Re: [A/S] Re: Jeep pulling airstream

[hhamp5246@xxxxxxx]

> I've listened to all of the advice about not using a Jeep as a tow vehicle 
> and almost talkd myself into buying another vehicle.>>

That would be a good idea.


< I've been driving my 96 > Jeep for more than 7 yrs and I think all of the 
> opinions are forgeting that the 
> Jeeps are not the copycat Explorers, Jimmys, etc.>

No, we are forgetting anything.  It's a matter of physics. Short wheelbase, 
high center of gravity vehicles are NOT good tow vehicles. Jeeps are very much 
like Explorers, Jimmys etc because they are all Sport Utility Vehicles... not 
tow vehicles.

< My specs say I can pull 5000 > lbs with my setup and I was amazed when I 
> tried it. Granted, I only towed it 
> 65 miles, but once I got used to it, it pulled like a dream.>

<THUD>  You have pulled a grand total of 65 miles are think you have a 
wonderful tow vehicle?


< I met logging > trucks, loaded and flying and never felt a difference.>

Meeting them isn't the problem.  Having a moving van pass you at 85 mph will 
be a problem.

> This is with a Jeep with > 112,000 miles, factory shocks and still needing 
> a brake controller.>
> 
> Okay, let me get this straight..... you towed once for 65 miles.....pulling 
> a 27 foot trailer  with a Jeep, with no tow package, no brakes and you feel 
> qualified to advise others to not take the word of those here who have towed 
> for years and thousands of miles?
> 
> Please, before you go out again read this....... it was posted to the horse 
> boards when someone asked about a vehicle to pull a horse trailer.....
> 
> "A word of caution on the Jeep Cherokee thing.  We used a Jeep Cherokee to 
> pull a travel trailer.  The Jeep sets up rather high, and has a short wheel 
> base.  We were entering a highway, just got onto the highway off the entrance 
> ramp, going not quite 45 mph, a semi flew past us and pulled us into his 
> draft, the travel trailer started to fish tail and because the Jeep Cherokee was 
> so tall and light we ended up in a full
> roll over accident.  Both Jeep and trailer were tossed on their sides and 
> side on their passenger sides some 70 feet down the highway.  Both vehicles 
> were totaled and all 3 of us were injured.  The state policeman that took the 
> accident report told us all that were were very lucky to not have been 
> seriously injured or killed as he has seen more serious accidents involving the Jeep 
> Cherokees and trailers.   
> 
> Right after my accident, a friend of ours was pulling a small snowmobile 
> trailer to their cottage and the same thing happened to them.  There was a 
> serious injury in that episode.  This friend happens to be an attorney and did 
> some research on this sort of thing and found literaly a book of accidents 
> involving Jeep Cherokees (both the standard Cherokee and the Grand Cherokee) being 
> involved in roll over accidents pulling trailers of all sorts (boats,
> snow mobile, travel, horse and flat beds).
> 
> We now have full size pick up trucks with full one ton suspension and a full 
> size suburban with one ton suspension.  I am never going back to the 
> Cherokee or any sort of SUV for that matter."

I'm glad your towing experience was so successful, frankly I think you were 
really lucky.  If and when something starts that trailer to lose it... you are 
going to get flipped around.  I can't even think what would happen if you had 
to make an emergency stop.

You trailer is over 5000 pounds by the way, if it's got "stuff" on board..... 
so you are over your Jeep's tow rating.  Remember, tow ratings as given by 
the manufacturer are designed to get you to buy their vehicle.... not to tow 
safely.  Many experienced people suggest you stay with 80% of the weight to be on 
the safe side..... and that's with real tow vehicles.... with long wheelbases 
and low centers of gravity.... properly equipped for towing. 

I think you are courting disaster....

Hunter  

1996 25' Excella Classic
1999 Ford F-250 powerstroke diesel, crew cab 4X4


 Roadtrip 2003