Weight and Towing Question

[ptrau]

I just found out the hard way that my '03 Jeep Grand Cherokee is not suitable for towing my 19' Sunbird Corsair. I bought my boat used and it didn't come with a manual so I don't know how much the thing ways. Anyone have any idea how much the boat and trailer might weigh.... approximately? <br /><br />It looks as if I will be in the market for a truck to tow this thing, but

 

[ufm82]

Re: Weight and Towing Question

A 19' Bowrider with a midsize I/O will probably weigh in at about 2300-2600 lbs plus trailer. Add gear and stuff and you are towing around 3,000 lbs or so, maybe 3,500 if it is on a tandem. <br /><br />Just a guess. <br /><br />UFM82

 

[txswinner]

Re: Weight and Towing Question

Go to a truck scale at a gravel yard or call a local dirt hauler and ask. You can get an accurate weight and go from there.

 

[migue]

Re: Weight and Towing Question

A Grand cherokee can easily tow 3000 or 3500 pounds, but make sure the tonge weight on the trailer is around 10% of the total trailer weight, also make sure that the hitch is not too high or too low. Sometimes I tow my Sunbird (1800 punds) with a Camry without any problems,you shouldn't have a problem with the cherookee.

 

[tommays]

Re: Weight and Towing Question

i have a maxum 2000sc its really a 19 ft boat and its more like 3850+ <br /><br />so you really need to weight it to avoide the same mistake<br /><br /><br />tommays

 

[DJ]

Re: Weight and Towing Question

Call some local moving companies. They all have scales. They will weigh your rig for $10.00 or less.<br /><br />No sense in guessing.

 

[ptrau]

Re: Weight and Towing Question

thanks for the great suggestions....looks like I am headed to the scales this week.

 

[mattttt25]

Re: Weight and Towing Question

assume your cherokee has the v6? even then, find it hard to believe you can't tow it. what is the tow capacity?<br /><br />by the way, you could have looked up the weight in nadaguides and buc before buying the boat. just something to remember for the future.

 

[k5ranger]

Re: Weight and Towing Question

i have a "93 grand cherokee and i have a 19' bay boat that weighs 3400 lbs(full tank, gear, motor, trailer, etc.). the only problems i have when pulling are steep inclines and sudden stops. just be sure to take your trans. out of O/D before towing and leave yourself plenty of stopping space between you and other vehicles on the road(which you should do anyway when towing).

 

[rwidman]

Re: Weight and Towing Question

As posted by a few others - Get it weighed!

 

[John Carpenter]

Re: Weight and Towing Question

I have three Cherokees and all have the inline 6 4.0L engine...something is wrong with your setup in my opinion. You should not be having too much trouble towing a boat in that range.

 

[JamNJ1955]

Re: Weight and Towing Question

I pull my 2004 185 Bayliner 4.3L with my 1994 Jeep Cherokee 4.0L 6, with no problems. I do have surge brakes on the trailer.<br /><br /> http://mysite.verizon.net/vzenyisu/...ilderpictures/.pond/boathome.jpg.w300h200.jpg <br /><br />John

 

[ptrau]

Re: Weight and Towing Question

Just to clarify.....I haven't HAD any problems towing the thing, but the misses took the car in for service and the geniuses at the dealership scared the "ship" out of her. They told her it wasn't setup for towing and that we would tear up the tranny, wreck the pistons and melt the cat if we continued. Naturally, she came home and shared the good news with me.<br /><br />I always disengage the O/D and take it slow when I tow. I am going to get my rig weighed and put a hitch on my VW Eurovan. I know that beast will tow.<br /><br />Thanks for the feedback to all.

 

[migue]

Re: Weight and Towing Question

Just Install a transmission cooler if it doesn't have one, synthetic engine oil and you will be more than good. I have been towing with my camry for more than 2 years it now has +100K and not a single problem.