Towing capacity for a '60 CJ5

Hi guys... I am new to posting on this forum but have read it for a long time.

I would like to tow a 2500# trailer (unloaded) with a '60 CJ5...fresh motor....11" brakes up front. I will need to travel about 600 miles and some interstate highway will be involved. What do you think?

Thanks

 

tell us more
what engine and axle ratio do you have ?
overdrive ?
good mechancial condition ?
are you experienced in driving/towing with the Jeep ?

 

Will the trailer have brakes? Are you going to be loading it with something for the return trip?

 

The Spen trailer was rated 3/4 ton so I can get you that far as it was a Willys Approved accessory. I would doubt it w/ a 4 cyl. In fact just the 600 miles w/o trailer reminds me of college days when I drove vehicles that you never knew if they would make it.

 

To the admin: Sorry, I certainly did not mean to break the rules....I will know better from here forward.....

'60 is unmolested (except for brakes): F134, T90, Dana 18. Don't know the axle ratios. Picking up trailer and so will remain unloaded. It does have brakes but jeep is not rigged to supply power.

Excellent mechanical condition.

I am very experienced in towing trailers; however have not towed with a jeep.

Thanks

 

I hope you live where it is flat. Near me everything is a hill or mountain.

 

I would add wires for trailer brakes. Also I think that 2500#'s is a bit much for a short wb jeep. A weight distributing hitch with sway bars would also be a good idea.


In the event that you don't want trailer brakes (some states require them), I would add the 11" brakes to the rear.

 

:iagree:

The problem with towing with a Jeep is that it is light and has a very short wheelbase.

When I had my YJ, I once towed a trailer with some gravel (~2000lb total weight). I only towed it about 5 miles at less than 55 MPH and it scared me to death. The YJ had plenty of power (258-6) and plenty of brakes, the problem was without having brakes on the trailer it would build up enough momentum to push the Jeep anytime I tried to stop or slow-down. And the wheelbase was short enough that it would try to spin the Jeep. Both of these problems would be obviously worse with an ECJ-5.

 

wow, a sense of adventure I see

I wouldn't do it, and I think I am a little crazy at times.

I guess if you plan on spreading out the driving a few days each way, it might be fun.

 

Most states require brakes at the 3K GVW mark

 

Yea, you are right....alittle crazy..:drool:

I once towed a gooseneck trailer loaded with a M35A2 (trailer and truck @ about 18,000+) with a F350 from NJ to GA. Talk about pushing a little truck around on the stops!! (Yes, I did have trailer brakes).

Now that I think about it.....light ECJ..not much rubber on the ground...not such good brakes to start..

Figure another way to get the trailer home.

Thanks, Y'all!

 

I know this thread is old, but I couldn't help but add my experience. I remember going to Post Falls. Idaho from Yakima, WA. in a 52' CJ3A, 350 Chev V-8, Ford 9 bolt toploader, Warn OD 4:56 gears, 11" brakes (thank God) pulling our 16'hay trailer(looked like a car hauler), got there, loaded it full of RR ties and drove back to Yakima. Trailer had that slide hitch hydraulic brake system but talk about the "tail waggin the dog".R)
I still remind my Dad to this day about that kind of insanity.

 

ECJ5 for 1960 should have 538 gearing in the differentials. If you don't have an overdrive you are going to be limited to 50-55 mph. Something like a 12 hour trip (or two days if you want to break it up some.) The trailer and your '60 are real close to the same weight. '60 curb weight is about 2520lbs with gas, oil and water. Plus your weight. Plus any add-ons like the roll cage and hi-lift jack. You are going to want the trailer brakes operational for safety. I would anyway.

 

I once towed a 16 foot lowboy trailer unloaded (not sure on the weight) w/ my 71 (v6) wired for trailer brakes, front disc conversion, 11" rear drums about 15 miles for a friend when his truck broke down.

Let's just say I would not suggest it (and I am a seasoned Jeep owner) and I would personally not do it again. Just my two cents