog.com/buy/2015-Jeep-Wrangler-Sport__2dr_4x4/specs/

You can still tow it but I think in most places your gonna need brakes to help out your truck and a bigger transmission cooler since you have the auto. I can say from experience your truck isn't going to be pleased or get anything close to good mileage but it should be just fine with those things in mind.

 

Also the weight of 3900 is bone stock. If you are like most "jeeple" then I would imagine you have bigger tires at least if not steel bumper or rock sliders. Those add weight as well. I would imagine having the top off looses some weight roo. So keep that in mind.

*Edited for spelling.

 

Not sure what your Jeep is, but make sure you're aware of how to properly disengage the driveline if you're flat towing it with a tow bar

 

Yes the Jeep has 37s and steel bumpers.
I’ll look into disengaging the driveline.

Hoping I can make do without brakes and a new transmission cooler.

Thanks.

 

you mean 2000kg? I find it hard to believe it only weighs 2000lbs that's like Miata territory

 

Tow with o/d off otherwise your trans will search and get hot and fry it

Scanguage that reads trans temps is almost necessary

 

Manual Trans, Manual Transfer Case and Manual Hubs makes things easy peasy. Automatic makes things a little more difficult.

 

Not sure if any of this applies to your model truck, but it's a good place to start.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-tacoma-towing-bible.4031/

 

Definitely does not weigh 2,000 pounds. A 2015 2dr 4x4 2015 Jeep Wrangler has a curb weight of 3,789 Pounds.

 

If I may humbly make a suggestion - a 600 mile trip is an easy day when youre not towing, but youll probably need a two day trip trying to tow that without brakes. Get a buddy and have them follow you in the jeep if you can. Youll save wear/tear and consume about equal amounts of fuel doing so.

 

Yeah, 2000# sounded a bit light... lol

If you don't have a transmission cooler, look into one. They are cheap, easy to install, and are great transmission insurance. When towing a big load, it only takes one steep hill to cook your trans oil.

Sounds like you have your jeep for wheelin', but a lot of guys run coolers even if they don't tow, to keep temps down while on the trail.

I know that with normal trailers that are that heavy (over 3000# iirc), brakes are required, but I don't flat tow anything so not sure that applies to towing other vehicles, too. The heaviest I've towed (on long trips)with my Tacoma (v6 doublecab) is about 3200, and that's about as heavy as I wanted to go. I've maxed it out towing a 2 axle trailer full of dirt, but that was a very short trip.

600 miles is a lot for 4000+ pounds with no brakes. If you need to cross any mountain passes, just don't do it.

Also, search for the "towing bible" on TW, there's a ton of good info for towing with a Taco.

 

Yes I had the weight wrong 3,800lbs.

 

If you're going to flat tow it, make sure the driveline is disconnected and you have a good tow bar for it.

 

I’ll be sure to make positive the driveline is disconnected.

I’ll look more into brakes and a transmission cooler. Hopefully I can make the trip without those things. I’ll be taking my time, 2 days for sure.

 

Look into the Tundra brake upgrade.

 

You can rent a 2019 Ford F250 superduty / XLT / 4 door / long bed / 4x4 / powerstroke diesel for $95 a day.
The Enterprise trucks come with 300 free miles a day. The nice thing about these trucks is is that they are solid white trucks and look like they are privately owned (not a rolling advertisement billboard like other rental trucks).
For someone that needs an occasional tow rig, it's a great deal.

 

Most, if not all car rental agencies stipulate that towing is prohibited.

EDIT: Actually, I'm wrong. Enterprise Trucks (separate from Enterprise Rent-a-Car) rents out trucks that allow towing.

https://www.enterprisetrucks.com