Towing Questions...

[jcd]

Anyone have a link to good reading about tow ratings and so forth?

Here is my issue. I have a 99 Jeep Cherokee (auto, 4wd) and the book says 5000 lbs. I'm under the impression that 5000 lbs includes the passengers, cargo and anything being towed.  I plan on using sway control and an electronic brake setup.

When shopping, what weight should I be paying attention to?
GVWR? Unloaded weight + Carrying Capacity.

If GVWR is indeed what I'm supposed to be watching, I'm thinking I'll stick to about 2300 - 2500 lbs GVWR.

How does GVWR correspond to a vehicles towing capacity?

I'm a little confused and dealers aren't much help...

Thanks,
- Josh.

[fritz_monroe]

I can't really help with any of the questions.  However, I towed my Bayside first with a Jeep Liberty that has a 5000# tow rating.  It handled fine on the flats, but I was not happy at all on the hills.  Then when I had to back into the site, I barely made it into the site.  The Bayside has a 3500# GVWR.

[pfaust]

Try this site. He has a lot of good info available.
http://www.title-3.com/index.html

[Medic118]

I have a 2001 coleman utah and we pull it with a 98 jeep grand cherokee, i have not had any problems puling it. The utah weighs about 2500lbs.

[GemmySan]

Trailer Loading and Towing Guide
 RV and Tow Vehicle Weights
 RV Weight Limitations
 
 A little light reading for your enjoyment... Hope you find some of it useful.
 Jimmy

[abbear]

You want to pay attention to

GVWR of vehicle - This will include passengers, fuel, and baggge carried in the jeep as well as the tongue weight of the trailer.

GVWR of trailer - This is the number to reference when shopping to keep you in line with your vehicle towing requirements.

GCWR - This is the Gross Combined Weight Rating of both vehicles together.

You also want to be sure you do not exceed the axle weight rating on the rear axle of the jeep.

Do you have your copy of the owners manual?  That is the reference you need.  How they word it will tell you what you need to know.  Don't have a copy or having trouble interpreting it?  Try asking your questions here:

//www.JeepForum.com

I suspect the people who own the same vehicle will be able to give you a good answer (as some here have already done)

Good luck to you

[wynot]

I have a 2001 coleman utah and we pull it with a 98 jeep grand cherokee, i have not had any problems puling it. The utah weighs about 2500lbs.

UMMM, what did you remove from the Utah to get it down to 2,500 lbs loaded?
 
I'm not getting mine anywhere near a scale, because I will bet I am at least 3,500 lbs and probably more.