H 23.5 towing with Jeep liberty limited

[DavidB75]

Hello, everyone has been helpful with all my previous questions...I do have a lot of them, but I am trying to make sure my purchase goes well and that I can enjoy sailing.

So my question is this, will my Jeep Liberty limited be able to tow the H23.5 here are the specs for the vehicle.

- External dimensions: overall length (inches): 174.4, overall width (inches): 71.6, overall height (inches): 71.9, ground clearance (inches): 9.5, wheelbase (inches): 104.3, front track (inches): 60, rear track (inches): 59.7

- Weights: gross vehicle weight rating (lbs) 5,350, curb weight (lbs) 3,898, gross trailer weight braked (lbs) 5,000 and max payload (lbs) 1,150

any help would be greatly appreciated thank you

 

[petersea]

Dave, get weight of boat and trailer, estimate weight of gear and get total weight of tow. where does that fit in to manufactures specs? Next you need to figure if this is just a tow vehicle for launching and retrieving or for every weekend ??? I think a liberty is a little small unless towing local and maybe a couple of times a year. Just my opinion.

 

[VT Fitz]

Yes, "limited" is the right word

I think you'll find the Jeep Liberty Limited limited in its ability to tow the 23.5, to coin a phrase, unless, as Peter notes, its use is strictly for short haul launching. Even then, I would use great caution. I echo Peter's suggestions for checking it out more thoroughly.

We use a Ford F-150, which is probably overkill. We also have a hitch on our Toyota Sienna, but we haven't towed the 23.5 with it & would only do so for short hauls.

 

[DavidB75]

is weight the issue?

Thanks for all the help, would you guys think its the weight of the boat that is the issue or the small wheel base of the vehicle? I am currently looking at two boats and was caught in between both. However they both weigh the same. The Com-Pac 19 is also a 2000lb boat, so would towing the Com-Pac be a bad idea too. In my case its not the bigest boat I can afford, but the bigest I can tow. Thanks again

 

[petersea]

Both are concerns

Dave, Both the weight and wheel base are issues. First TOTAL weight of tow must be with in mfg spec. Next tow must be set up to vehicle (hitch toung weight etc) As a general statement the longer wheel base the better you will be. Short wheel base have a choppy ride and can be a problem at some launch ramps. BUT if only going to launch and retrieve once a year, the Jeep Liberty may work out OK for you but if you are going to to every weekend or long distance towing I don't think this is the best vehicle for that use.

 

[petersea]

Dave, I checked the Jeep website and it would appear the 2000 pounds of boat and guessing weight of trailer and gear ( I estimate 4000 total) it would fall with in the mfg spec for towing BUT I noticed the website specified load leveling hitch and cooling packages for both engine and transmission. Rating will differ if a 2 wheel drive version or 4 wheel drive version. You will need to check your vehicle spec to make sure but it would appear to be with in mfg spec's. That said again your use will be the determining factor, Good Luck !

 

[Rick Webb]

Yes, but it will probably be right at the edge?

I have towed mine with my Mustang but not over 25 mph and not very far.

Another consideration is frontal area pushing all of that air out out of the way of the boat at highway speeds is going to take some horsepower.

If not already equipped you will want to add a transmision cooler, air shocks, and maybe if you can an engine oil cooler. Another and absolutely a necessity is to make sure you have a full sized spare for your vehicle.

The good news is you find it too much for a Liberty a truck can be got real cheap now.

 

[DavidB75]

Thanks for the help

Well I must thank all of you for your help. I do have a 4x4 and tow package on my vehicle, but as stated before by all the members and smarter people than me, it wouldnt be a good idea. I am in the Army and my next assignment will take me from Kansas to Alabama, I would have to tow the boat that distance and I would normaly would keep the boat on a trailer and tow every time out. I will try to get some opinions on the Com-Pac 19 to see if that would be any better for towing. Thanks again for all the help, great place for information.

Dave

 

[Rick Webb]

Re: Thanks for the help

Now it is a no brainer get the 23.5 rent a UHaul or Ryder Truck claim the weight as part of your Partial DITY Move. The DITY will probably pay for half of the boat if not more.

Where in AL are you PCSing to?

 

[VT Fitz]

Com-Pac probably would present same towing issues

Dave, if the tow weight is about the same, I'd expect the issues will be the same for both.

How far to your "regular" launch site (I appreciate you may not know apropos of the Alabama options)? If not far, the Jeep could still be feasible. Having 4x4 w/tow package does at least mean you have the best possible version of that model. Just find a comfortable cruising ground not far from home & take it easy while towing.

As far as the move, a rental (or friend/family with larger vehicle/truck) could take care of that. Rick seems to have some inside knowledge on how to cover the cost of a rental for you.

Alternatively, wait till you get there & buy something there.

If price & condition are similar, especially if the tow weight is about the same, I'd definitely opt for the larger water-ballasted 23.5.

Also, be wary of "buyer's fever." Believe me, there are always good deals on small sailboats for sale. Hone in an a model or two you like & be a patient shopper.

 

[VT Fitz]

Was thinking Wrangler

Dave, not knowing the Jeep line, I was thinking the Liberty was more along the size of the Wrangler. Obviously, I was mistaken. I think the Liberty looks beefy enough to tow a 23.5, subject to a review of the specs as Rick suggested.

 

[Mike Howell]

We have a Liberty but haven't towed with it.

I HAVE towed a Precision 21 from Danbury, CT to St Marys, GA with a Jeep Cherokee. It was 1004 miles from the purchase spot to my driveway. I used the Cherokee to tow the P21 from St Marys GA (SE corner) to Pensacola, Fl, FL Keys, all ofthe 'local' sailing and a 12 hr hurricane evauation.

The Cherokee had a longer wheelbase and a 4.0 L.

The wheel base of the Liberty would be my concern towing long distances. I think 100 mile trips would be no problem.

If you have a long trip, say Kansas to Alabama, rent a truck. I have a friend with a 23.5 that tows it to and from the marina with a BMW car. He rents a truck for a trip of any distance. He doesn't need a 'regular' tow vehicle since the boat is kept in a slip most of the time.

If you are moving to LA (Lower Alabama), You'll want to be able to tow to Pensacola. I love that place. In June, the Trailersailors have a 'BEER' cruise. It's a 4 day sailing event.

Now I tow with a Dodge HEMI. I have to be careful not to run over the car in front of me when towing.

Good luck,

Mike

 

[Doug L]

Re: Was thinking Wrangler

I tow a Hunter 26 water ballast boat with a Jeep Liberty, I believe the 23.5 is also a water ballast boat, a slightly smaller version of the 26. The 26 weighs about 5000 lb on the trailer and is right at the upper limit of what is recommended. I do not use an equalizing hitch, and the trailer has surge brakes. I have towed the boat a total of about 2,000 miles. I torn off the overdrive to keep the transmission cool and keep the speed to about 60 mph. It will NOT hold that speed on much of a hill. Going uphill the speed drops and the transmission downshifts to 2nd gear and the engine roars until enough speed is achieved to get back into 3rd. It is not a great tow vehicle for a large boat, but it is more capable than some of the other replies would lead you to believe.