2001 jeep cherokee sport w/ 20' 2005 trophy walk is this ok?

[jtcnj]

is towing gonna kill my stock truck? It seems ok, but the atf gets dirty, slightly muddy looking, but does not smell burnt. any tips?

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: 2001 jeep cherokee sport w/ 20' 2005 trophy walk is this ok?

If the boat, trailer combo weight is over the GVRW of the jeep then its not gonna help it any.
Check the weights then go from there.

 

[mike343]

Re: 2001 jeep cherokee sport w/ 20' 2005 trophy walk is this ok?

Go to the TBM website and check the tow raring or your truck. go to a public scale and weigh the boat/trailer and you'll have your answer.

 

[grahamh]

Re: 2001 jeep cherokee sport w/ 20' 2005 trophy walk is this ok?

Make sure you get your tranny fluid flushed regularly, that will help the life of a transmission a ton, especially if you're towing at or over the vehicle's limit.

 

[divinginn]

Re: 2001 jeep cherokee sport w/ 20' 2005 trophy walk is this ok?

A transmission cooler will extend the life of your transmission. I used to pull a 25 foot cabin cruiser with a jeep Comanche,truck version of the Cherokee,but it was severe truck abuse and I would not recommend it,I only pulled it a mile or so to the ramp.

 

[Lou C]

Re: 2001 jeep cherokee sport w/ 20' 2005 trophy walk is this ok?

That Jeep was rated at 5000lbs with the tow package...but even so...the rear leaf springs are weak for loads and you will probably get sag...you can either upgrade the springs or add Air Lift or Firestone airbags to support the tongue weight...I have em in my 98 Grand Cherokee and they work well...
The other thing is that the brakes on the boat trailer...better WORK REALLY WELL...because those Cherokees have marginal brakes and you will get pushed all over the place if they don't work well....
The inline 6 and AW-4 (Toyota) transmission will pull the weight...but stopping/controlling the load is the issue..
My 98 Grand towed pretty well even with the 6...but the 07 Grand 5.7 Hemi pulls the boat like it's not there....

In any case good surge brakes and some load leveling assistance will help a lot....

 

[windsors03cobra]

Re: 2001 jeep cherokee sport w/ 20' 2005 trophy walk is this ok?

I cant imagine you getting into overdrive with that truck and load but yes towing in OD with that boat will munch the trans.
Severe overload for that car like/car brake having light SUV IMO.

I love those trucks but you have too much load for it there.

 

[eli_lilly]

Re: 2001 jeep cherokee sport w/ 20' 2005 trophy walk is this ok?

is towing gonna kill my stock truck? It seems ok, but the atf gets dirty, slightly muddy looking, but does not smell burnt. any tips?

Don't pull in overdrive, that's for sure!

-E

 

[JB]

Re: 2001 jeep cherokee sport w/ 20' 2005 trophy walk is this ok?

Find out the tow rating as equipped and the actual weight of the rig, ready to launch.

My guess is that you are asking for serious trouble.

 

[HappierWet]

Re: 2001 jeep cherokee sport w/ 20' 2005 trophy walk is this ok?

I pull with a '91 cherokee. Usually up to around 3500 lbs or so, but a couple times 5000 or a little over. Definately need a trans cooler! EXTRA definately want good working trailer brakes. DON'T tow with dirty fluid, IT WILL DIE: Give yourself lots of stopping distance.

 

[thedukeryan]

Re: 2001 jeep cherokee sport w/ 20' 2005 trophy walk is this ok?

I used to have a 05 Grand with the 5.7 Hemi. This thing could beat most cars at the line even when pulling my 6,000lb boat. I then went to a 06 F150 with the 5.4 and even with some upgrades under the hood it still crys when trying to pull anything.

 

[199q]

Re: 2001 jeep cherokee sport w/ 20' 2005 trophy walk is this ok?

Three words:

Brakes Brakes Brakes!

I also have a Cherokee and I tow about 3500 with it. I have on occasion towed 6k with it for an emergency. The I6 and the AW4 (if you have the auto trans) is a great powerful combo with lots of low end. your jeep has a tranny cooler built into the lower portion of the radiator, its not the best ever, but it works, I would upgrade if towing lots of hills. The brakes on the Cherokee even in perfect condition, are marginal at best, you will need lots of brakes on your trailer. I also installed rear air bags. best 200$ I have ever spent on my jeep. you can easily adjust your ride height (keeping your weight more balanced) , and keep the rear from riding on your bump stops if heavy loaded.

what does your combo weigh? you can easily find the specs of your boat weight, find your total fuel weight, and trailers are in the neighborhood of 500 lbs or so. Keep in mind if you are rated for 5k, I couldn't tow much more than about 4000 to about 4500 very very max. it is much better to have that safety factor. if you get into an accident with an trailer that is more than your car is rated for, you will instantly be at fault. ( here in california anyway!)

Edit: you are lucky also your jeep came with the stronger 8.25 Chrysler axle, not the wimpy dana 35!