Towing - Grand Cherokee

[DocG2828]

Hey all. Looking at buying a 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Has a 4.0 6cyl. It will be the vehicle I use to tow my boat. I know Cherokee's can tow quite a bit, but not sure if that's the 6's too. Anyone know the towing capacity for this thing? It does include the tow package and is 4x4. I can't find any data that agrees. Our boat is a 17.5 Maxum bowrider which weighs in around 3000lbs. Would this be a good tow vehicle ya think?<br /><br />Thanks!

 

[RobG]

Re: Towing - Grand Cherokee

DocG2828,<br /><br />Here is a long thread with a '99 Grand Cherokee.<br /><br />Rob<br /><br /> http://forums.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=22;t=002173

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Towing - Grand Cherokee

Hook up and go. It will be just fine. How well it tows depends on axle ratio. A word of caution however, "about 3000 pounds" often turns out to be a gross error in estimation. Add 25 - 30 gallons of fuel, some batteries, some gear, and you may be surprised at how chubby a boat gets. You may also want a trailer with brakes. In fact 3000 pounds is generally the threshold for that requirement in many states.

 

[rottenray6402]

Re: Towing - Grand Cherokee

I used to tow my old 79 18' SeaRay with a Cherokee Sport with that same engine and tow package. It towed it fine but you certainly knew it was back there. With any tow vehicle keeping the transmission cool is vital.

 

[DocG2828]

Re: Towing - Grand Cherokee

Well the specs on my boat are about 2550lbs w/ trailer. So the 3000lbs was a high estimate w/ gas, gear, etc....at least I figured it would be a high estimate. SOunds like the Cherokee would tow it no prob though. Can't afford a Suburban or anything like that right now.

 

[tommays]

Re: Towing - Grand Cherokee

I think you should find out the real rateing of that Jeep there are so many different builds anything else is a GUESS<br /><br />And you really want trailer brakes or stoping will be and adventure you dont want to have <br /><br /><br />tommays

 

[JB]

Re: Towing - Grand Cherokee

Unless they have changed it recently, Ohio requires brakes on all trailers grossing over 2,000lb. <br /><br />You really want brakes on that rig whether the law requires them or not.

 

[Lou C]

Re: Towing - Grand Cherokee

I know with my 98 the rating is 5000 lbs with the tow package, with the inline 6, 6500 with the V-8. If the boat is 3500 lbs it will do it but you will feel it there. You MUST have trailer brakes that work, and a trans cooler, heavy duty shocks, airbags in the rear coils, are all things that make the Grand a better tow vehicle. The issue with them is that they are really biased for off road use, with a short wheelbase, live axles, and real manual transfer case. The thing is that the small size and short wheelbase which make it good off road, is a liability when towing. Still if you upgrade it and are careful they can tow pretty well for its small size. If you can get the 4.7 V-8 it is a much better tow vehicle than with the 6. The 6 is a great reliable motor, but for towing the 8 is far better and it really gets the same fuel mileage as the 6.<br />go over to www.jeepsunlimited.com and ask away.