First Tow coming up looking for thoughts or opinions

[BDPJR]

Since we are giving tips, I carry a simple, cheap, infrared thermometer with me when I tow.
When I stop for fuel, or rest I take a temp reading just to keep a trend on what the wheel/bearing temps are.
Good luck.

Great idea!!

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[NC_Overland]

Since we are giving tips, I carry a simple, cheap, infrared thermometer with me when I tow.
When I stop for fuel, or rest I take a temp reading just to keep a trend on what the wheel/bearing temps are.
Good luck.

That’s a great idea. I also just go by feel. I have a few of those too.

 

[Mr Miami]

Good morning,

I have my first trip coming up with a 2024 gladiator Rubicon X. I’ll be leaving Atlanta Georgia and headed down to Perdido Key Florida. We bring the boat down twice ia year. This will be my first trip doing it with the gladiator. Specs say I’m good for 7000 pounds. The boat is a 20 foot cobia center console weighing 2745, the motor weighs 500 the trailer around 1200 lbs for a total of approximately 4445lbs. Plan on running the fuel down to next to nothing before we take it other than that it’ll just be luggage and fishing gear.

i’m pretty sure we’ll be fine. Just wanted to post here for any real world experience, tips, tricks or advice. Thanks in advance for any input!

You have about a 350 mile one-way trip but it is relatively flat, especially as you get closer to the Gulf. Some very good comments/recommendations here about your trip. Personally, I think condition, braking and speed are three of the most important aspects of towing.

Condition: Depending on the age and mileage on the trailer, new or repacked bearing is a must. It's cheap and easy to do or won't break the bank if someone else does it for you. You will be driving 800 miles total or so and remember the smaller trailer tires are spinning much faster than those on your Jeep.

Braking: As others have mentioned, getting up to speed is the easy part; stopping unexpectedly is the hard part. Make sure the brakes are working as designed or else the Jeep may be making a quick stop but the trailer won't. It's no fun looking out your driver side window and seeing your trailer pass by.

Speed: Most important, at least in my mind and experience, is speed. A lot of unexpected events can occur if you try to exceed or in some cases, even drive the speed limit. Doing what you are doing, I personally would keep the maximum speed to about 65 MPH. You may get away with some overweight, braking or condition issues if you are driving at a relatively slower speed. Getting to your location 20-30 minutes later is much better than having a seized wheel fly off the trailer and having to replace it on the highway. Same can be said about braking. You may not even know there is a problem with one of the brakes during your trip if you are driving at a reasonable speed.

In any case, we wish you the best on your trip and have a great time.

 

[Janster]

Make sure your hubs are lubed up before you go.
Tires are in good condition and aired up to proper psi (including the Spare). Carry the grease gun/grease with you.
You could also carry a spare hub assembly since you’re traveling so far away.

Get everything setup and take it for a TEST drive before you go. We have a boat ourselves but it’s not that heavy that I’m ever concerned about tonque weight or controllability. With a larger boat…. Adjusting the drop 1” one way or the other could make huge difference.

Good Luck & Stay safe!

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Make sure your hubs are lubed up before you go.
Tires are in good condition and aired up to proper psi (including the Spare). Carry the grease gun/grease with you.
You could also carry a spare hub assembly since you’re traveling so far away.

Get everything setup and take it for a TEST drive before you go. We have a boat ourselves but it’s not that heavy that I’m ever concerned about tonque weight or controllability. With a larger boat…. Adjusting the drop 1” one way or the other could make huge difference.

Good Luck & Stay safe!

Hubs especially on boat trailers, but then, I lose a hub and in fact whole axle on my car hauler years ago. Since then, I carry a piece of chain and some bolts so if lose a hub or axle, I can chain that end up to the frame, remove that tire, and run on 3 tires (not possible on a single axle)
In my trailer's tool box:
Jack
Hammer
grease gun
chain and bolts
extra car straps
BIG crescent wrench (for ball nuts or other things)
Breaker bar and sockets for wheel nuts
and other stuff I've forgotten about.

 

[BDPJR]

Thank you guys so much!!!! Just services the trailer (it’s only 2 years old) all looked good with the exception of a cracked bearing cap and a missing bearing cap. We always drive halfway stop spending the night then leisurely finish up the following day! Again, thank you guys all so much.

 

[Gladiator Brad 704]

You will be fine. I have a 2020 Rubicon with maxtow. I tow a RV that gets pretty close to that 7000lb max. No problems mountains or the coast. It is pretty flat in Fla. don't worry. You didn't mention whether you have an auto. or stick. Keep an eye on your gauges.

 

[BDPJR]

You will be fine. I have a 2020 Rubicon with maxtow. I tow a RV that gets pretty close to that 7000lb max. No problems mountains or the coast. It is pretty flat in Fla. don't worry. You didn't mention whether you have an auto. or stick. Keep an eye on your gauges.

Auto!

 

[BDPJR]

Ready to go! So far so good, towed pretty well!

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[ShadowsPapa]

I have a 2020 Rubicon with maxtow.

No such thing, sorry.

 

[Mr Miami]

No such thing, sorry.

I was thinking the same thing but didn't want to pee on the parade.

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