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Old 05-06-2017, 09:52 PM   #11
Magpie
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Angry Tow weight

I am reading all the posts on weight. I am concerned. I just purchased a 2003 3023. Says its about 2900lbs. I have 2016 Wrangler with tow package. Says can tow 3500lbs. Dealer said I can pull it. But posts don't sound like it. Oh no.
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Old 05-06-2017, 10:21 PM   #12
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Others may be able offer better advice than myself, but it looks like you may have to upgrade your tow vehicle or return your trailer. I would think you have grounds to be allowed to return the trailer based on misleading information from a salesperson.

However, if you like the trailer, why not buy an older truck and license it only when you want to tow? I found a great deal on my Tahoe when I got it.
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Old 05-06-2017, 11:30 PM   #13
BrucePerens
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Magpie View Post
I am reading all the posts on weight. I am concerned. I just purchased a 2003 3023. Says its about 2900lbs. I have 2016 Wrangler with tow package. Says can tow 3500lbs. Dealer said I can pull it. But posts don't sound like it. Oh no.
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Trailmanor will tell you that you can pull it, too. A lot of folks here don't think it's safe. Towing ratings are recommendations only, and for some reason they are often higher for the same vehicle when it is sold in Europe. And the Trailmanor has less wind profile and a lower center of gravity than other trailers its size. Ultimately what matters is whether you feel safe pulling it.
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Old 05-07-2017, 12:02 AM   #14
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Also keep in mind my calculated amount leftover for cargo was based on maxing out the wheel limit. Because my towing capacity is something crazy like 8000 lbs, I'm not concerned about that limit myself.

If you do feel you can tow it, you will probably need a weight distributing hitch. This will transfer more weight back to the wheels which will probably mean you'll have to upgrade your wheels and tires, and add a lift kit, unless that's already been done.

Also, regarding towing ratings, I recall one member here pushed their towing rating and burned out their transmission. It's not always about safety, but also wear and tear. I see that the Wrangler has a manual transmission, so it may fare better.
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Old 05-07-2017, 06:19 AM   #15
rvcycleguy
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BrucePerens View Post
Trailmanor will tell you that you can pull it, too. A lot of folks here don't think it's safe. Towing ratings are recommendations only, and for some reason they are often higher for the same vehicle when it is sold in Europee. And the Trailmanor has less wind profile and a lower center of gravity than other trailers its size. Ultimately what matters is whether you feel safe pulling it.
In my opinion, it's not just about pulling it.... It's about stopping it. The vehicle is not rated to tow and stop a 4k lb camper. That's camper, gear, appliances, and everything loaded to camp for 2 people or more. I see and read here of how gear adds up pretty quick. Hundred pounds here, hundred pounds there...

Safety should be the OP main concern. Safety for the tow vehicle, occupants and the camper and other travelers on the road. I wouldn't tow without a margin of at least 1000 lbs min. So, in this case, 5k lb tow rating is minimum.
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Old 05-07-2017, 07:30 PM   #16
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Well can say I've been towing since 1970 and towed a lot more with a lot less (but that was before I knew what I do now and we didn't have tow ratings, just bumper or frame hitch).

Now is this a plain Wrangler or Wrangler Unlimited ? Manual or automagic transmission ? (one case where I would think the manual would be better for towing, 6-speed has an absurdly low 1st gear.)

Key is with that low a rating you might not be able to go 65-70 safely but 50 now...

Would definitely need to upgrade the trailer tires and use a weight distributing hitch because I can promise that a 3023 will exceed the 350 lb max tongue weight of your hitch (my 2720SL has a 430-460 lb (depends on load distribution) tongue weight.

OTOH might be a good excuse to trade on a Grand Cherokee like several of us have.
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Old 05-07-2017, 08:59 PM   #17
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In 2003, I weighed mine (2619) at a truck stop, which is the only way to really know. This was with no fresh water (I never travel with it) but full propane. We don't have an awning or a TV antenna, and I have removed the wardrobe.

Weight of Expedition alone: 5940 lb
Weight of Expedition and Trailmanor: 8660 lb
Weight of Trailmanor: 2720 lb

The axle weights were interesting
Truck front: 2980 Truck rear: 2960
Truck front: 2820 Truck rear: 3080 Trailer: 2760 (I have a weight distribution hitch)
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Old 05-08-2017, 01:01 PM   #18
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Explains part of why my Jeep does so well with a 6, at 4475 lbs (dry) it is the lightest Grand Cherokee.
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Old 05-08-2017, 01:17 PM   #19
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Something I noticed is this:
Expedition alone: 5940 lbs
Expedition weight attached to trailer with WDH: 2820 + 3080 = 5900.

The WDH has transferred 40 lbs of the Expedition mass to the trailer. This also means that the weight of the trailer is more than the loaded trailer alone. Now that I think of this, it shouldn't surprise me, but all the more reason to make sure you have good brakes and a good brake controller, and good tires/rims.
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Old 05-08-2017, 01:56 PM   #20
HoMiPa
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Magpie View Post
I am reading all the posts on weight. I am concerned. I just purchased a 2003 3023. Says its about 2900lbs. I have 2016 Wrangler with tow package. Says can tow 3500lbs. Dealer said I can pull it. But posts don't sound like it. Oh no.
Debbie
Is there a way you can do a few test tows? I ask because I used to tow my 3023 with a '98 Chrysler Town & Country, with factory tow package. This was way before I any hint of book smarts about towing, but had plenty of practical exercise in towing. I just recently (as in a few days ago), looked up the tow rating of my T&C, only to find out that it was rated for 3500 max. It actually did a beautiful job towing my 3023, which included plenty of trips across the Blue Ridge, and trips to/through the mountains of VT & NH. That being said, I think the low profile, and low center of gravity, of a TM helps a great deal.

Anyway, if you can do some test tows, without dropping a lot of money (breaking system on TV, WDH) on things you may end up not needing, I would do that before making any decision to buy a new TV, or return the TM. See how comfortable you feel towing it.
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