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| I have a 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo with 100k miles and six cylinder engine. Looking at buying a smaller/older Ranger in the 17ft. range and estimate weight with motor, boat, and trailer around 2000 pounds. Does anyone have an opinion if they think my truck can pull this rig alright or have any good resources to research this. Anyone have experience with Jeeps as towing vehicles. |
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Posts: 122
Location: Bloomington, IL | The 4.0 is a great engine, for sure. I would say if you keep on top of maintenance, and DON'T rag on it, it will last you, even pulling, for another 100k.
The towing capacity is 5k on your vehicle, provided you have a hitch. Something that would probably be a good idea before pulling is getting the transmission fluid and filter changed. Also your oil changes will need to be done at earlier intervals....not stretching them out to 5k...6k....and sometimes even 7k like I do. 
The nice thing about boats, too, is that when on the trailer, they are very well balanced. So you won't be overloading your suspension. You might notice just a little a little sag, squish, or squirrelliness when you are hooked up. If it bothers you, you could always add an add-a-leaf or some helper airbags, but I don't think they would be necessary.
So bottom line, I think you would be fine.....it wouldn't be my first choice, but then, I used to pull w\ a dually, and have since downsized to a half ton quad cab, and I don't really like it either. 
Edited by scolba 8/19/2008 6:59 AM
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Posts: 13688
Location: minocqua, wi. | if you are looking for a 17' boat i suggest you consider a tuffy esox magnum. i was a ranger owner before and ran a 20' boat. in order to have different tow vehicle options, less money invested etc... i bought the tuffy. it's the biggest 17' fishing boat made and you could pull it with a toyota corolla.
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Posts: 5874
| Good advice on the tranny fluid/filter change. While you are at it, install a trnsmission fluid cooler, if it doesn't have one already. The best thing you can do for your tranny. You'll have no problem pulling with that rig. Make sure the tongue is level when hitched, and the trailer has brakes that work.
Have fun. |
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Posts: 3514
Location: Elk River, Minnesota | Good points by all, but one suggestion I would add...with a smaller engine and pulling a bigger load, make sure you tow with the transmission OUT of overdrive. The RPM's on the engine will be higher, and your gas mileage will suffer by a mpg or two. The higher RPM's will let the cooling fluids move through their systems more thus keeping the Tranny cooler (if it has the tranny cooler on it) and the engine cooler by allowing the antifreeze coolant to move more.
flat highway running, you might be able to get away with being in Overdrive, but if the tranny keeps changing gears, then out of O.D it should be.
Enjoy the rig!!
Steve |
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Posts: 1316
Location: Lebanon,Mo | Before you even think of changing the tranny fluid,you better have record or at least know of the last time it was changed.If that fluid is the original in the tranny and you change it at 100k,you very well might be looking for another transmission.What happens over time with tranny fluid is it burns itself into the clutches and bands inside.When you go to put new fluid in,it wont absorb the new flluid and tranny slips.Just a thought as I have seen this happen several times.I know there is people on here that know of this. |
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