lwh008 Posted October 13, 2014 Posted October 13, 2014 I think im gonna make a deal on a 2006 ranger 175vs i am concerened about pulling it around since i drive a Jeep Wranglar sport. What do you guys think about pulling the boat with a short wheeled based jeep? Quote
mjseverson24 Posted October 13, 2014 Posted October 13, 2014 I am not as worried about the short wheel base as I am about towing a 2000 lb boat with a 3.8L V6. Now I am an engineer so I tend to be more cautious when dealing with these things, but it will definitely reduce the lifespan of your jeeps drivetrain. For reference I used to own a 2000 jeep grand cherokee with the 4.7L V8 and I bought a new boat that is similar in weight to the 175 VS and it had a hard time pulling it, causing it to consume oil, and having bad fuel economy. I believe the rated towing capacity of the Wranglers are around 3500 lbs, so with boat motor trailer and gear you are going to be around the 3000 lb mark, maybe a little less. So you are within the ratings of the vehicle, one other thing i would check on is the breaking, if you do purchase the boat and want to tow with the jeep I would make sure the trailer has its own breaks, as the jeep alone will have poor performance with breaking unaided... Hope this helps... Mitch 1 Quote
Brian6428 Posted October 13, 2014 Posted October 13, 2014 2 door or 4 door? 3.8L or 3.6L Pentastar? (pre-2012 was 3.8, 2012 models and newer have the 3.6 pentastar) If it is a 4 door with pentastar it would probably tow fine. Just make sure whatever you are towing is within the safe tow weight for the jeep. I've never checked on mine cause I don't tow with it. You can pick up a 2" receiver and wiring kit from quadratic for $70. Ultimately, I wouldn't tow with a 2 door jeep. The wheelbase is just too short. If it's a 4 door and the boat is within the safe weight to tow, go for it. I love my jeep. It is a '13 2dr sport, Black with soft top, manual trans, manual locks and windows. That said, I'd rather trade it in for a truck than tow with the jeep. Quote
BassnChris Posted October 14, 2014 Posted October 14, 2014 The shorter the tow vehicle wheelbase the squirrelly it is.......but if you keep the speed down you should be ok....be careful.....but that goes for everyone. Quote
Super User flyfisher Posted October 14, 2014 Super User Posted October 14, 2014 if it is a 4 door wrangler upgrade the brakes for sure as the stock brakes suck as you already know. Also the higher tow ratings most times that are listed are with the max tow package which has different gearing and if fitted with an automatic, a trans cooler. Quote
Bladesmith, Posted October 14, 2014 Posted October 14, 2014 I would be less concerned with the wheelbase than with the suspension. After all 18 wheelers have short wheel base tractors and do all right. If your suspension is not heavy enough the trailer will whip you all over the road. Make sure the tongue weight does not squat the vehicle too much in the back. My old CJ 5 would not have been adequate to pull such a boat. Quote
lwh008 Posted October 14, 2014 Author Posted October 14, 2014 yeah. im having similar thoughts as everyone else. the brakes are bad just for driving. much less when pulling ~3000 lb. i know its not ideal but im in college so im stuck with it for now. all i need it to do is pull the boat on 30min-60min trips about 3 times a month. i think it can handle it if the boat's weight is well distributed about the trailers axle. I have towed an weldbilt 1460 john boat with diamond plate decking and a heavy 25hp 4-stroke. And when i set the cruise, it usually gets about the same gas milage as without the boat. i was still able to pass other cars up with relative ease. i know the 175vs is a much bigger and heavier boat, but hopfully the jeep can "handle it" but not "excel with it", if you know what i mean. Quote
Bassun Posted October 14, 2014 Posted October 14, 2014 Well, I guess I'm blessed with an ultra light 16' fiberglass Skeeter, cause my tongue weight is nominal. As in, I can lift it with one hand. I would, personally not be concerned with a short wheelbase, as someone stated earlier Cab-Over rigs are extrememly short, compared to their trailers. You will just have to learn to back it up with a little more control than someone in a 4-door long-bed truck. Conversly, you can actualy fit in a parking spot! As for towing, really I think you will be fine. It doesn't take much effort to tow anything once you get it going, save pulling hills. Now, here in western Virginia, we have some mountains to pull...but in Lousianna I don't think you have too many big mountains...do you? My one concern would be braking. If you don't have a set up for trailor braking, and your brakes are already weak in the Jeep -- I think I would be inclined to save up and do a big brake upgrade. I'm sure there are some options in JC Witney. Course then again, you may end up getting pulled down the ramp and sink your Jeep and end up up youtube...what do I know, lol. Good luck! Quote
Super User Jig Man Posted October 14, 2014 Super User Posted October 14, 2014 I'm not sure of your wheel base or suspension if it is like the Liberty you should be fine. My wife has pulled my tandem axle trailer with a 206 Champion all over including 3 times to S. TX with her Lliberty. Quote
lwh008 Posted October 14, 2014 Author Posted October 14, 2014 No. No big mountains but I there are a good many hills in north Louisiana. Quote
Super User WIGuide Posted October 14, 2014 Super User Posted October 14, 2014 Although it's not perfect for the situation it'll get you by. As stated before, you might want to look into a brake upgrade, but other than that you'll be fine. Don't expect great gas mileage, but don't be worried about engineers comments about it dropping. That's normal for any gas engine when pulling any weight. Quote
BassnChris Posted October 14, 2014 Posted October 14, 2014 My old CJ 5 would not have been adequate to pull such a boat. CJ5? Now that's what I call a short wheelbase! Quote
LittleBob Posted October 15, 2014 Posted October 15, 2014 I have a 2010 4 door that I pull our 18 foot champion with. One thing I make sure I do is manually turn the overdrive off, it keeps it at about 2500 RPM and also keeps the transmission from kicking in and out of overdrive constantly. Aside from that it seems to do ok around here but is is fairly flat here. I also have 35" tires it has to turn but still does ok so I'd say you would be fine. Quote
Ozark_Basser Posted October 16, 2014 Posted October 16, 2014 I've pulled my 19 foot ranger with a v6 jeep before and it's not the best option, but you could get away with it. Be careful stopping on downhill slopes because that heavy ranger will push that light jeep through stop signs if you're not careful lol. Quote
ClackerBuzz Posted October 21, 2014 Posted October 21, 2014 i was still able to pass other cars up with relative ease. this is the only sentence in this thread that worries me Quote
Super User Long Mike Posted October 22, 2014 Super User Posted October 22, 2014 this is the only sentence in this thread that worries me Semi thread hi-jack. I have an Escalade with a great big, gas hungry motor, but it pulls my boat with ease. Passing is no problem. Have you ever seen a bass boat on a trailer go past you at 95 mph? Quote
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