Arrgh... Do I park it?

eeboater · Feb 19, 2006

If this is in the wrong forum, please relocate - was having trouble figuring out the destination of this discussion... for some reason, they do not allow polls in the trailering forum??

So, mostly everyone knows I just bought that new boat... Everywhere I looked, I saw that the towing capacity of the Jeep is 6700 lb... 6700 lb, 6700 lb, 6700 lb, everywhere I looked it said 6700 lb for 2WD '97 Grand Cherokee. After doing some reading on this site, I am finding that the '97 Grand with 2WD and the 4.0 I6 has a capacity of 2000 lb w/o the "towing package." The actual Bayliner manual says that the dry weight of the boat is 2100 lb. I figure the boat has a 30 gal fuel tank on it, adding 210 lb to the weight. Add in the rest of the garbage, I figure I'm and a lil over 3000 lb. I can't afford to go out and buy a truck with a larger towing capcity right now. Yet it would KILL ME if I had to keep the boat parked in my driveway all summer. I am planning on getting a oil/tranny cooler and the trailer already has mechanical brakes on it. I'm also considering getting air bags in the rear to help sag. What would you guys do... Park the boat til I get a 'bigger' tow vehicle or mod the Jeep and just use it locally until I can get a 'bigger' tow vehicle? Voting and discussion would be greatly appreciated!

Sean

heycods · Feb 19, 2006

Re: Arrgh... Do I park it?

If your trailer has brakes, and you add air shocks or overload springs and tranny cooler you ought to be cool. I have pulled 12500# loads all over tx. with my 3/4 ton dodge diesel. Go fishing.

roscoe · Feb 19, 2006

Re: Arrgh... Do I park it?

Find out what else was included in the factory tow package, if anything. Don't tow in overdrive. Make sure your brakes are in working order. Should be ok with your current plan, but check. I'm not voting, because a third option was not listed. I say, make sure the truck is sufficiently upgraded, then run it all over the country. Your "aftermarket" tow package should be just as good as the factory package, unless the rearend has too low final ratio.

ZmOz · Feb 19, 2006

Re: Arrgh... Do I park it?

All you need are the things that make up the tow package - an appropriately rated hitch, brakes, and a tranny cooler. 3000lbs is nothing for something as heavy as a grand cherokee and the 4.0. They just don't want you towing more than 2k without the factory package because some dumbass will try and pull a 12000lb car trailer with a bumper hitch and no brakes, and then sue them when it blows up.

coleman kayak1 · Feb 19, 2006

Re: Arrgh... Do I park it?

ya, with the mods it should b fine. I had a friend with a small toyota pickup, only 4 cyl. He towed a 1100lb. boat with it as long as he owned the boat (around 10yrs), and is still driving the truck today. Now, I'm not saying (or starting) a war between jeep and toyota, but I'm saying that with those mods, it will be fine. EDIT: The point is, the toyota had a towing package.

QC · Feb 19, 2006

Re: Arrgh... Do I park it?

I'd burn up the tranny before I'd leave my boat parked . . . but you'll be fine if you add the cooler etc.

SpinnerBait_Nut · Feb 19, 2006

Re: Arrgh... Do I park it?

Sean, another thing to consider is your insurance company. If you had a wreck towing something beyond the rated capacity, would they stand behind you or show you to blame for that reason? Something to think about.

heycods · Feb 19, 2006

Re: Arrgh... Do I park it?

Im with QC Ill be damx if I would set at home and look at the boat in the drive. Another option might be to look around for an older low mileage surburban, maby even an 3/4 ton modle thar was a delivery wagon, Co owned and upkept. Around here thoes old things are cheap, gas guzzlwrs yes but they will haul a lot of gear and get you theree and back.

deputydawg · Feb 19, 2006

Re: Arrgh... Do I park it?

Biggest problems will be tranny overheating and brakes. If the trailer brakes work then add tranny cooler and you'll be fine. When you check your hitch see if there is an anti sway bar for stability. Sometimes the suspension without the tow package is lighter duty. Only problem comes with this is poor handling. Not so you would notice until riding a crosswind or rough road.

SS MAYFLOAT · Feb 19, 2006

Re: Arrgh... Do I park it?

Double ee, If yer boat package totals 3K, you only need 10 to 15% of the total weight for your tongue weight. That would be around 300 pounds. Tow packages usually include trailer hitch, wiring, heaveier stabilizer, and a tranny cooler. The main thing in that package that really converts your vehicle into a tow vehicle is the tranny cooler. A very big must. Usually they are not that expensive and east to install. I would put a bit larger one on than what is called for. Find a scale and balance out your tongue weight. Most trailers have adjustable bunks/axles, and winch tower. Moving the boat forward or aft on the trailer will change your tongue weight. Moving it just a few inches can make a big difference in how your trailer handles behind your tow. To much weight on your tow is just as bad as not having enough tongue weight. Also keep in mind that the gear you put into the boat can add to or take away from your tongue weight. Good luck,,,,lots of good info coming to ya! Now get your butt out there and have some fun,,,,,,,maybe in a month or so when things warm up!

sangerwaker · Feb 20, 2006

Re: Arrgh... Do I park it?

Sean, I didn't vote either because of the third option. Add your tranny cooler, and check the rear end ratio on the Jeep. If the rear end is the same as factory tow package, you'll be just fine with an aftermarket hitch and cooler. Even if you have to upgrade the rear end you'd still be money ahead IMO. No need to limit yourself to 10-15 miles either. Either way, better get er done before June!

KaGee · Feb 20, 2006

Re: Arrgh... Do I park it?

Use it ... Just don't plan on any cross country trips.

eeboater · Feb 20, 2006

Re: Arrgh... Do I park it?

Ok, thanks for all the great feedback everyone. In summary, here's what I'm gathering from you guys. In general, a vehicle with a "tow package" has pretty much: 1. Hitch 2. Tranny/Oil Cooler 3. Wiring 4. Rear-end geared more for towing 5. Anti-Sway bar. So, if I have the hitch, tranny/oil cooler, wiring, and I check that the rear end is the same as the axle that comes on the traditional GC with the Tow package. Now that I look at it, here is what it says in the Owners manual for my Jeep:

Your Jeep Grand Cherokee may require extra equipment to safely and efficiently tow a triler. Note the following requirements: Class III Class III hitch (Heavy Duty) for towing trailers with a Gross Trailer Weight of up to 5,000 lbs maximum. Engine................ 4.0L 6-Cylinder Transmission.......... Automatic Only Tire Size............. P215/75R5 (Minimum) Cooling System........ Heavy Duty Spare Tire............ Conventional Full Size Transmission Cooler... Auxiliary cooler required Axle Lubricant Rear... Synthetic Steering system....... Special pump and gear with high temp. seals.

From what I can tell, I will have all of those factors covered except the Steering system... Not exactly sure what that means. Ok, I've decided.. I'm not going to park it. SBN... I'm going to call my insurance agent just to check. Thanks for the heads up. Sean

aspeck · Feb 20, 2006

Re: Arrgh... Do I park it?

Go have fun!

SS MAYFLOAT · Feb 20, 2006

Re: Arrgh... Do I park it?

Just another side note ee, If the rear end ratio is different, you can adjust it some by changing your tire size. A shorter tire (sidewall) will give you more torque and power, but less on mileage. Just another option for ya!

technostingray · Feb 20, 2006

Re: Arrgh... Do I park it?

Oh, oh, I thought you had ordered no mustard at McDonalds.

Pony · Feb 20, 2006

Re: Arrgh... Do I park it?

I didnt vote.....needed a 3rd option as well. "Leave in driveway.....and wait for Pony to bring his truck over and borrow the boat."

txswinner · Feb 20, 2006

Re: Arrgh... Do I park it?

Get a slip.; kidding how far you towing is a factor as well. 10 miles not problem. 250 miles problem.

tommays · Feb 20, 2006

Re: Arrgh... Do I park it?

UNLESS there is a difference in the brake size in the higher rated truck than there is not a saftey issue. trailers brakes are a must no matter how big the truck Trailer Brakes: If your trailer weighs more than 2,000 lbs. loaded, then it must have its own adequate brakes. Be sure to read and follow the instructions for the trailer brake controller so that it is installed, adjusted and maintained properly. A current base silverados towing goes from around 4000 to 8500 with the same brakes just bigger motor/tranny tommays

BassMan283 · Feb 20, 2006

Re: Arrgh... Do I park it?

A 2WD Jeep in WI?!? I have a 97 GC LTD which comes with the tow package and the 5.2 V8. My 17' Lund goes about 1900lbs. and I've been pulling it with the GC for about 5 years. Does OK but I know I sure as hell wouldn't want to be pulling 6700 with this pup. The biggest downside to the Jeep is the relatively short wheel base. You'll want to run with the OD off most if not all the time unless you're running on the flats. Also probably want to make sure your shocks are up to date and put new juice in the rear end.

Arrgh... Do I park it?

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