towing capabilities

[jeep99]

I've got a 99 4.0L, auto trans. I am looking into purchasing a 2004 malibu (boat and trailer weight nearing 4500-5000 lbs.) I have a class III/IV hitch, and plan to put air shocks on before my towing experiences begin.

I was wondering if anyone uses their Cherokee to tow a boat regularly. I'd say less than 60 miles at a time. Will this vehicle be able to do that? Do I need to consider the unfortunate thought of purchasing something w/a V8? Will a tranny cooler be sufficient?

Any thoughts are greatly appreciated!

jeep99

[fredjacksonsan]

With the proper equipment, the Cherokee can be rated to tow 5000 pounds. However, for further on the discussion please see these threads. (The search feature is your friend!)

Welcome to AF.


http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...owing+capacity

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...ghlight=towing

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...ghlight=towing

[MagicRat]

^^good links^^

Respectfully, a Cherokee is simply not fit to tow 5000 lbs safely.

Most people I know who tow trailers with a Cherokee would say 5000 lbs is too much weight. The Cherokee is too light to safely control much more than 2000 lbs. I know, from experience.

I specifically bought a full size 3/4 ton van to tow my 16 ft inboard Doral (2500 lbs) because my Cherokee scared the pants off me once too often towing this. The van tows the boat like its not there, and is MUCH nicer to drive for towing.

I have seen a big boat like yours throw a Cherokee off a dry, straight paved road like a dog with a mouse because the boat started to sway and the Cherokee could not control it.

The advantages of a Cherokee (relatively light weight and compact size) make it a BAD tow vehicle.

Sure, you can get 5000 lb Class III hitches for Cherokees, but the chasis (weight and wheel base) and brakes are simply not up to the task. The 4 L will get a 5000 lb trailer moving down the road, but cornering, sway control and braking are simply DANGEROUS at such loads.

So, limit yourself to 2000 lbs.....up to 3000 lbs at most if you have a double axle trailer with trailer brakes.

[Ray H]

I used to tow a 2000lbs boat with me XJ and it did wonderfully. As mentioned, the XJ, set up properly is rated to tow up to 5000. BUT I think thats really pushing it. I would not tow anything over 3500 on a regular basis and thats with trailer brakes and properly setup. I would tow 4500-5000 if it was very limited, like once or twice per year and for only a short distance, basically a situation that buying a dedicated tow vehicle isnt feasable. The situation you describe "regular towing of 4500-5000lbs" you should really get something more suited to the task.
Can it be done safely, sure it can but it would mean changes that you would have to make, like reducing speed alot, increasing following distance alot, slowing down early for turns and stops. You may say, sure I can do that stuff, but we all know it wont last. You will be in a hurry to get to the lake or tired on your way home or trying to beat traffic or a thousand other reasons and before you know it, you get complacent and its no longer a safe act.
This is not meant to be condescending, we all do it, its just the nature of things. Its how accidents happen. this is the reason why I think its ok to do on an occational basis. The complacency factor isnt there.

[AlohaBra]

Whether you tow or not, I would recommend an external transmission cooler, which it does not come with. Cheap insurance.

[brainyass]

I was towing a U-Haul trailer, about 2500 lbs, with my Cherokee a few years ago. It got all squirrley with me going around a corner exit off of the interstate. It was at night so it was especially "eye opening". If you had anything heavier, especially on wet roads, you may lose control if it starts weaving. So take it easy around those turns with your new boat.

[jeep99]

Thanks for the input guys - really appreciate it! Looks like the wife's car is getting traded in for a Tahoe!!! Not ready to part w/my Jeep yet!

Thanks again!

[canoehornpoint]

I tow an 88 Supra inboard which itself weighs 2800 pounds. I put helper springs on, use surge breaks, and load leveling arms on the trailer. It tows well with the arms. I recently had to lock up the breaks and got it stopped without rear-ending the car that stopped suddenly in front of me. I would prefer a heavier vehicle to do this but the Jeep does ok.

[andyz1147]

I used to tow a sailboat weighing in at about 5000 lbs with trailor, but things started to go on the jeep. I towed the boat back to AZ from FL and then had to replace u-joints, shocks, brakes, radiator, and water pump within 5-6 months. The jeep did alright towing, but stopping suddenly without brakes on the trailor was very scary (they are now fixed). It did just fine pulling the boat out of the water and up the ramp fully loaded with gear and 4 people.


I guess I am saying that the jeep can do it, but stuff starts breaking when you take it to the limit.

p.s. I now have a 5.7L 4wd V8 Silverado to do the towing