Towing

[rathcoolej]

Does anyone have experience or advice on towing a 22' Safari Sport with a Jeep Cherokee Classic? THe data says it will work but we are concerned it's right on the edge.

[Paul&Dee]

What is the tow rating of a Jeep Cherokee Classic? Is that the Cherokee model Jeep made before the current Grand Cherokee? If it's one of those old ones, I don't think that I have ever seen one towing anything larger than a U-Haul trailer.
Check out Andy's thread on Towing Myths for some good information about
towing capacities.

My advice would be to get a larger tow vehicle if possible.
Check the Tow Vehicle section of the forum classifieds. There might be something
on there you could use.

Paul & Dee

[rathcoolej]

The official towing capacity for the jeep is 5,000lb the dealer spec sheet for the trailer GVWR is 4,000lb which is why we are asking the question.

[purman]

I have towed m 16 ft trailer with my tractor on it and it was a scary ride. I have seen them pulling 20' trailers but you will need some trailer brakes. I don't have them on mine.

My trailer and tractor probably come in at 4000 lbs. It was at the edge. Mine is a 1990 with the 4.0 v6.

[pageclot]

If the towing capacity is 1000 lb more than the GVWR, you should be ok. The GVWR is the maximum weight of the trailer, so you have 1000 pounds in reserve, which is far from being on the edge of safety.

Ensure you have proper weight distribution hitch, anti-sway devices, an integrated brake controller biased towards having the trailer brakes coming on first, and if the Cherokee seems a bit squirmy, consider installing tires with stiffer sidewalls. Airstreams usually have trailer brakes, and they should be kept in good repair because they may save you on some long downhills (where you are, that would be normal driving, right?).

When on long descents, gear down so the engine is doing most of the braking, and you're not overusing the brakes.

You should be fine. Enjoy!