shnz821 Report post Posted August 12, 2019 Hi! I've never had a toad before and am considering getting one to tow behind my 'new to me' 2012 Winnebago Via 25T (Mercedes diesel sprinter). I'm looking at Jeep Wranglers, as I will most likely trade in my Honda Ridgeline for the Jeep and then use the Jeep for things I currently do at home with the truck (taking my 3 small dogs anywhere, hauling my kayak and/or bicycle, etc). I know I want an automatic, hard top (for the kayak rack) and probably a 2 door model as I want to keep the weight down. Outside of that, I'm kind of clueless on what model I should get. Are there certain wranglers that are better to tow than others? I'd always heard that the Rubicon is the best, but when I look up features, it sounds like that might be for things I probably won't do, like off-roading. I do want stability when driving in heavy storms (home base is Florida) and like to have 4WD for better traction. Since I'm going to trade my Ridgeline (and prefer not to kick in any more cash), I will probably be looking at used models in the <$18K price range (do some hold up better in mileage than others??). I see many for sale locally that have lift kits and winches on them....these seem like they would be bad for the tow setup, is that correct? I am also looking for advice on the best towing setup for ease of attaching/detaching. I'll be doing this by myself so whatever is simple and less time consuming (yet also safe) is preferred. Definitely going to flat tow, as I don't want to deal with parking an extra trailer. Thanks in advance for your input! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jleamont Report post Posted August 12, 2019 shnz821, Welcome to the FMCA Forums! Which model wrangler will depend on what luxuries you want. Powertrains are all the same with the exception to the Rubicon, which is equipped with locking differential’s. If you are not off roading this would be a waste of your money. We have had several Jeeps for toads from the X to a Polar edition which is the first Automatic we have owned and they all tow with ease. We have had a few with lifts (including the Polar) I actually think they tow better and drive better lifted than stock. I run the Demco Commander tow bar with an M&G engineering supplemental brake system which I love! We pull from the aftermarket steel bumper rather than a base plate. Roadmaster makes tow bars and those adapters to connect to the steel bumper. The Roadmaster adapters happen to fit the Demco bar by luck, not design. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
elkhartjim Report post Posted August 12, 2019 Your $18,000 budget is most likely going to limit you to 2010 and older Wranglers. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shnz821 Report post Posted August 12, 2019 jleamont - Thank you for the info! I was wondering if I could use the hooks that I saw on the existing bumpers (most of which around here are aftermarket mods). Good to know. As for luxuries, well I would prefer power windows (can't believe manual crank windows were still being sold in the 2000s!), and AC is a must here in FL. Otherwise most everything else I can get aftermarket (bluetooth, nav, etc...via a new radio system). Seat warmers would be nice, but not really necessary since I don't really plan on driving in the snow anymore. I do prefer leather over cloth (not a deal breaker though), but don't want carpet on the floor....it's a Jeep afterall, I want to be able to hose it out if needed after the dogs have been in it. elkhartjim - I've actually seen up to a 2013 wrangler within my budget and still under 150K miles. I'd prefer under 100K miles though, so that will probably put me at 2011 or older for the price. I'm fine with that. I have a luxury hybrid for my daily driver, so this will be more of a camping/outdoor activity vehicle. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fagnaml Report post Posted August 12, 2019 shnz821 -- I have a 2016 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara that I use as my everyday "concrete jungle" commuting vehicle in the Houston area and then tow it behind my motorhome for weekend adventures. The Sahara is a great vehicle for both purposes. To keep the cost somewhat lower, I don't have fancy video screen, back-up camera, etc. in the dashboard -- it is a Wrangler after all. And to keep the cost down I didn't purchase a Rubicon as I knew I wouldn't use the Jeep for ultra-serious off-roading (like rock climbing). From a 'hauling capacity" perspective, I can haul almost anything that I used to haul in my 2011 Silverado. I have the Roadmaster All Terrain tow bar and Roadmaster Invisibrake supplemental braking system which have worked flawlessly and are easy to use. A key question for you is the tow rating for your "new to you" 2012 Winnebago Via 25T. Reason for asking is it needs to have a 5,000 lbs. tow rating as the "curb weight" of a four door Wrangler Unlimited is ~4,200 lbs. Two door Wranglers have a curb weight of ~3,800 lbs. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kaypsmith Report post Posted August 12, 2019 I tow a 2000 Wrangler sport utility and love it. I picked up a Roadmaster stowmaster tow bar used off ebay, I made a few mods to the towbar so that I was able to use a Curt front mounted class 3 hitch, to which I can easily put the towbar on, works great, I also use an M&G brake system, very easily installed, a very good investment. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
