Greetings all and happy Veterans Day. I am just getting ready to pull the trigger on my first travel trailer and I am getting some nerves about my setup. My tow vehicle is a 2008 Jeep Liberty Limited 4x4 with factory tow package. The listed specs for my setup are:5000# tow capacity750# tongue weight25 foot max TT length64 sqft max TT frontThe trailer I am looking at is a 2012 Forest River Flagstaff Micro Lite 18RB.The specs of the TT are:2770# dry weight365# hitch weight18'9" LOA62.5 sqft frontal area (the front is rounded as well)In addition to the factory Jeep tow package which include a tranny cooler, Class III receiver, and electronic trailer sway control, I am purchasing a Tekonsha P2 electronic brake controller and a Fastway E2 weight distribution hitch with sway control. I know I am within the stated capacities of my tow vehicle, but I just want to get some opinions as this is my first TT. We just moved from NC to CA, and my dad towed this liberty with a 6X12 enclosed trailer packed front to back with household goods and said it pulled and handled fine even without the trailer brakes and weight distribution hitch, but I realize the surface area of the TT will be greater than the motorcycle trailer we used to move. Do you guys think I will be fine? Also, should I upgrade my tires before trying to tow? The dealership is 350 miles away for once I am there, I am all in and do not want to get on the road and realize I have a 6 hour drive ahead of me to regret all my decisions! Thanks!

I have one more question. The manufacture date of the trailer is 2011, but the VIN indicates it is a 2012 VIN. However, this model was not offered in 2012 but offered in 2011. I would imagine that it is actually a 2011 despite the 2012 VIN code?

unless it's the diesel Liberty, you won't like towing in the mountains.

bikendan wrote:unless it's the diesel Liberty, you won't like towing in the mountains.my friend towed a light aluminum boat behind his. Hated it. abe sure brakes work good on the tT.bumpy

When I first read your post - I went UUUmmmmmmm. Then I looked up the TT and think t=you will be okay,The one factor people forget is wheel-base..............probably the most important factor for safe towing. But your setup will work nicely. I had a similar setup but had the older Cherokee and towed a 19ft camper. Keep the speeds below 65 and you should have a positive experience.

The other spec to consider is GVWR. At around 1000 lb cargo capacity keep track of what goes into your suv. Tongue weight goes against the suv cargo capacity, so you will likely have about 550 lbs left over for all passengers and cargo. Certainly all within reason.You specifically mention tires.... Plenty of folks tow with P rated tires, but also FYI plenty of folks complain about the sidewall flexing and mushy feel. I prefer LT tires in higher load ranges, but I pay for it with a stiff unloaded ride.All said, I would go with your current setup and see how It handles.

Need advice on this setup please! | Good Sam Community

17 Replies

RoyB
Explorer II
Nov 11, 2015
I don't know about the newer JEEPS but my 99 TJ JEEP WRANGLER went through a rear end pretty quick just doing some modest towing of my 4200lb trailer setup... It had plenty of power and all but had to replace the gears in the rearend.

This was also true for my older Jeeps. It was just common knowledge back then that any of the JEEPS were not to be used to tow anything...

You can pile four large guys in a Jeep wrangler and it becomes pretty apparent what it can do...

Don't have any experiences with the newer JEEPS used for towing...

Roy Ken
OutdoorPhotogra
Explorer
Nov 11, 2015
Warning on LT tires. I've driven a pickup of some sort as my daily driver since early 90's and never minded the "truck ride." I switched to LT tires several years ago and hate the ride when not towing and I've tried a variety of air pressures. By all means add LT if the specs demand it and you are towing regularly but don't switch just because LT's are presumed better.
RJCorazza
Explorer
Nov 11, 2015
The other spec to consider is GVWR. At around 1000 lb cargo capacity keep track of what goes into your suv. Tongue weight goes against the suv cargo capacity, so you will likely have about 550 lbs left over for all passengers and cargo. Certainly all within reason.
You specifically mention tires.... Plenty of folks tow with P rated tires, but also FYI plenty of folks complain about the sidewall flexing and mushy feel. I prefer LT tires in higher load ranges, but I pay for it with a stiff unloaded ride.
All said, I would go with your current setup and see how It handles.
fitznj
Explorer
Nov 11, 2015
When I first read your post - I went UUUmmmmmmm. Then I looked up the TT and think t=you will be okay,

The one factor people forget is wheel-base..............probably the most important factor for safe towing. But your setup will work nicely. I had a similar setup but had the older Cherokee and towed a 19ft camper.

Keep the speeds below 65 and you should have a positive experience.
Bumpyroad
Explorer
Nov 11, 2015
bikendan wrote:
unless it's the diesel Liberty, you won't like towing in the mountains.

my friend towed a light aluminum boat behind his. Hated it. abe sure brakes work good on the tT.
bumpy
bikendan
Explorer
Nov 11, 2015
unless it's the diesel Liberty, you won't like towing in the mountains.
jeffz
Explorer
Nov 11, 2015
I have one more question. The manufacture date of the trailer is 2011, but the VIN indicates it is a 2012 VIN. However, this model was not offered in 2012 but offered in 2011. I would imagine that it is actually a 2011 despite the 2012 VIN code?

Forum Discussion

Need advice on this setup please!

17 Replies

About RV Newbies

Related Content

TOAD setup advice please

TOAD setup advice please

Advice please

Need hitch advice please.

Looking for advice on a towbar setup!