Last year I had this custom overland trailer built for me with the sole purpose being lightweight and easy to use/maintain. It's made out of aluminum and although I've never officially weighed it, the guy who built it says it weighs, at the absolute max, 500lbs but probably closer to 450lbs. And that's WITH the tent, I just automatically lump that in because it will always have the tent on it. With my camping gear, gas, water etc. it probably comes in at about 700-750 lbs. Really manageable weight for my LJ.
I didn't get to take it on any trips with my LJ last year (I got it in late August) but I was finally able to this past weekend. I had never towed with my Jeep and was excited to see how it did. I have 5.13 gears in my LJ (auto) and never went faster than 60mph. Shut the O/D off going up a few steeper grades but left it on for downhills and straights. I also had my wife and two kids with me in the Jeep as well. I don't have a Tranny Cooler but might invest in one, anyway…overall I'm honestly shocked at how well it did. I know it weighs next to nothing but with Nevada’s heat and the high elevation and/or mountains I was a little concerned with how hot my engine and tranny would get but they were both very reasonable. Got up to about 8,000 ft. in elevation at the highest, I live at right around 5,000 ft. so it was a pretty steep elevation gain. I was also a little concerned with braking, I still have the stock brakes but those were fine as well, my stopping never once concerned me. Really happy with the first outing!
I didn't get to take it on any trips with my LJ last year (I got it in late August) but I was finally able to this past weekend. I had never towed with my Jeep and was excited to see how it did. I have 5.13 gears in my LJ (auto) and never went faster than 60mph. Shut the O/D off going up a few steeper grades but left it on for downhills and straights. I also had my wife and two kids with me in the Jeep as well. I don't have a Tranny Cooler but might invest in one, anyway…overall I'm honestly shocked at how well it did. I know it weighs next to nothing but with Nevada’s heat and the high elevation and/or mountains I was a little concerned with how hot my engine and tranny would get but they were both very reasonable. Got up to about 8,000 ft. in elevation at the highest, I live at right around 5,000 ft. so it was a pretty steep elevation gain. I was also a little concerned with braking, I still have the stock brakes but those were fine as well, my stopping never once concerned me. Really happy with the first outing!
