Cherokee Classic

[brezmer]

was reading boards a few months ago about what to buy to tow new boat. a lot of people had hessitation on the Jeep Cherokee Classics but i decided to take a chance. found a 01 cherokee with 102k loaded to the gills including leather for 3k. did some research about known problems and fixed them. added the external trans cooler and a set of Monroe LoadAdjuster shocks. boat tips scaled well over Jeeps weight but towed boat home when purchased (6 hour drive) and have had no problems to date...

also boat is about 3-4 feet longer than jeep...

 

[scipper77]

Re: Cherokee Classic

Are you saying that the boat weighs more than the Jeep, or that the boat weighs more than the tow capacity of the Jeep?

Those Jeeps are great vehicles, overloading it may be dangerous.. I'll leave it at that.

 

[Silver Eagle]

Re: Cherokee Classic

Are you saying that the boat weighs more than the Jeep, or that the boat weighs more than the tow capacity of the Jeep?

Those Jeeps are great vehicles, overloading it may be dangerous.. I'll leave it at that.

That's a nice looking rig ,But I don't see much holding the boat up on the trailer.If the hook were to loosen up in the front ,then what. ? How much does the boat weigh and do you have brakes on the trailer?

 

[brezmer]

Re: Cherokee Classic

towing capacity of jeep is 5k, boat is about 3500lbs. there are two bunks on back of trailer and two center bunks thats are hard to see in that picture. actually sits on trailer very well.tounge weight is only about 250lbs. no brakes on trailer.

maybe u can see the two center bunks in these pictures. i have about 4 in of bunk out behind boat

 

[Jeff-in-PA]

Re: Cherokee Classic

We have a '01 Jeep Cherokee and and after seeing the size of the rear brake pads/drums, I'm glad the Suburban is our tow vehicle.

Check out Jeepforum.com for an upgrade on the rear axle for disk brakes. That will be in the "XJ" section ( jeep product code for the Cherokee's )

Jeff

 

[scipper77]

Re: Cherokee Classic

That is a really nice trailer. I see that jack stand under there The way you took the pictures you almost hid that broken tongue jack lol.

All teasing aside it looks like every thing else is in good "cosmetic" shape. I wish I had an aluminum trailer. My Cheap painted steel shorelander is rusting out. the last thing I need to do is join the CBK club (inside joke here at iboats)!!

 

[dockwrecker]

Re: Cherokee Classic

You stole the Jeep for $3k, they bring close to $6k in Utah for that year. I've got a 00' I've had since new. I get offers to buy it constantly.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Cherokee Classic

Given the weak brakes on your Jeep, I strongly urge you to add brakes to the trailer. They may even be required by law, depending on where you trailer.

BTW, from your picture, there appears to be a mismatch in the lower door trim between the front and rear doors. Is that the case or just an optical illusion?

 

[Biged007]

Re: Cherokee Classic

Given the weak brakes on your Jeep, I strongly urge you to add brakes to the trailer. They may even be required by law, depending on where you trailer.



Nice looking setup what kind of boat is it? But to +1 on NyBo's concern of the legal issue here in Ct. 3K is the break limit at 3001 you need brakes on the trailer. to be honest I'm thinking of adding them to mine and I'm well within limits.

 

[dakmatik]

Re: Cherokee Classic

Nice looking setup. I had a 2000 cherokee set up with the extra tranny cooler and monroe load adjusting shocks too. It made an awesome tow rig.

 

[Jeepster04]

Re: Cherokee Classic

Those are awesome Jeeps. Weve got a 99 Cherokee and wouldnt trade it for anything.

That being said, you seriously need brakes on that trailer. If anyone pulled out in front of you it would be a sad day indeed.

 

[TinInWI]

Re: Cherokee Classic

I love my 00 Cherokee Classic, moreso than any of the other dozen or so Jeep vehicles ive owned, but i'd really reccomend a brake upgrade for that kind of towing.

Ive done it and it has made a WORLD of difference, no more going, "please stop, please stop, please stop." Im running rear disks for a 04-06 Jeep liberty, and front dual piston calipers from a 00-04 Grand Cherokee. Its amazing how horrible the stock brakes were compared to this setup.

Adding trailer brakes is a smart idea aswell.

The 4.0L isnt exactly a powerhouse, your not going to win any stoplight to stoplight races, but the low end torque is excellent. With the addition of the transmission cooler, the AW-4 should be good to go for a very long time, they are very stout. All and all, it think it will make a decent tow vehicle, mine does.

 

[Crownin' Around]

Re: Cherokee Classic

I haved owned a Cherokee (XJ) and know them to be fun "torquey" vehicles....but how does that thing do on the boat ramp?!! I would be leary of trying to pull that thing outta the water on a steep ramp!!

 

[Shrike]

Re: Cherokee Classic

You need brakes!

 

[TJDave]

Re: Cherokee Classic

I haved owned a Cherokee (XJ) and know them to be fun "torquey" vehicles....but how does that thing do on the boat ramp?!! I would be leary of trying to pull that thing outta the water on a steep ramp!!

I'm guessing if he shifts his transfer case into 4lo when launching and retrieving, he will have no problems at the ramp.

 

[Lou C]

Re: Cherokee Classic

ditto on the brakes, these Cherokees keep in mind were designed back in the early 80s by AMC and the front discs are single piston 11" diameter brakes with drums on the rear. My 98 Grand Cherokee is only a little better, 11" disc single piston front and rear. My 07 Grand has much bigger and better brakes. I added brakes to my old Load Rite when I was towing the boat with the 98 and it made a huge difference. Those old Cherokees are tough vehicles but they need brakes on the trailer for sure and also either overload springs in the rear or air bags to keep the rear end from sagging. The 4.0 six will pull that boat out in 4x4 Low range as long as you have decent tires on it. My 88 FW is about the same size/weight as that boat and my 98 never had a problem pulling it out with the 4.0. The 07 Grand with the Hemi pulls like a freight train and stops great. I wish they still made the old XJ style Cherokee, one of the best Jeeps ever. Still made in China by Bejing Jeep.

 

[windsors03cobra]

Re: Cherokee Classic

In agree with the XJ being one of the best Jeeps ever made and really enjoyed my time with one. I do love my WJ tho as well. Both did have the Kenosha built 4.0 and that is one reason I like both Jeeps quite a bit.

The old AMC six cylinder is China built as well. DISGUSTING. :redface:

 

[Lou C]

Re: Cherokee Classic

In agree with the XJ being one of the best Jeeps ever made and really enjoyed my time with one. I do love my WJ tho as well. Both did have the Kenosha built 4.0 and that is one reason I like both Jeeps quite a bit.

The old AMC six cylinder is China built as well. DISGUSTING. :redface:

At least they know a good thing when they see one!
AMC and later Chrysler built inline sixes continuously from 1964 to 2006 at the Kenosha Wisconsin assembly plant.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Cherokee Classic

At least they know a good thing when they see one!
AMC and later Chrysler built inline sixes continuously from 1964 to 2006 at the Kenosha Wisconsin assembly plant.

and changed almost nothing on the engine that entire time! bulletproof engines though, I had one in my AMC eagle. That car sucked gas like no tomorrow, it had the towing package which was a heavier rear end with lower gearing. Combine that with an engine that wasn't exactly known for fuel economy...

 

[Jeepster04]

Re: Cherokee Classic

Ive done it and it has made a WORLD of difference, no more going, "please stop, please stop, please stop." Im running rear disks for a 04-06 Jeep liberty, and front dual piston calipers from a 00-04 Grand Cherokee. Its amazing how horrible the stock brakes were compared to this setup.

Not to get off topic, but do you have any details on this? More so how you hooked the ebrake cable up on those rear liberty discs.

Are the front brakes bolt on from a WJ??