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View Full Version : Anyone tow with a cherokee?


BRIELLY
10-14-2008, 07:11 PM
I'm in need of a new kid carter/tow vehicle and am considering a cherokee with 4.0 motor not the grand cherokee. I know it has a tow capacity of 5000 lbs but I'm wondering how it would perform towing a v20. I don't neeed to worry about highway speeds since I only go about 10 minutes to the local ramp. Anybody use one to tow their V?

THEFERMANATOR
10-14-2008, 08:23 PM
I managed a V-20 without ANY problems with a CHEROKEE. Brakeing can be interesting, but I didn't have trailer brakes. For short distances you will be fine. IIRC a few here have towed there V's with a little ole HONDA PILOT.

Like I said you'll be fine, heres my 88 with a 25' SEARAY in tow. Gotta watch the tongue weight though:oh:.
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/THEFERMANATOR/SEARAY/CHEROKEEtowing2.jpg

C YENSEN
10-14-2008, 11:22 PM
I town mine with a Jeep Wrangler 4.0. Like Ferm said, braking can be interesting and watch the tounge weight. You will be fine.....:beer:

reelapeelin
10-15-2008, 07:52 AM
Heck...10 mins from the ramp?...you could do that w/a Chevette!!...:sand:

BRIELLY
10-16-2008, 08:34 PM
I'm 10 minutes from the ramp in NJ which means lots of stopping for traffic lights, traffic and the added joy of senior citizens pulling out in front of me. The braking thing makes me nervous since my trailer brakes don't work. My current rig has hydroboost brakes so its not an issue. Someone suggested trying 4wd low range to pull the boat out so I might give that a try before looking for another vehicle.

THEFERMANATOR
10-16-2008, 09:38 PM
I pulled my V out in 2WD without issues with my CHEROKEE. Trailer brakes would be cheaper than a new tow vehicle.

C YENSEN
10-16-2008, 11:20 PM
I pull mine out with 2wd also, get youself some trailer brakes

regidog
10-17-2008, 04:17 PM
I pulled a 24ft Grady (5500#s) out of the water with my 91 cherokee for several years. Just drop it in low and theres is no problem. Trailering on the road is a different issue and you would be wise to get brakes.

Seacrets
10-17-2008, 06:15 PM
Towed my v20 with a 95 Cheerokee 4.0 for years. Alot of 500 mile round trips to the keys. No issues at all. Trailer had no brakes.

BRIELLY
10-17-2008, 06:30 PM
I'm currently towing with an 83 cherokee which is the older 2 door style similar to the grand wagoneer. Its pretty much got the same engine as the modern cherokees but i added hydroboost brakes a few years ago. Hydroboost brakes run off the power steering pump and are a huge upgrade over stock brkes. I feel very comfortable coming to a stop with this set up. The truck also weighs over 5000 lbs so i don't have to worry about the boat being heavier. My biggest problem is getting up the ramp but Ive now been told by many people to try 4 low. So next time I take her out thats what I'm going to do. I wasn't looking forward to selling my truck for something else just for the sake of towing. Hopefully I wont have to. Thanks for the replies.

bigshrimpin
10-23-2008, 04:53 PM
http://www.wellcraftv20.com/gallery/albums/album54/DSCN0244_Medium.jpg
http://www.wellcraftv20.com/gallery/albums/seacraft_part2/DSCN0361_Medium.jpg

I tow with a jeep comanche . . . never had any issues except slipping down some STEEP wet ramps backwards and stopping in general is terrible even with trailer brakes and helper springs. The older jeeps are fine for shot drives and the 4.0L has no problem pulling. It just doesn't have the weight to prevent the V20 or a heavier rig from throwing the truck around.

THEFERMANATOR
10-23-2008, 06:46 PM
BS, that COMANCHE has a longer wheelbase than a CHEROKEE has. My long bed is QUITE a bit longer than a CHEROKEE.