New trailer, need tow vehicle

[BarbieRose]

Hi, I just joined this forum. Yesterday I bought my first travel trailer, a 2006 Keystone Springdale 189FL. The GVWR on it is about 5700 lbs. I currently own a 2007 Jeep Liberty with a 5600 lb towing capacity so obviously that won't work to tow this. I am looking at buying a Jeep Grand Cherokee with a V8 Hemi rated for 7200 lbs.
Do you think that will handle this trailer if I add a weight distribution hitch, thru the mountains (taking it from MN to CA)? I am trying to avoid buying a truck, if I can.

Thanks!

[theoldwizard1]

BarbieRose wrote:
I am looking at buying a Jeep Grand Cherokee with a V8 Hemi rated for 7200 lbs.
Do you think that will handle this trailer if I add a weight distribution hitch, ...

First, a weight distribution hitch and trailer brakes are required for any trailer over 3,500-4,000 lbs.

Second, if you are buying new, make sure you order the HD tow package. It typically includes HD radiator and extra transmission cooler and a higher rear axle ratio. These are MANDATORY if you are towing in the mountains.

[Rainier]

If you're partial to to jeep/chrysler, consider a Durango. Durango with the hemi has lots of power and with the tow package will give you what you need to feel safe and confident when you tow.

[IdaD]

You're not going to like towing that with a Liberty at all. I'm not sure why you don't want a truck but if the size is the reason, have you considered a diesel Colorado/Canyon? That would probably be a good match for the trailer, would get good fuel economy and with a canopy you'd have a huge weather protected cargo area.

[jimh406]

You are going to be going through some really windy areas and longer wheelbase of a truck would be helpful. I think that's going to be the biggest issue other than the sheer power to pull over the mountains.

If this is a one time thing, I suppose you will survive with the Grand Cherokee V8 as long as you plan to drive really slow 55-60 in the wind.

I'll also tell you that after one experience in the wind in Eastern WA, my wife was not willing to drive while towing the 24 foot trailer that we had at the time with the Expedition. BTW, she made it about 2 miles after the rest area. For the record, she drove the Class A that we moved to later with no worries in similar wind and also the previous F350 with Truck Camper and now the F450 with the same Truck Camper with similar winds.

[coolmom42]

Your limiting factor is probably going to be cargo capacity, not tow rating. The tongue weight of the trailer should be about 12 percent of the loaded trailer weight, and that becomes part of the cargo of your tow vehicle.

A Sequoia or Expedition would be a good choice for this trailer, if you want to stay with a SUV.

[blt2ski]

I'd do it with what you have. You will not be loaded to max trailer weight. You may be more at 4500-5000 loads.
BIG issue frankly is not the weight, but how much frontal area and wind drag causes from a power perspective.

Marty

[donn0128]

Truck would be better. But if you want a SUV get one with body on frame construction, not a unibody j like jeeps