Towing with a Jeep

[davescott]

I've got a Starcraft Centennial 3606 that I've been pulling with a Jeep Grand Cherokee with a V8 and it works great.  My question is that I also have a Jeep Cherokee with a 4.0 liter six with a 5 speed and I'm looking to see if anyone has experience towing this size trailer with a similar tow vehicle.  A lot of folks tow with an automatic Jeep, but I don't hear about towing with the 5 speed.  I've got an equalizing hitch and electric brakes.  My best guess for total trailer weight is around 3,200 lb.

[Jim K in PA]

Dave,

I have a  2005 Wrangler Rubicon with the 4.0 and a 6 speed.  I towed a Dutchmen 1206 down to Camp Jeep in VA last summer with it. Mine is an Unlimited, and is rated to tow 3500lb.  I had the trailer loaded as well as the Rubi with my boys (12 and 14 at the time) and wife along.  I was able to tow in overdrive except for the long hills on I-81.  I think you will be better off towing with the 5 speed as the automatic has such a tall OD, you will be staying in 3rd most of the time anyway.  You shouldn't have a problem.  You might want to change the trans fluid if you have not done that in a while, along with the diffs.

[davescott]

Dave,

I have a  2005 Wrangler Rubicon with the 4.0 and a 6 speed.  I towed a Dutchmen 1206 down to Camp Jeep in VA last summer with it. Mine is an Unlimited, and is rated to tow 3500lb.  I had the trailer loaded as well as the Rubi with my boys (12 and 14 at the time) and wife along.  I was able to tow in overdrive except for the long hills on I-81.  I think you will be better off towing with the 5 speed as the automatic has such a tall OD, you will be staying in 3rd most of the time anyway.  You shouldn't have a problem.  You might want to change the trans fluid if you have not done that in a while, along with the diffs.

Jim,

   Thanks for the info.  I hooked up my trailer to the Cherokee and did some towing around town and it felt fine.  I've got an equalizer hitch and I'm going to have a dropped drawbar extension made to level thngs out a bit and then wire up the brakes.  Taking the rig to Death Valley at the end of the month.  

Dave

[wavery]

Jim,

   Thanks for the info.  I hooked up my trailer to the Cherokee and did some towing around town and it felt fine.  I've got an equalizer hitch and I'm going to have a dropped drawbar extension made to level thngs out a bit and then wire up the brakes.  Taking the rig to Death Valley at the end of the month.  

Dave

Before you go and spend $ having one made, check this out:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=95991

[Jim K in PA]

Dave - one caveat that is important and I apologize for not mentioning in my first response.

BRAKES!

The one thing that I did not have when we towed the Dutchmen was electric brakes (it was a borrowed camper).  Coming down off the Blue Ridge Parkway I used compression braking heavily, but still really wanted some electric brakes on the camper.  I suggest you add them if you have not done so already (or it already has them from the factory).

[davescott]

Before you go and spend $ having one made, check this out:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=95991

Thanks for the info.  I'm trying to figure out if that will work.  My problem is that I need to add 7" to the length of the drawbar to clear the jerry can rack and spare tire on the back of the Jeep and I need to drop 3" and then have a 2" receiver to take the equalizer hitch which has the two torsion bars coming out of the bottom.  I don't think the harborfreight item will work with all I need to do, but I'd appreciate any input.  BTW I have an EAZ lift hitch.