Jeep Cherokee and 27-31 foot Airstreams

[transy416]

Can a Jeep Cherokee (4.0 liter, inline 6) be used to move one of the longer Airstreams (27 to 31 ft models) IF driven SLOWLY? If so, what would be the maximum speed?

I am not asking about using a Cherokee as a regular tow vehicle for a longer Airstream, but using a Cherokee just to move an Airstream to a relatively permanent location?

Thanks in advance for the help!

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by transy416

Can a Jeep Cherokee (4.0 liter, inline 6) be used to move one of the longer Airstreams (27 to 31 ft models) IF driven SLOWLY? If so, what would be the maximum speed?

I am not asking about using a Cherokee as a regular tow vehicle for a longer Airstream, but using a Cherokee just to move an Airstream to a relatively permanent location?

Thanks in advance for the help!

Sure you can do that, but you must use a load equalizing hitch and stay below about 30 MPH.

The trailer must be properly wired to the tow vehicle, so that the lights and "BRAKES" function.

The wheel base is way to short to tow that size trailer, without considerable risks, no matter what you do.

BE SAFE. DON'T GO SLOW, GO REAL SLOW!!!!!!!

Andy 8k

[Jim Foster]

Originally Posted by Inland RV Center, In

The wheel base is way to short to tow that size trailer, without considerable risks, no matter what you do.

BE SAFE. DON'T GO SLOW, GO REAL SLOW!!!!!!!

Andy 8k

Is there a chart somewhere that shows proper TV wheelbase vs trailer length?

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by Jim Foster

Is there a chart somewhere that shows proper TV wheelbase vs trailer length?

Not that I know of.

But you never want the "tail to wag the dog", and that is exactly what transy416 wats to do, or at least had thoughts of doing.

Short wheel base tow vehicles and long Airstream's are a no no, for safe towing.

Andy

[LI Pets]

I wouldn't do it with a 31

[transy416]

In case it makes any difference, I am asking about older Airstreams--1970's models.

Would the 30 MPH limit apply to any trailer in the 27+ length? That is, including trailers that are not Airstreams?

What about the Hensley Arrow hitch, or something similar? Would that make any difference?

Thanks for all your help!

Originally Posted by Inland RV Center, In

Sure you can do that, but you must use a load equalizing hitch and stay below about 30 MPH.

The trailer must be properly wired to the tow vehicle, so that the lights and "BRAKES" function.

The wheel base is way to short to tow that size trailer, without considerable risks, no matter what you do.

BE SAFE. DON'T GO SLOW, GO REAL SLOW!!!!!!!

Andy 8k

[LI Pets]

yes any trailer that size, a Hensley is $3,000.

Hire a flat bed

[BillTex]

This is the article that has been around for years. Bottom line; longer wheelbase is better. rv.org has the same info (but they charge you for it.)

David's RV Tips: How long?

You didn't say how far you were going, and if it is a one time tow...I would not invest $$$ in a Hensley to tow once.

Buy a buddy with a full size truck a rack of brews and have him/her tow it...

Bill

[Silverhobby]

I used to regularly tow a '69, 25 footer with a full size Ford Bronco. It was at the end of it's capacity even with the Reese, Dual Cam equalizing hitch. I towed my uncle's 28 ft square white box as a favor one day. I was reduced to under 30 MPH. That was not a safe combination.

[memgrove2000]

We have done it with an XJ.... WITH A BRAKE CONTROLER!!! AND THE REESE DUAL CAM hitch....BUT.... We were in a FLAT campground... running over to the dump station... NOT ON THE HIGHWAY.

this was a stable enough platform for running flat and slow... We never took it out of the park with the jeep (but I feel we could have if we went slowly and carefully, "Slowly" being the key) Don't find out what "too fast" is!

[Mikethefixit]

Just my opinion. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES use that jeep to pull a 31 ft trailer of any brand with any hitch. THAT is if ya wanna get there without killin someone or yourself or destroying the trailer. The jeep is to HIGH in Ground clearance and to short in Wheelbase.
Look around , id bet you have a friend wiff a 4 wheel drive Chev or Ford thats already got a receiver from the factory and a lite plug wire the right way and may even have a brake controller already.
Please dont take a chance on destroying that trailer. Its not worth it

[Kevin245]

But you will not be safe IMHO.

There is no way I would consider this combination safe even with a HA HA, or Propride.

Two issues concern me:

1. TV Wheelbase - Too short - Longer is better
2. TV Drive Train - Not enough mule (2air-ism)

You may be sucessful but it is very risky, and after seeing what my friends recently went through I am looking in to a better hitch and TV combinations.

Thoughts and Blessings...


Regards,

Kevin

[moosetags]

First off, welcome to the Forums. We're glad to have you with us.

The answer to your question is NOT REALLY. If you go out on the highway with a unit like that, you will be asking for trouble. You would be just as good towing a 31' Airstream with a lawn tractor.

I think that Andy is being generous with his max speed estimate. I wouldn't go over 15 mph with that rig.

If, by a short distance, you mean 150 feet, it might be OK. Otherwise. you need to find a friend with at least a half ton truck to help you move it.

In addition to the safety considerations, you are risking substantial damage to the transmission of the Cherokee.

Brian

[transy416]

I'd like to thank everyone for their feedback and for being so honest.

Given that this Airstream would be kept almost permanently at a campground, I hate to invest in a TV that gets terrible mpg. With the use of a hitch like the Hensley Arrow, what would be the smallest (and most fuel efficient) TV that could safely move a 31 foot Airstream at say 55mph speeds from time to time? Would a F150 be too small? Any SUVs recommended?

Thanks again for all the feedback!