Towing with a Jeep Grand Cherokee

[bizloanman]

I am looking to get a tow vehicle for a Chaparral 24 foot bow rider. Boat 4900 lbs. trailer 1200 lbs. So should total 6500 lbs. Larger engine Jeep GC 8 cylinder or diesel rated by mfg at 7400 lbs. Will only tow 3 or 4 times a years. Any thoughts?

 

[AChotrod]

Re: Towing with a Jeep Grand Cherokee

Might not be the safest thing but it is doable. I used to tow my race car with a 4.0 Cherokee. It pulled fine but was def a bit sketchy if you had to nail the brakes. Trailer brakes are a must if you are going to do it.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Towing with a Jeep Grand Cherokee

Welcome to iBoats . . .

Based on the numbers, and even adding a bit for fuel, etc. you are within the limits of the manufacturer's ratings. I would not go very fast, since the load will be near the vehicle's rated limits.

You may get a variety of responses, because some folks prefer not to tow near or at the vehicle's ratings.

 

[Brian 26]

Re: Towing with a Jeep Grand Cherokee

I use to tow with a '98 Jeep Grand Cherokee V8 and the braking was terrible. I would assuming the newer ones are better.

 

[chrisf695]

Re: Towing with a Jeep Grand Cherokee

Im towing my 19ft Powerplay integra that weights 3000lbs with my 2002 GC with the 4.7 V8. When I load the boat up and fuel it up I can still tow and brake very easily... no issues at all. Take it for what its worth...

 

[Bamaman1]

Re: Towing with a Jeep Grand Cherokee

If you're considering the diesel engine option, go for it. The engine and drivetrain's strong enough to handle the weight. If you were towing very far, I would suggest you put an add on tranny cooler, however.

And shortly, I'd be looking for a power programmer that I assume will be available for that engine.

Few people think that Navistar or Cummins are the biggest manufacturers of diesel engines. Chrysler's using a Fiat company engine, and Fiat is the largest diesel engine manufacturer in the world. Case and New Holland Tractors are also Fiat companies, and their engines are great.

I think the new Ram 1/2 ton with the same diesel engine as the Grand Cherokee will really be nice.

 

[agallant80]

Re: Towing with a Jeep Grand Cherokee

The Ram 1/2 tonne will use the same diesel. Chrysler is standardizing as much as they can on that diesel or the penstar V6 and the 8 speed tranny. I have the Penstar and the 8 speed in my 300 and its a nice combo. The transmission having 8 gears and the diesel will be a great combo. I wanted to get the Grand Cherokee in Diesel but it would negate me going to a dedicated tow vehicle and a car. I drive too much to justify driving a gas guzzler all of the time. Any ways I am on the side of stay withing the limmit they set for the jeep but I would not be afraid of using it within the limits.

 

[Lou C]

Re: Towing with a Jeep Grand Cherokee

I would not be afraid to tow that with a late model Grand, the brakes are a light year better than the ones on my 98, and the Hemi+Chrysler 5 speed pull great. The one thing you will want, is HD shocks on the rear at least and air bags in the rear coils, or a WD hitch if you do a lot of highway driving with the trailer. You also should have working trailer brakes on both axles with that load. I've towed my '88 FW with both Jeeps in my sig and there is no comparison. The newer style with the Hemi is a very good tow vehicle for its size. I'd get a 2010 used with the Hemi and Quadradrive II + the tow package to save some cash over a new one. Then put some air lifts in the rear coils and you're good to go. Yes the Hemi sucks gas but it is so much FUNNNN.....

I'd bet if you carefully shopped, you can find a nice 2010 for about half the sticker price of a new one loaded up. Thats what I did with my 07, I actually paid less for it, than I paid for the 98 when it was new....

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Towing with a Jeep Grand Cherokee

Lol, we towed the 20' runabout (4K or so) with an '89 Cherokee for one summer. It used to overheat it while driving 60 down the turnpike, so we'd have to drive an hour with the heater running full blast and the windows down. Needless to say, my father got another truck in short order. That little I6 had great low end torque though.

 

[bspeth]

Re: Towing with a Jeep Grand Cherokee

I tow my 18.5 with a 4l Cherokee.Had to got to 3.73s but its just fine.