towing with a 2000 Jeep Cherokee - okay?

(graphik) · (graphik) **Join Date: Feb 2003** 02-27-2003, 10:04 AM

I've seen variations on this question, but I'm trying to find more positive, or negative input. I'm towing a 93 Tige, SLM COMP 2800 lbs). It's a three hour drive to the cottage, which was actually fine. I went slow, and braking wasn't an issue. Pulling the boat out of the water however is. I don't want to leave it in the water when I'm not there, but the girlfried (Cherokee owner) thinks it is hard on the car. Anyone have anything to add? Is it that bad? I'm only towing 4 miles to the launch.
thanks

(sandbag) · (sandbag) **Join Date: May 2002** 02-27-2003, 10:11 AM

I've towed with two Cherokees now.
2000 and 2002.
Tell us more about your Jeep:
4x4?
Tow package? weight limit?
Tranny cooler?
Auto/manual?
Year and motor?
Trailer brakes?

(sandbag) · (sandbag) **Join Date: May 2002** 02-27-2003, 10:12 AM

Make it three... had an 87 as well

wakelvr 02-27-2003, 12:24 PM

I towed my boat with a 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee Quadra Drive V8 and had NO problems at all. It looked kind of funny cause it was smaller than the boat:-)

I'm getting ready to buy another Jeep- 2003 (It's a jeep thing:-) and will alternate between our Sequoia and Jeep to pull the boat.

nohalfboats 02-27-2003, 6:25 PM

get overloads for the rear because the front end will have reoccuring problems, like tie rods wearing out,tires wearing at the outer edges.......I know this from expierience.COSTLY

(graphik) · (graphik) **Join Date: Feb 2003** 02-27-2003, 8:14 PM

Well, It's not a grand Cherokee, it's automatic, I can drop it in 4x4. It pulls no problem, even up a steep hill on the way to the cottage, but it's pulling the boat out of the water that is tough. Not sure of engine, and trailer has no brakes, so I have to be careful. Good info, sounds like I'll be leaving it in the water most of the summer.
b

(csquared) · (csquared) **Join Date: Jan 2002** 02-28-2003, 7:50 AM

Have you tried using 4-low to get it out of the water? If it can pull up a steep hill, is wheel spin the problem coming out of the water or is the ramp just really really steep?

lukem 03-01-2003, 12:13 PM

i pull my boat to the lake with my 1999 jeep grand cherokee limited. it has the v8 tow package and all that good ••••. and it even has 20 " rims on it. i dont like to use it but i do.

(mainelaker) · (mainelaker) **Join Date: Feb 2003** 03-01-2003, 12:51 PM

You should have NO problem pulling that boat with your Cherokee, I wouldn't even think twice about it. A transmission cooler may help but I don't think it is an absolute must have for dropping a boat in & out. If you were doing it everyday then yes but not twice a week. Use four low & you won't have a problem with the ramp. I towed snowmobiles for two years everywhere at some high speeds without a problem in my '97 Cherokee & dropped our boat in for the season with no problems. Just use some common sense on the ramp if it's slick so you don't hurt your boat

kwisenor 03-02-2003, 7:34 AM

Brian -

Shawn has the right idea. We used to tow with a V8 Cherokee and it's imperative that you drop it into 4-Low while pulling the boat out and up the ramp. Otherwise you risk burning out your transmission. In 4-low that car can climb a tree it has so much low end torque.

Kent

xtigeman 03-02-2003, 1:05 PM

I pulled a 99 21 i with a 99 Cherokee for a while and it was pretty scarry launching the boat. The boat would drag the vehicle toward the water even with all tires locked up. As long as you were striaght, no problem. If it was not stright, going to jack knife or go off the edge of the ramp, I would have to throw it in drive to get the boat to stop from going backwards. Trailering is okay, but harder to staop. I am using a Tahoe now and it is a night and day difference.

(bbeach) · (bbeach) **Join Date: Jul 2002** 03-03-2003, 10:03 AM

I own a 99 Grand Cherokee, with the tow package and all the whistles, and it pulls my MC which weights about 2600lbs loaded with gas and gear four hours to the lake about 10 times a summer. WORKS like a dream! Stopping isn't a problem, ramps aren't any trouble. GCherokee's with the tow package come with upgraded brakes!

(csquared) · (csquared) **Join Date: Jan 2002** 03-03-2003, 3:59 PM

Actually, GCherokees (specifically the WJ, which is 1999-present model years) don't get upgraded brakes as part of the towing package. Towing package gives you a tranny and powersteering cooler, different rear end (depending on if it was factory or dealer installed) and the usual wiring changes. If you can convince your dealer to so it, there is a TSB on the 1999-2000 brakes to upgrade them to the 2001-2003 rotors and calipers (which are really nice 4-piston calipers)because the 1999-2000 GCherokees have a problem with warping rotors.

(graphik) · (graphik) **Join Date: Feb 2003** 03-03-2003, 8:19 PM

thanks for all of the input guys. The ramp that I lauch it at isn't very steep, and lauching the boat is no prob. I just have to take it slow as slamming the brakes will just drag the jeep into the water with the boat. Getting it out of the water seems to be tougher. You can hear the jeep really working, but once it's up, it's fine. I'll take all input into consideration.

thanks again
b

(melvinator) · (melvinator) **Join Date: Apr 2001** 03-04-2003, 9:16 AM

I have a VLX that weighs about 4000 lbs with the trailer and pull it out with my 94 grand cherokee thats a 6 cylinder and if you put it in 4x4 low it will idle it out of the water. I don't have to give it any gas even on a steep ramp. So you should have plenty of power.