I'm thinking about a Jeep CJ-5 as a towd

T

timthenomad

Member
Oct 23, 2015
84
11
8
Philadelphia PA
Hi All,

I've read many of the towd threads and have been pondering it for a while. My desires for a towd are..
lightweight can be towed 4 down (no room for a dolly) can fit a baby and a dog in the back seat Fun -- and looks, if not sexy, at least appropriate
being towed behind a GMC Can double as second car for grocery getting and light runs around town

After a lot of thought and research the only vehicles that I was really interested in were...

Tracker
Checks a lot of the boxes, but I think as a vehicle it falls into the class of often loved, but seldom respected.

Samurai
Tempting, but I'd really like to be able to keep up with traffic on the interstate. I remember these things barely being able to hit 55 when new.
Trucks blowing by would freak out the dog.

VW Thing
Love the look and period correctness. But sometimes these things look California cool and sometimes they just look like something Hitler would be
driving. Also just too much of a classic (side curtains, no heat, unobtainium parts).

Dune Buggy
It looked cool when Barbie did it. I think cartoons in the seventies made Dune Buggies seem like a sensible life choice. I really shouldn't do this.
I live in Texas, we have no Dunes.

Which leaves my thinking about a 80's ish CJ5. I have had no experience with them but I like the look a lot better than the CJ7. They are 10"
shorter so I feel they may tuck in back there better and take up less room at the site. Curb weight of ~2600 lbs puts them in the range of a tracker.
I like the 4wd and general toughness for national forest type camping.

Outfitted with some of the 80's graphic packages I one will look good back there.
http://www.phoenixgraphix.com/amc/1985jss.php

Should anyone be talking me out of this?

thanks

--tim
--
Tim Taylor
Austin TX
76 Birchaven (SB)
76 Triumph TR6
 
CJ-5... last of the Jeep Jeeps. With the V8 and breathed on some it's a screamer. It's close coupled, very short wheelbase (No automatics fit under
it which is why the CJ-7 came into being) With roll bar please, they >will< go over if you get silly. I'd have one in a minute. If they're too
pricey for you, add a Kia Soul Base to your list.

--johnny
--
76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
"I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell" - ol Andy, paraphrased
 
You mentioned two difficult Volkswagens (Thing and dune buggy) but not the
easy one: something like a 1971 Super Beetle. These are relatively easy to
rebuild even now.

Rick "old memories" Denney

> Hi All,
>
> I've read many of the towd threads and have been pondering it for a
> while. My desires for a towd are..
> lightweight can be towed 4 down (no room for a dolly) can fit a baby and
> a dog in the back seat Fun -- and looks, if not sexy, at least appropriate
> being towed behind a GMC Can double as second car for grocery getting and
> light runs around town
>
> After a lot of thought and research the only vehicles that I was really
> interested in were...
>
> Tracker
> Checks a lot of the boxes, but I think as a vehicle it falls into the
> class of often loved, but seldom respected.
>
> Samurai
> Tempting, but I'd really like to be able to keep up with traffic on the
> interstate. I remember these things barely being able to hit 55 when new.
> Trucks blowing by would freak out the dog.
>
> VW Thing
> Love the look and period correctness. But sometimes these things look
> California cool and sometimes they just look like something Hitler would be
> driving. Also just too much of a classic (side curtains, no heat,
> unobtainium parts).
>
> Dune Buggy
> It looked cool when Barbie did it. I think cartoons in the seventies made
> Dune Buggies seem like a sensible life choice. I really shouldn't do this.
> I live in Texas, we have no Dunes.
>
> Which leaves my thinking about a 80's ish CJ5. I have had no experience
> with them but I like the look a lot better than the CJ7. They are 10"
> shorter so I feel they may tuck in back there better and take up less room
> at the site. Curb weight of ~2600 lbs puts them in the range of a tracker.
> I like the 4wd and general toughness for national forest type camping.
>
> Outfitted with some of the 80's graphic packages I one will look good back
> there.
> http://www.phoenixgraphix.com/amc/1985jss.php
>
>
> Should anyone be talking me out of this?
>
> thanks
>
> --tim
> --
> Tim Taylor
> Austin TX
> 76 Birchaven (SB)
> 76 Triumph TR6
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
--
Rick Denney
73 x-Glacier 230 "Jaws"
Off-list email to rick at rickdenney dot com
 
Think about a Rav-4. But the CJ5 tows well. Quite a few GMC s tow them in
Oregon and Washington and Canada.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Or
78 GMC ROYALE (I Tow a 1990 Bronco II) but not often.

On Sep 30, 2017 3:21 PM, "Johnny Bridges via Gmclist" <

CJ-5... last of the Jeep Jeeps. With the V8 and breathed on some it's a
screamer. It's close coupled, very short wheelbase (No automatics fit under
it which is why the CJ-7 came into being) With roll bar please, they
>will< go over if you get silly. I'd have one in a minute. If they're too
pricey for you, add a Kia Soul Base to your list.

--johnny
--
76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
"I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me
in hell" - ol Andy, paraphrased

_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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Tim,
Be sure to address the gear ratio in the coach.
People in the know are using 3.70 as it takes you to the torque curve and
will not cause your milage to suffer at all.
Transmission will hold up better this way
Go to our web site and review the chart and see.
Should you desire to discuss it, give me a call. We have been supplying
these gears for over 17 years and have received considerable feedback.

> Think about a Rav-4. But the CJ5 tows well. Quite a few GMC s tow them in
> Oregon and Washington and Canada.
> Jim Hupy
> Salem, Or
> 78 GMC ROYALE (I Tow a 1990 Bronco II) but not often.
>
> On Sep 30, 2017 3:21 PM, "Johnny Bridges via Gmclist" <

>
> CJ-5... last of the Jeep Jeeps. With the V8 and breathed on some it's a
> screamer. It's close coupled, very short wheelbase (No automatics fit
> under
> it which is why the CJ-7 came into being) With roll bar please, they
> >will< go over if you get silly. I'd have one in a minute. If they're too
> pricey for you, add a Kia Soul Base to your list.
>
> --johnny
> --
> 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
> Braselton, Ga.
> "I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me
> in hell" - ol Andy, paraphrased
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>

--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
jimk
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
 
Tim,

The Honda CRV, up until 2013, was very hard to beat as a toad (we've towed
a 1999 since new). It has adequate room, power, and fuel economy. The
behind-the-rear-set space is larger than on a Tracker, I believe. While
it's heavier than the Tracker or the Samurai, at about 3200#, we've never
had a problem towing it anywhere between Key West and Fairbanks. It can be
towed 4-down with its automatic transmission.

The CRV is not quiet or it would be our primary family car. Instead, it's
our everyday runabout with a bigger car for road trips. It goes everywhere
the GMC does (and has, at times, been the motive power for the out-of-gas,
stuck, or broken GMC).

Most importantly of all, SHE selected and loves it! :-)

Ken H.
Americus, GA
'76 X-Birchaven w/Cad500/Howell EFI & EBL,
Manny Brakes & 1-Ton, Troy-Bilt APU, etc., etc., etc.
www.gmcwipersetc.com

> Hi All,
>
> I've read many of the towd threads and have been pondering it for a
> while. My desires for a towd are..
> lightweight can be towed 4 down (no room for a dolly) can fit a baby and
> a dog in the back seat Fun -- and looks, if not sexy, at least appropriate
> being towed behind a GMC Can double as second car for grocery getting and
> light runs around town
> ​...
>
 
Those are some interesting suggestions.

Rav4
I initially had the convertible version of this one on my list
https://www.theautochannel.com/db/images/1999500910.jpg

I think they only made them like that for a couple of years around 99-02 and I never saw one for sale in anything like decent shape.

Regular Rav4 / CRV
Nice, good cars. I'd really like to stay under 3000 lbs. They also don't really seem like fun/ vacation / travel cars. More of a reliably get you
to the office vibe.

Super Beetle
My next door neighbor is a "Bug" guy and dotes on his. I think I kinda have to let that be his thing. I could get away with a Thing, but another Bug
right next door would be weird. Also the hardtop is way too hot in Texas. I like the convertible but I think the Top Gear guys would refer to it as
a hairdressers car.

Kia Soul
Would probably be a great towd. More affordable than Fiat 500 or Mini Cooper that I was thinking about initially. And after Stephanie test drives
the available "comfort" in a CJ5, I may end up getting nudged in that direction.

--tim
--
Tim Taylor
Austin TX
76 Birchaven (SB)
76 Triumph TR6
 
Tim,

1st off the Vw thing. I have one in the garage and plan to tow it behind the gmc. Super light, and some of your comments are correct. Parts are
very easy to find and most are inexpensive. It is not much different then any other VW.

I cant say a cj-5 is any
Different then a thing. Heat is poor, they are drafty, and noisy. They are also not the best freeway cruiser, as the older suspension, and the
short wheelbase can make it a handful at high speeds. Both the thing and the cj's have the cool factor.

A tj jeep has a bit better wheel base, and on road driving ability. I towd one for a year and it made a fun towd. I went for the thing because it is
lighter and something I have always wanted.

Jeeps And vw's are nice because easy tow bars and wiring.

I am currently towing a 99 crv. It sure is a practicle towd, heat, a/C. Automatic, hauls 4 people easily. It is probably the same weight as a cj,
and is a little lighter then a tj jeep. The jeep axles, frame and running gear add up the weight.

Lighter is always better, but there are trade off's. You should always think about brakes, and most states legally require brakes on 3000 pound
towds. I would personally want brakes on anything over 2500 pounds behind the gmc.



--
Jon Roche
75 palm beach
St. Cloud, MN
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
 
If you want a small sedan, the Honda Fit, at about 2500 pounds tows nicely. If you get one before 2014, the automatic ones can be towed 4 wheels
down. 2014 and later went to a CVT transmission an can no longer be towed without a dolly. I have now towed a 2013 auto trans one about 10,000
miles and am a happy tower.
--
John Shutzbaugh, Vacaville, CA, ncserv;
77 Eleganza, bought it new, can't blame PO, and
78 Buskirk stretch, "What were we thinking?"
 
We tow an '03 4WD Tracker four down, but I have had a '53 CJ-3B since was 14 years old. I used to tow it four down occasionally, but never with the
GMC. I tow it from Tucson to the dunes in SE California once per year on a trailer (with paddle tires on the jeep).

The CJ-5 should make a good towd, especially if it has reasonable size tires (32" or smaller) and if it is not geared too low (3.73 or higher) so the
axles are not spinning too fast. I've often thought about getting another Jeep to tow and thought a later CJ-5 would work.

As mentioned. it will ride kind of hard with short leaf springs all the way around, and will tend to be noisy drafty, leaky and smelly (exhaust).

There was a guy at the WS rally a few years ago with a ~'48 Jeepster as a towd. It was VERY cool!

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/gmcws-las-vegas-fall-2010/p36546-awesome-2748-jeepster-towed.html
--
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
 
The Fiats and Mini's are pretty light and not too pricey if you look around. I picked up 1990 VW Cabriolet to tow which tips the scales at 2300 lbs.
They are still the first generation 'Rabbit' so some parts are getting tough to find but most mechanicals are available. They aren't too noisy, have
A/C, keep the water out very well and even have air bags and a built in roll bar. What more could you ask for? :)
Hal
--
1977 Royale 101348,

1977 Royale 101586, Diesel powered,

1975 Eleganza II, 101230,

1974 Eagle Bus 45',w/slideout,

Rio Rancho, NM
 
Hi Hal,

Cabriolet is a nice choice. I didn't realize how square their lines are compared to most of the cars you see on the road these days.

Not a lot of good examples seem to be kicking around my local craigslist. If I had mint green Palm Beach, this one might not look bad behind it..
https://austin.craigslist.org/cto/d/1987-vw-cabriolet-rabbit/6289600576.html

--tim
--
Tim Taylor
Austin TX
76 Birchaven (SB)
76 Triumph TR6
 
A pox upon Super Beetles... real VWs have flat windshields and swing axles. Although their price appears to be climbing, they're 'classics' now. New
Soul Basic listed for 13,900 by the local dealer. Add 6% for the State in perpetuity, I suspect an offer of fourtenn and a half would drive it out.
I'm keeping mine to see if it will do the second 100K as well as the first.

--johnny
--
76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
"I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell" - ol Andy, paraphrased
 
Hey Tim,
How about a ford pinto woodie wagon!
I just saw a restored one a few months back. Even had AC!! But they might need a drive shaft disconnect.
Good luck, Scott.
--
Scott Nutter
1978 Royale Center Kitchen, Patterson 455, switch pitch tranny, 3.21 final drive, Quad bags, tankless water heater, everything Lenzi.
Houston, Texas
 
A number of GMC’ers tow the X-90 including Dick Paterson who sell the HEI updated distributors and wires.

JR Wright

>
> We just got this and love it !!
>
> Not the most practical as it only seats two and doesn't have huge capacity as a hatchback would... but it sure has a high uniqueness factor.
>
> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/member-galleries/p63723-zookie.html
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
 
That's a lot of $$$ for that VW. I paid $500 and drove ours 50 miles home. Needed a top and the interior was a little rough but with an additional
$1500 in her she should look road ready.
Takes a little time to find a good one for the right price. Prices are all over the map.
Here's one locally now;
https://albuquerque.craigslist.org/cto/d/1992-volkswagen-cabriolet/6312781673.html
Hal
--
1977 Royale 101348,

1977 Royale 101586, Diesel powered,

1975 Eleganza II, 101230,

1974 Eagle Bus 45',w/slideout,

Rio Rancho, NM
 
I ran across one of those a while back and tried to find the owner to see if
I could buy it. No luck though. In fact, the plates turned out to be from
a wrecked Lincoln. oops. All the while my wife was berating me over it.
haha Another owner there in California pulls one too. They look so cool to
me! And those dang zookies last forever if ya take care of em.
bdub

-----Original Message-----
From: Gmclist On Behalf Of Steve Weinstock
Sent: Sunday, October 1, 2017 10:03 AM

We just got this and love it !!

Not the most practical as it only seats two and doesn't have huge capacity
as a hatchback would... but it sure has a high uniqueness factor.

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/member-galleries/p63723-zookie.html
 
2nd vote for the Honda Fit. Light, easy tow. Excellent gas mileage. Very roomy interior. VW Super Beetles has a weak front end to attach your tow
base plate. Must be reinforced.
Kia Soul would be my second choice. Johnny Bridges is a going machine.
Tom, MS II
--
1975 GMC Avion
KA4CSG
 
Hal,
Is the Cabriolet with the manual transmission flat towable with the manual transmission without any modifications?

JR

>
> That's a lot of $$$ for that VW. I paid $500 and drove ours 50 miles home. Needed a top and the interior was a little rough but with an additional
> $1500 in her she should look road ready.
> Takes a little time to find a good one for the right price. Prices are all over the map.
> Here's one locally now;
> https://albuquerque.craigslist.org/cto/d/1992-volkswagen-cabriolet/6312781673.html
> Hal
> --
> 1977 Royale 101348,
>
> 1977 Royale 101586, Diesel powered,
>
> 1975 Eleganza II, 101230,
>
> 1974 Eagle Bus 45',w/slideout,
>
> Rio Rancho, NM
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
 
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