Wrangler for towing

[Markyboyo]

Thinking of getting a wrangler (1998-2001 ish) as a second car for towing purposes.

Plenty of grunt with the 4L engine, not too worried about the fuel as I'll only be doing minimal miles and it will also be a bit of fun in the summer with the roof down.

Depreciation seems pretty minimal if you pick up a 7-10 year old model. Wouldn't want to go newer than 2001 due to the tax implications!

MArk

[Lugnut]

They do have plenty of power, and they're loads of fun by themselves! But that short wheel base can be downright TERRIFYING to tow with.

I won't do it again.

[Markyboyo]

Is the wheel base that much less than a defender 90? I'd only be towing a tonne max.
Had a look on the net and they are rated upto 1900kgs which does seem on the high side, nearly 400kgs over kerb weight so figured a tonne would be easy....maybe i'm wrong

[Tony]

I had a Wrangler 4L manual,,,,,as already said fantastic fun! but in the wet, way too much power for slippery roads..>:O(
but still, a great jeep.
Tony

[Lugnut]

Originally Posted by Markyboyo

Is the wheel base that much less than a defender 90? I'd only be towing a tonne max.
Had a look on the net and they are rated upto 1900kgs which does seem on the high side, nearly 400kgs over kerb weight so figured a tonne would be easy....maybe i'm wrong

I've never played with a Defender but I can't imagine anything with a shorter wheel base than a wrangler. LoL!

I towed a small camper trailer that weighed in at 2700Lb's or so. Went around a turn and a guy in oncoming lanes ran his red light to turn in front of me. I hit the brakes and the trailer pushed right on through pointing me back in the direction I came from. Bystanders said it looked like I was going over on my side, but I don't remember that.

[randski]

Guy I work with tows his hard boat (about 1500ks) with his Wrangler, no problems

[Markyboyo]

The wrangler's wheelbase is actually 3 inches longer than a defender 90.
Lugnut, did the trailer have brakes?!

Lots of folks on here seem to think the 4L is just too powerful, maybe the 2.5 would be a better and cheaper bet!

[codprawn]

Originally Posted by Markyboyo

The wrangler's wheelbase is actually 3 inches longer than a defender 90.
Lugnut, did the trailer have brakes?!

Lots of folks on here seem to think the 4L is just too powerful, maybe the 2.5 would be a better and cheaper bet!

Actually it's the same - the Defender is also 93".

I would much rather tow with a longer wheelbase - Defender 110 is much better than the 90.

Land Rovers are rated to 3500kg so a much higher safety limit.

If you are only towing a ton I wouldn't worry.

Remember they are on leaf springs - Land Rover ditched them in 1983. They don't do much for roadholding or ride comfort. Also only part time 4x4 - in RWD most of the time.

[codprawn]

Originally Posted by Lugnut

I've never played with a Defender but I can't imagine anything with a shorter wheel base than a wrangler. LoL!

The little suzuki SJ has an 80" wheelbase as did the very early Land Rovers - great off road - crap on it!!!

[Markyboyo]

Didn't the post 96 Wranglers, when they went from square to round lights have coil springs?
Sure I read that on the net somewhere but may be wrong....