camping trailer

I was looking at some camping trailers with tents that mount on top (tentrax, Jeep/Mopar, AT). I have never towed anything in a Jeep, much less a 57 CJ5 with its narrow base. How stable are these things towing, and how big of a trailer can it tow without issues? I have a 57 with a 283 SBC in it. original T90 tranny with a 3 inch lift. 32 size tires. Dana 44 with 5.38 gears and powerlocks rear/front.

I have a Cross enterprise rear bumper with receiver. Just want to make sure the cj can handle the tow. I have towed trailers in my truck, just not the cj.
Thanks
Paul

 

Hi 57cj5,

I hope this helps. Note that the military jeeps regularly towed ammo trailers. M100, Bantam etc....

Rule of thumb, tow rig should weigh at least 750 LBS more than the trailer being towed.

Tongue weight should not be less than 10% of trailer weight, not more than 20%.

So with your drivetrain combination, pulling will be no problem. Braking, well if your brake system is in good condition, it should be OK. Leave room for stopping. That is good advice no matter what you're towing with.

The short wheelbase is going to feel whippy with a trailer, especially if you are used to towing with a long wheelbase truck. Backing up will be a challenge. On highway, you probably won't notice much as long as you stick to the "rules of thumb" above.

If the braking concerns you just make sure to get a trailer with a braking system.

 

I towed close to 800lbs 1000miles on the highway behind my f-134,
9" brakes are marginal with just my hard top.
11in front brakes are wise, otherwise its two feet on the breaks one hand on the E-brake and one killing the engine.

I noticed when trying to slow for turns the trailer pushes rather high above the axle which will make the body sway uncomfortable, personally with the 3" lift I would vote electric trailer brakes, that way you can keep the trailer from pushing you over when you see RED around the 55mph turn.
here is my rig for that trip,

 

I got the front disc brake upgrade and rear 11 inch drum upgrade from Herm. Also,I have a 283 SBC. I like the idea of brakes on the trailer. I wouldn't pull it on the interstate, likely just local roads and maybe a 4 lane highway. I would work my way up to towing it and feeling comfortable.

 

With disks and 11" drums, I don't think you're going to have any problems.
I would say most of the time, you're barely going to know the trailer is there. Electric trailer brakes are always a good idea though, anyway.

 

My pop-up is about 1400 lbs. I need longer mirrors to be legal. I have a stock 225, front disks and rear 11" drums. Pulling and stopping is no problem.

 

anyone toe with a narrow wheel base like the 57? Does a '71 have a wider base?

 

They are the same wheelbase.

 

i tow out 800 lb camper and 400 lbs of gear / people. my 5 has a 360 with howell TBI. pulling power is not an issue it is stopping power. i have a YJ booster and front factory discs on front.

 

cobra5laddict

Just wanted to chime in a say I am in LOVE with your CJ5!! Wow, did you do the resto yourself? Well done.

 

I have 11 inch drum brakes in the rear with front disc brake conversion (12 inch discs I believe). No power brakes. Power brakes would be nice but I am not sure how to mount a booster with the through he floor pedals. BY the way, I also have a dual reservoir master cylinder conversion. The big concern was stopping power, but also towing with the narrow wheel base.

 

thanks

all done by me, i farmed out the paint but i did all the sheet metal / rust repair.

 

I was looking at a 13" Scamp trailer. I have a 73 CJ5 with inline 6. Is this plausible or is camper going to be too large?

 

It should work. Just don't be in a hurry when you are trying to get somewhere. Trailer brakes would help a lot in stopping.

 

be cautious on the windy days.

 

well my ambitions are high. I would love to take my jeep/camper across country. Any advice?

 

start early