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[GMCnet] towd braking systems [message #237952] Wed, 29 January 2014 11:33 Go to next message
Gary Worobec is currently offline  Gary Worobec   United States
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Registered: May 2005
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Senior Member
Hi all, Just bought a Jeep towd. We normally used no braking assist with
the Geo Tracker on our 23 but since the Jeep is heavier I need a braking
system. Has anyone used the M+G system? If not does anyone tow a Jeep and if
so what braking system are you using. Any info would be mighty helpful.





Thanks,



Gary and Joanne Worobec

1973 GMC Glacier

Anza, CA









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Re: [GMCnet] towd braking systems [message #237955 is a reply to message #237952] Wed, 29 January 2014 11:54 Go to previous messageGo to next message
SteveW is currently offline  SteveW   United States
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Registered: June 2005
Location: Southern California - Ora...
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Hmmm...

I'm interested in towing a Jeep too but thought they were a bit too heavy. Not correct ??

I really like a Wrangler Rubicon.

Steve W

1973 23' Canyon Lands (I think)
Southern California





Steve W 1973 : 23' Southern California
Re: [GMCnet] towd braking systems [message #237956 is a reply to message #237955] Wed, 29 January 2014 12:10 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Gary Worobec is currently offline  Gary Worobec   United States
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Here is my rational. Since a 23 is 2000 lbs lighter than a 26 and guys are
towing 2000 lb Trackers with 26's then I ought to be able to tow a 4000 lb
Jeep with a 455 and a 3:55 diff in my 23. We kind of make it a practice that
if we are going to a far away rally we usually rent a car when we get there.
For the cost of the extra gas and wear and tear I can rent from Enterprise
for a couple of hundred bucks for a week. When we go locally to the desert
here in SoCal it's usually less than a couple of hundred miles so not that
much of a pull. I do have an extra b+m trans cooler with a fan as well so
that will help.


Thanks,

Gary and Joanne Worobec
1973 GMC Glacier
Anza, CA




-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org
[mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Steve Weinstock
Sent: Wednesday, January 29, 2014 9:54 AM
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] towd braking systems



Hmmm...

I'm interested in towing a Jeep too but thought they were a bit too heavy.
Not correct ??

I really like a Wrangler Rubicon.

Steve W

1973 23' Canyon Lands (I think)
Southern California




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Re: [GMCnet] towd braking systems [message #237958 is a reply to message #237952] Wed, 29 January 2014 12:17 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Carl S. is currently offline  Carl S.   United States
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Location: Tucson, AZ.
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Gary,

We normally tow a 2003 four door Tracker at about 2,900 lbs. I have towed my old XJ Cherokee at about 3,800 lbs. In both cases, I use a Brake Buddy. I'm sure there are better, more advanced braking systems available, but the Brake Buddy is completely self contained and portable, easily transferred from car to car. Besides, I bought it second hand for $350.00. Works for me.

I also have the Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm disc brakes, so I only really need the towd brake system to be legal. I have it set to only activate under somewhat hard braking. Both sensitivity and power are infinitely (sort of) adjustable, so you can change the settings depending on the weight of the towd.


Carl Stouffer '75 ex Palm Beach Tucson, AZ. Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member

[Updated on: Wed, 29 January 2014 14:21]

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Re: [GMCnet] towd braking systems [message #237962 is a reply to message #237955] Wed, 29 January 2014 12:26 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Carl S. is currently offline  Carl S.   United States
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SteveW wrote on Wed, 29 January 2014 10:54

Hmmm...

I'm interested in towing a Jeep too but thought they were a bit too heavy. Not correct ??

I really like a Wrangler Rubicon.

Steve W

1973 23' Canyon Lands (I think)
Southern California





Steve,

The latest model Wrangler (JK) is a bit on the heavy side, but with an auxiliary transmission cooler, you could probably do it. If I were looking for a Wrangler to tow, I think I would stick with a TJ, the previous model. They are about the same weight as my XJ Cherokee.

I see some merit in Gary's rationale in that your 23' coach is a lot lighter than a 26 footer, giving you more potential towing capacity. My coach/towd combo probably weighs upward of 15,000 lbs, even when towing the lighter Tracker. My son was giving me a hard time about "not being able to go the speed limit" the other day. I told him I can easily go the speed limit and beyond, I just don't think it's prudent to run that much weight down the road at much more that 65 mph.


Carl Stouffer '75 ex Palm Beach Tucson, AZ. Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
Re: [GMCnet] towd braking systems [message #237964 is a reply to message #237962] Wed, 29 January 2014 12:42 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Gary Worobec is currently offline  Gary Worobec   United States
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I have Manny's number on speed dial just in case. LOL.


Thanks,

Gary and Joanne Worobec
1973 GMC Glacier
Anza, CA



-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org
[mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Carl Stouffer
Sent: Wednesday, January 29, 2014 10:26 AM
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] towd braking systems



SteveW wrote on Wed, 29 January 2014 10:54
> Hmmm...
>
> I'm interested in towing a Jeep too but thought they were a bit too heavy.
Not correct ??
>
> I really like a Wrangler Rubicon.
>
> Steve W
>
> 1973 23' Canyon Lands (I think)
> Southern California



Steve,

The latest model Wrangler (JK) is a bit on the heavy side, but with an
auxiliary transmission cooler, you could probably do it. If I were looking
for a Wrangler to tow, I think I would stick with a TJ, the previous model.
They are about the same weight as my XJ Cherokee.

I see some merit in Gary's rationale in that your 23' coach is a lot lighter
than a 26 footer, giving you more potential towing capacity. My coach/towd
combo probably weighs upward of 15,000 lbs, even when towing the lighter
Tracker. My son was giving me a hard time about "not being able to go the
speed limit" the other day. I told him I can easily go the speed limit and
beyond, I just don't think it's prudent to run that much weight down the
road at much more that 65 mph.
--
Carl S.
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
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Re: [GMCnet] towd braking systems [message #237966 is a reply to message #237962] Wed, 29 January 2014 13:03 Go to previous messageGo to next message
A Hamilto is currently offline  A Hamilto   United States
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Carl S. wrote on Wed, 29 January 2014 12:26

...I just don't think it's prudent to run that much weight down the road at much more that 65 mph.
When I am driving the Ford Freestyle with the whole family and luggage in it, you will find me in the right lane doing not more than 65. Annoys the CFO when the speed limit is 70, but she doesn't understand the laws of physics (inertia quadruples as speed doubles). She thinks I do it to save a few gallons of gas over a few hundred miles. When I try to explain anything she doesn't want to hear/know, her eyes glaze over and she wanders off, either mentally or physically.

That extra 5 mph IS significant relative to energy that has to be dissipated, either by the brakes, or by the crumple zone of the body/frame.
Re: [GMCnet] towd braking systems [message #237993 is a reply to message #237952] Wed, 29 January 2014 17:23 Go to previous messageGo to next message
habbyguy is currently offline  habbyguy   United States
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This depends on the Jeep. The standard listed weight of an XJ Cherokee is only 3,300 pounds. Mine's probably a little higher since it's a 4x4, but it's got two doors, a manual transmission, and power nothing. I was considering looking for a Suzuki, but it looks like the weight difference is minimal, and I'd end up with a vehicle without the interior room of the Jeep (or the off-road capability, for that matter).

Mark Hickey Mesa, AZ 1978 Royale Center Kitchen
Re: [GMCnet] towd braking systems [message #238066 is a reply to message #237952] Thu, 30 January 2014 08:00 Go to previous messageGo to next message
shawnee is currently offline  shawnee   United States
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[quote title=Gary Worobec wrote on Wed, 29 January 2014 12:33]Hi all, Just bought a Jeep towd. We normally used no braking assist with
the Geo Tracker on our 23 but since the Jeep is heavier I need a braking
system. Has anyone used the M+G system? If not does anyone tow a Jeep and if
so what braking system are you using. Any info would be mighty helpful.





Thanks,



Gary and Joanne Worobec

1973 GMC Glacier

Anza, CA


Gary,

I use the "Stay in Play" which is radio controlled, no hook upto the coach. You do not have to move anything around with this one when you disconnect. They have a newer system with smaller units than on mine which is about 8 years old.








Gene Dotson
74 Canyonlands
www.bdub.net/Motorhome_Enhancements New Windows and Aluminum Radiators
Re: [GMCnet] towd braking systems [message #238071 is a reply to message #237993] Thu, 30 January 2014 08:35 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Carl S. is currently offline  Carl S.   United States
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Location: Tucson, AZ.
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habbyguy wrote on Wed, 29 January 2014 16:23

This depends on the Jeep. The standard listed weight of an XJ Cherokee is only 3,300 pounds. Mine's probably a little higher since it's a 4x4, but it's got two doors, a manual transmission, and power nothing. I was considering looking for a Suzuki, but it looks like the weight difference is minimal, and I'd end up with a vehicle without the interior room of the Jeep (or the off-road capability, for that matter).



Mark,

That curb weight may be true of a stripped down 2WD 2-door Cherokee. Wikipedia lists the curb weight as 3,357 lbs. I had my '87 Cherokee Laredo weighed. It is a loaded 4WD model and with me in it, it weighed 3,940 lbs. Fully dressed, with shoes on, I probably weigh close to 240, that still puts the empty weight of the Jeep at 3,700 lbs. Add to that the weight of the tow bar, brake buddy, etc, and you fast approach the 3,800 I mentioned.

I think you might be surprised at the weight of yours if you take it across a scale.


Carl Stouffer '75 ex Palm Beach Tucson, AZ. Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
Re: [GMCnet] towd braking systems [message #238789 is a reply to message #238071] Tue, 04 February 2014 17:41 Go to previous messageGo to next message
corleyw is currently offline  corleyw   United States
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You guys really tow at 65mph? What am I missing, all the hiway signs I see say 55 if towing???

I used to tow a Samurai, no brakes, then started towing a Miata, still no brakes. I have a brand new brake buddy sitting at home, too big to fit in the Miata's trunk when I get to my destinations. May upgrade to the XL7 as my towd and use the brake buddy then... It's sort of heavy though... The Miata was (almost) free, and works well though, so we are happy with it, and I don't even notice it back there except on hills.

I'll stick to 55-60 as top towing speeds...


Corley '76 Glenbrook 29 other vehicles
Re: [GMCnet] towd braking systems [message #238799 is a reply to message #238789] Tue, 04 February 2014 18:24 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Matt Colie is currently offline  Matt Colie   United States
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corleyw wrote on Tue, 04 February 2014 18:41

You guys really tow at 65mph? What am I missing, all the hiway signs I see say 55 if towing???
<snip>
I'll stick to 55-60 as top towing speeds...

Corley,

There are other places that people live that are NOT in California.

NHSTA studies have proven that mixed speed limits are dangerous.

Matt


Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
Re: [GMCnet] towd braking systems [message #238816 is a reply to message #238799] Tue, 04 February 2014 20:54 Go to previous message
corleyw is currently offline  corleyw   United States
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Since I live in Washington state, I'm aware that there are other parts of the country besides Cal. However, all the pacific states seem to limit trucks and towing to 55. I try to travel with the trucks, which usually means about 60, a very comfortable speed for the wandering beast that I am herding. You see, all the pacific states seem to have a common fault in their hiways, that being very deep ruts from the trucks. My GMC doesn't like those ruts one bit. I installed front wheel spacers, cranked in all the caster I could manage, and it's much better than the old days, but still not "wonderful". Maybe the narrower towd track is at play too...?... Very Happy

Corley '76 Glenbrook 29 other vehicles
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