User Panel
User Panel
User Panel
|
Posted: 9/2/2010 8:29:38 PM EDT
We are looking for a used 4WD vehicle to tow 4 wheels down behind our motor home. Basic hard top. What would you recommend? Anyone have experience with the Jeep CJ or Toyota Landcruiser? Educate me on the pros and cons of the 4WD. Otherwise we are looking at a Saturn
 |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/2/2010 8:44:41 PM EDT
[#1]
Anyone??
 |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/2/2010 8:46:38 PM EDT
[#2]
Bet you could find a YJ in decent shape for that
ETA: I bet half the RV's I see are towin a TJ or YJ |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/2/2010 8:50:42 PM EDT
[#3]
Quoted: Bet you could find a YJ in decent shape for that ETA: I bet half the RV's I see are towin a TJ or YJ What is a TJ or YJ? |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/2/2010 8:51:35 PM EDT
[#4]
I've flat towed my CJ-7 all over the western US. You ought to install lockout hubs on the rear axle, this way all four wheels are disconnected from the rest of the drivetrain. The CJ-7 rocks for this type of use, since when you get to wherever you want to be, the Jeep can be used to anything from a quick run to the store to a rock crawl.
I had it on craigslist for $5,500 a while back but got no takers, it's a second (actually a third) spare Jeep for me now, runs great. -Gator |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/2/2010 8:52:49 PM EDT
[#5]
You might try a jeep cherokee. Seem to be built very well and wouldn't be too much weight to pull behind you. Pulling a Landcruiser might not be a great idea given the weight, although they are great vehicles.
eta: links to CL ads http://saltlakecity.craigslist.org/cto/1931929035.html http://saltlakecity.craigslist.org/ctd/1920442367.html |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/2/2010 8:53:04 PM EDT
[#6]
Craigslist is your friend these days.
At least here in PHX. |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/2/2010 8:53:55 PM EDT
[#7]
If you dont want to "Just Empty Every Pocket" get a first gen 4 runner, with SFA or a first or second Gen HiLux/pickup which also are SFA. Heeps get very expensive, even if you don't break anything there is always some latest, greatest thing you will sink your money on for your Jeep and a toyota pickup will still kick its ass.
If you are ok with potentially high repair costs then FJ60's-FJ62's are great trucks too. |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/2/2010 8:54:18 PM EDT
[#8]
What about the old Toyota FJ40?
Old school Toyotas rock! 
Now, tell me if this is not pure sex?! 
|
|
|
|
Posted: 9/2/2010 8:55:00 PM EDT
[#9]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Bet you could find a YJ in decent shape for that ETA: I bet half the RV's I see are towin a TJ or YJ What is a TJ or YJ? YJ is the Jeep Wrangler with the square headlights. You could get one in okay shape for that much cash. Get one from the early 90's: five speed manual with the 4.0 engine. |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/2/2010 8:55:39 PM EDT
[#10]
I am highly biased here, but I'd get a Land Cruiser if you can get one for that price. I have both a 79 CJ5 and an 81 FJ40 and the 40 is about twice as tough, better built than the CJ.
now, that being said, if it's just light duty, get the jeep, it'll be so much lighter than the cruiser it'll tow better. You do have to get lock hubs on the rear axle to keep the axles from spinning. |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/2/2010 8:55:50 PM EDT
[#11]
For a towable hardtop 4X w/AC etc. I'd go with a Bronco II lots of OEM and after market mods available.Great for 2 people with plenty of carry room with the back seat removed. Exc.gas milage,easy to work on a more comfortable ride than most CJ's. Several affordable tire options, will tow a bass boat easily.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 9/2/2010 8:55:56 PM EDT
[#12]
Thanks for the replies. I still don't know what a TJ or YJ is.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 9/2/2010 8:56:20 PM EDT
[#13]
you try finding a good condition FJ40 in cali for under 7,000, at 5 grand you may get a roller.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 9/2/2010 8:56:46 PM EDT
[#14]
Were I you, I'd look for a 88-93 Jeep Wrangler, also known as a YJ. My brother just sold a 92 with 4.0 I6 and 5 speed for 2500 bucks. It might take some maintenance, but if you don't mind that, they're great vehicles. Much of the "operating expense" that Jeeps are known for is due to people who just can't quit adding more and more shit to their vehicles.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 9/2/2010 8:57:32 PM EDT
[#15]
High end 5k would be a Nissan Xterra.
Somewhere between cheap and great would be the 4.0L Cherokee. |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/2/2010 9:00:27 PM EDT
[#16]
The jeep cherokee used to be popular for flat towing behind motorhomes and fits your price range easily. Don't know what you want to drive once you park the motorhome but the cherokee is a more secure hardtop and carries a lot more than a CJ will. The CJ may be more fun to drive though (or not, if the weather sucks).
Unlock the steering, put the transmission in park, the transfer case in neutral and head out. |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/2/2010 9:05:02 PM EDT
[#17]
Quoted:
Thanks for the replies. I still don't know what a TJ or YJ is. YJ are the wranglers with square headlights. They are the first Wranglers made after the CJs. TJ are the newer wranglers with round headlights. JK are the newest wranglers KJ are Liberties XJ are Cherokees I dont recall the dates on the Wranglers and there are more differences than the headlights but thats your basic cheat sheet. Good luck finding a Wrangler for that price thats not wore the F out. I recently started looking at trying to find one and they are freaking outragous. I had an 83 CJ-7 that I rebuilt from the frame up and loved it. but didnt ride or drive near as good as a Wrangler. Hope this helps. I do like the Yota FJ40s though they are tuff looking. |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/2/2010 9:05:08 PM EDT
[#18]
Quoted:
Thanks for the replies. I still don't know what a TJ or YJ is. Jeep models CJ, YJ, TJ The XJ is the cherokee. |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/2/2010 9:06:01 PM EDT
[#19]
Quoted:
Thanks for the replies. I still don't know what a TJ or YJ is. YJ = Jeep Wrangler/CJ bodystyle between 1987 and 1995 model years. Notable for its rectangular headlights and front turn signals. TJ = Jeep Wrangler/CJ bodystyle between 1996 and 2006 model years. Notable for its coil spring suspension. Trouble with these rigs for flat towing is that they never came with *front* lockout hubs from the factory, so to set it up right you need to modify the front axles as well, and that modification alone could cost more than the current value of a YJ. The Toyota Land Cruisers above are great vehicles, but they weigh considerably more than a comparable CJ-7 and are not as good for flat towing. -Gator |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/2/2010 9:06:50 PM EDT
[#20]
I forgot....Just Empty Every Pocket... JEEP.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 9/2/2010 9:09:04 PM EDT
[#21]
Quoted:
I forgot....Just Empty Every Pocket... JEEP. 7th post down. 
|
|
|
|
Posted: 9/2/2010 9:10:20 PM EDT
[#22]
Quoted:
Quoted:
I forgot....Just Empty Every Pocket... JEEP. 7th post down. Que? |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/2/2010 9:14:26 PM EDT
[#23]
I said "Just Empty Every Pocket" in post number 7, I was just being a dork.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 9/2/2010 9:19:29 PM EDT
[#24]
Quoted: We are looking for a used 4WD vehicle to tow 4 wheels down behind our motor home. Basic hard top. What would you recommend? Anyone have experience with the Jeep CJ or Toyota Landcruiser? Educate me on the pros and cons of the 4WD. Otherwise we are looking at a Saturn A '97-'00 Jeep Cherokee is cheaper than a Wrangler. I'd go with the manual trans on the Cherokee since they tend to run longer. It's also a hell of a lot easier to find a 6 cyl 4.0 engine with the Cherokee, and they're are other niceties like AC. The Wrangler 4cyl does fine on the trails. They start to suck on the freeway/commuting when they're lifted and running mudders. The 6 cyl in a Wrangler makes the vehicle worth more to other people too so the prices are higher. The 4.0 Wranglers hold their value and they're more difficult to find going cheap. The auto vs manual transmission debate changes on the conditions. For rock crawling the auto is easier to use. For simply exploring dirt roads the manual is nice and relaxing. With a 97+ Jeep you'll just need to pull a lever to engage 4x4, you don't need to jump out and lock hubs. Properly used, 4x4 can get you out of trouble. Used improperly it can just get you stuck deeper. |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/2/2010 9:21:06 PM EDT
[#25]
Quoted:
I said "Just Empty Every Pocket" in post number 7, I was just being a dork. Oh hell, I didnt see it before and was counting down the post above you. My bad. 
|
|
|
|
Posted: 9/3/2010 12:51:34 AM EDT
[#26]
I picked up a nice 1987 YJ last year. Great mechanical shape rig for $5000 Had a lot of miles on it, but im sure it was flat towed for over half those miles. I drive it nearly every day. I have only had to put new carb on it to pass emissions and replace a water pump. Other than than that it has been a sound unit.
I plan on flat towing it to Glacier national park next summer. You can get some nice deals out there right now if you are patient and sort through the junk. 
Bought it as is (has a hard top) the older straight six are pretty much bullet proof motors. |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/3/2010 12:58:30 AM EDT
[#27]
Quoted:
you try finding a good condition FJ40 in cali for under 7,000, at 5 grand you may get a roller. At 7k you'd be doing real good. It's a good answer but not for the OP. |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/3/2010 2:40:53 AM EDT
[#28]
Get a Grand Cherokee with the 4.0 liter engine.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 9/3/2010 3:18:55 AM EDT
[#29]
Toy all the way, either the pickup, 4runner or LC, you can't lose.
Toy porn in their natural habitat: 
|
|
|
|
Posted: 9/3/2010 3:21:38 AM EDT
[#30]
Buy a cherokee for like 3 thousand and put 2 thousand into tires and a lift etc and you'll be set.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 9/3/2010 3:36:22 AM EDT
[#31]
96 dodge 2500 with a cummins. Best diesel engine ever to grace the face of the earth. or 97 for f250 with 7.3 diesel, second best engine ever.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 9/3/2010 3:41:22 AM EDT
[#32]
Another vote for an XJ Cherokee.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 9/3/2010 4:33:27 AM EDT
[#33]
CJs and FJs are most likely to be basket cases at that price range.
YJ or older TJ best value for the $$$ which is the most important thing at that price range. |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/3/2010 4:36:07 AM EDT
[#34]
Toyota with a 4cyl 22 re engine. They go forever.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 9/3/2010 4:41:27 AM EDT
[#35]
Your best bet would be a Jeep Grand Cherokee from 1994 to 2002
They are great on the road and even better off road in stock form and even better when it's modified. |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/3/2010 4:41:28 AM EDT
[#36]
|
|
|
|
Posted: 9/3/2010 4:47:36 AM EDT
[#37]
|
|
|
|
Posted: 9/3/2010 4:51:20 AM EDT
[#38]
Quoted:
I picked up a nice 1987 YJ last year. Great mechanical shape rig for $5000 Had a lot of miles on it, but im sure it was flat towed for over half those miles. I drive it nearly every day. I have only had to put new carb on it to pass emissions and replace a water pump. Other than than that it has been a sound unit. I plan on flat towing it to Glacier national park next summer. You can get some nice deals out there right now if you are patient and sort through the junk. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v605/windwolf_78th/IMG_0085.jpg Bought it as is (has a hard top) the older straight six are pretty much bullet proof motors. That's a nice Jeep. If you drop the T-Case lever into neutral when flat-towing it should not be logging any miles on the odometer. Yours just looks to be in really good shape. -Gator |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/3/2010 4:54:42 AM EDT
[#39]
Depends on your level of commitment. Any $3-5 grand 4wd (especially older) will be a maintenence and upkeep hog requiring a lot of your time and money. Unless you are an enthusiast, pass...
Take a look at the photos posted, a lot of work has been put into the subjects... |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/3/2010 5:57:03 AM EDT
[#40]
Thanks for the advice. There are some notable differences presented.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 9/3/2010 6:13:29 AM EDT
[#41]
You don't want a Toyota Land Cruiser in the 90-97 range if you need to tow with all four wheels down. They are full time AWD. I love mine –– a '94 FZJ80 –– but the gas mileage is rough. I'd look to see if you can get a 4Runner in your price range.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 9/3/2010 6:15:29 AM EDT
[#42]
Quoted:
We are looking for a used 4WD vehicle to tow 4 wheels down behind our motor home. Basic hard top. What would you recommend? Anyone have experience with the Jeep CJ or Toyota Landcruiser? Educate me on the pros and cons of the 4WD. Otherwise we are looking at a Saturn LAND ROVER! (Do you like wrenchin?) On a serious, note you can find mid-late 90's Discovery D1's in your price range all day long. And if they were maintained they are actually pretty decent trucks (many were not). As a suggestion I would buy a bit below your "max" and then spend the rest of the cash fixing the few minor things that will likely be wrong with it. |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/3/2010 8:29:35 AM EDT
[#43]
Suzuki Samurai..
the only way to tow... |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/3/2010 9:04:35 AM EDT
[#44]
Quoted:
Quoted:
you try finding a good condition FJ40 in cali for under 7,000, at 5 grand you may get a roller. At 7k you'd be doing real good. It's a good answer but not for the OP. How about I sell you my FJ40 for 4k and you can ship it for under 1000. Seems like a deal to me. That being said I wuold buy an FJ40 over a jeep anyday of the week. I know I have seen me do it. Sold my YJ solely to purchase my FJ40 |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/3/2010 9:12:58 AM EDT
[#45]
Quoted: Suzuki Samurai.. the only way to tow... I have seen these being towed. Tell me more. |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/3/2010 9:14:44 AM EDT
[#46]
Quoted: I'd like that, but from what people have said, it is a little on the heavy side for towing. I don't recall ever seeing one towed behind a MH. Quoted: Quoted: you try finding a good condition FJ40 in cali for under 7,000, at 5 grand you may get a roller. At 7k you'd be doing real good. It's a good answer but not for the OP. How about I sell you my FJ40 for 4k and you can ship it for under 1000. Seems like a deal to me. That being said I wuold buy an FJ40 over a jeep anyday of the week. I know I have seen me do it. Sold my YJ solely to purchase my FJ40 |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/3/2010 9:23:14 AM EDT
[#47]
Samurai or similar would be way to go. Landcruisers are way too heavy to tow - full time 4wd is a problem too...
|
|
|
|
Posted: 9/5/2010 4:07:02 PM EDT
[#48]
Finding a LC in that price range will be a mess, they are ridiculously high. Samurai are usually cut to pieces for rock crawlers, or are rusted out. I wish someone would make a nice light replacement for the Sammy.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 9/5/2010 4:11:52 PM EDT
[#49]
I got my Samurai for the bargain price of $1500 including lift, steering, newer top, lower t-case gears, newer tires, bumper, winch and only 67k miles.
You can build one up pretty nice for $5k... |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/5/2010 4:32:14 PM EDT
[#50]
Full size ford bronco. That is all
|
|
|
Win a FREE Membership!
Sign up for the ARFCOM weekly newsletter and be entered to win a free ARFCOM membership. One new winner* is announced every week!
You will receive an email every Friday morning featuring the latest chatter from the hottest topics, breaking news surrounding legislation, as well as exclusive deals only available to ARFCOM email subscribers.
AR15.COM is the world's largest firearm community and is a gathering place for firearm enthusiasts of all types.
From hunters and military members, to competition shooters and general firearm enthusiasts, we welcome anyone who values and respects the way of the firearm.
Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter to receive firearm news, product discounts from your favorite Industry Partners, and more.
Copyright © 1996-2024 AR15.COM LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Any use of this content without express written consent is prohibited.
AR15.Com reserves the right to overwrite or replace any affiliate, commercial, or monetizable links, posted by users, with our own.
