hi,
i realize this question was recently asked, but i have different criteria. i have come across a 97' SE (hard top, soft, bikini, tow package, many add-ons) for 5grand. 108k miles.
I own a DJ company, and have a 4x6 enclosed trailer that i need to tow. The trailer weighs about 600 lbs.
I am concerned that the pick-up and towing capabilities will be limited with the 2.5 engine.
Is it worth waiting to find a 6cyl and paying the extra money? I'm going strictly through Craigslist and Cars.com in the Boston area.
Happy holidays :-)
2007-12-23 05:41:46 · 6 answers · asked by dj flyy 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Makes ➔ Jeep
Don't buy the 4 cyl if you plan on towing. I wouldn't recommend the 6 if it comes with the 3 speed auto either. I own one. Used it to tow across country (Ca-R.I). I've also use it in town. It has 3.07 gears which are not tow friendly. If it fits your budget find a 4.0 w/ the 4 speed auto. The 4 speed comes with the more tow friendly 3.73 axle gears.
I'd look into a good used Toyota 4x4 if I was going to tow a lot.
2007-12-23 06:40:51 · answer #1 · answered by Porksoda 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
On numerous occasions I towed a 1000 lb tent camper or 4x6 to 4x8 ft trailer load of firewood with a 1.8L 83 Subaru years ago (which may have had less than 70 hp). It may depend upon the shape and frontal area of the trailer. There were times when pulling an empty trailer into the wind (like dragging a parachute) was harder than a loaded trailer with the wind. And once while towing the camper in a driving rain I had to use 4WD (front tires would spin otherwise).
I would not think anything would have trouble towing 600 lbs, unless it is a tall square trailer into the wind on the hwy. You should typically have the trailer balanced with 10% of trailer weight on the hitch (about 60 lbs in your case) or maybe a little more if no load in the truck.
2007-12-23 14:20:39 · answer #2 · answered by efflandt 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Look at it this way ... 600 pounds is similar to having 2 large men & 1 average size male in your Jeep as you drive it. A trailer of that weight should be no problem for your Wrangler, at least with respect to damaging it. I'll assume that you're comfortable with driving a slug, because the 2.5L can be sluggish on hilly terrain even with no load. A 2.5L Wrangler has a Peugot motor and they are proven to be crappy. Don't waste your money.
What you want to keep in mind for towing (moreso than just the weight of the trailer), is your size-to-weight ratio. A Wrangler has a very short wheelbase. Depending on the weight of the trailer plus cargo, you could have a case of "the tail wagging the dog". Even mild hills and any significant corners at speed could create a problem with drag and fishtailing. To tow a trailer you really need a vehicle with a longer wheelbase. Since you're vehicle shopping, I'd hold out for something longer. You're probably watching your finances, but consider the overall safety of this setup and you might want to buy a different vehicle. If you want to stay in the Jeep family, a 4.0L (6 cylinder) Jeep Cherokee (NOT Grand Cherokee) with similar years & mileage costs less than a Wrangler (don't ask me why!), they're better for towing, and you just might be able to haul your stuff inside the truck. The L6 motor is bulletproof and the trannies last forever with proper maintenance. Grand Cherokees typically cost more & I suspect you're watching spending as evidenced by your choice of engine size.
The ability to take the top off a Wrangler should be less important than the suitability of the vehicle for the intended purpose, espacially with safety as your primary concern.
Good Luck with making the right choice.
2007-12-24 09:53:43 · answer #3 · answered by Fat Chick 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A 2.5? Yeah, not only will it be rough to drive, but regularly towing with a 2.5 4 cyl will wear out the engine more quickly. Of course, it is a very small trailer, so it won't be that bad. I would just recommend changing the oil at very close intervals, maybe every 2,000 or 3,000 miles.
2007-12-23 14:00:14 · answer #4 · answered by Jack B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The 4 will pull the trailer, but if you do ANY hills, your gonna wish you would have waited for the 6!
You would be better off (and happier) that you bought the 6cyl over the 4 just because the jeep will be a ton more responsive. Fuel mileage will be similar, but the 4 will do better of the two motors.
2007-12-23 13:53:02 · answer #5 · answered by boogie_4wheel 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You definitly want the I6 engine. Don't get a new Wrangler with the V6 they're junk. The I6 engines are great, reliable workhorse engines and last forever.
I have almost 190,678 miles on my 96 Grand Cherokee Limited 4.0L I6 4x4 Jeep and its still running strong, and I go offroad occasionally.
2007-12-24 23:55:23 · answer #6 · answered by Bill S 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋