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Roaming Around ![]() Newbie ![]() ![]() Joined: 20 Jul 2015 Online Status: Offline Posts: 11 |
![]() Posted: 01 Feb 2017 at 6:28am |
Richard Cindy, I am heartened by your reply although the posts I'm reading are not about towing a Jeep -- they are about a Jeep towing a TT! Anyway, thank you -- my gypsy life is looking better again :-) You are right -- wheelbase IS 106.7 -- not sure where I got 101. I will add WDH with sway -- already have a very good brake controller which I took from my Tacoma so hope I can use it in the Jeep. Again, many thanks to all for the great advice.
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Richand Cindy ![]() Senior Member ![]() ![]() Joined: 16 Apr 2016 Location: New Jersey Online Status: Offline Posts: 328 |
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I believe the Cherokee wheelbase is 106.3 not 101. We did research this as we bought the Cherokee with the knowledge of buying an RPOD later. We have not heard of any issues and recommend a weight distribution hitch with anti sway. The car does have built in anti sway for towing but I would add on to it anyway. Most of the negative posts if you google it are about towing Jeeps in the rear of the RV not about Jeeps towing a TT. Don't worry be happy!
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OLD 2017.5 RPOD 180 + 2015 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk
NEW: 2018 Passport Elite 23RB + 2017 Ram 1500 Diesel |
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StephenH ![]() podders Helping podders - pHp ![]() ![]() Joined: 29 Nov 2015 Location: Wake Forest, NC Online Status: Offline Posts: 6418 |
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Situationally aware driving is part of the solution. Understanding the limitations and not pushing them is another. Consider the distance between the center of the axle and the hitch ball on the Cherokee. On the Escape, that distance was about 3' give or take an inch. On some the Frontier, it is about 5'. On some pickups, it could be even longer. The wheelbase is one factor, but that distance between the rear axle and the hitch ball is just as, if not more important in limiting sway. There is a discussion in another message thread about this. The longer the distance between axle and hitch ball, the more leverage the trailer can exert. So a short distance can help minimize sway. When coupled with a good weight transfer and sway control hitch, you should be fine. The Escape has a 105.9" wheelbase and it towed well.
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StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
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mjlrpod ![]() Senior Member ![]() ![]() Joined: 27 Sep 2016 Location: Massachusetts Online Status: Offline Posts: 1221 |
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I personally have always been of the impression that jeep is not a great tow vehicle, and that there is a certain amount of danger in the wrangler turning over. I would say that if you go into it aware that your T.V. is not able to be driven with disregard for the load, and approach it rationally, you will be just fine. I have a 2015 nissan frontier, that will be my approach. even though i technically have a 6100 tow capacity, more with the WDH, i will take it slow and steady, and respect the 3000 pounds attached to my back end.
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2017.5 Rp-172
2020 R-pod 195 2015 Frontier sv 4.0L 6cyl I'll be rpodding |
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Roaming Around ![]() Newbie ![]() ![]() Joined: 20 Jul 2015 Online Status: Offline Posts: 11 |
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Thanks to everyone for your help! This forum is tops! I am so confused and actually not very happy at this point. I sold a great TV -- Tacoma Prerunner -- and bought this Cherokee (with tow package) for its 4x4 which I need. However, I've been reading so much about the Jeep and its short wheelbase being dangerous or "challenging" for towing my 20' RPod. Beginning to think I should have done more homework but it never occurred to me that a JEEP could be a problem -- yikes! I see some of you have the Cherokee but I am very hesitant based on some of the other stuff I am reading. The Cherokee's wheelbase is 101 -- pretty short! I do like to travel with it, including out West which means mountains along the way. Oh my, what to do...
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StephenH ![]() podders Helping podders - pHp ![]() ![]() Joined: 29 Nov 2015 Location: Wake Forest, NC Online Status: Offline Posts: 6418 |
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If you want some flexibility on where to mount the controller, check out the Hopkins InSIGHT Flex-Mount controller. With it, you will get separate flex-display, flex-control, and smart box. The display and control plug into the smart box with phone-style connectors. You would purchase the harness to connect it to the plug in your Cherokee. It is simple, and you get to choose where you want to mount the components for best visibility and most convenient reach while putting the smart box out of sight. It ends up being a very attractive installation.
Other than that, you should be okay with the 4500 pound towing capacity. We were towing with a 2016 Ford Escape SE with the 2L Ecoboost engine. It has a 3500 lb towing capacity. Where it excelled was at higher altitudes since the turbocharged engine did not lose power. We had an accident and since it is still in the repair shop in Wyoming, we needed to be able to get home so we bought a used, 2010 Nissan Frontier with a 6100 lb towing capacity. I really noticed the difference since the 4L V6 in the Frontier is not turbocharged. Since it does have other features we like, we will sell the Escape and keep the Frontier, at least until we can replace it with a Diesel powered TV (hoping Ford comes out with the Diesel F150 for the 2018 model year as the auto web sites indicate). |
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StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
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mjlrpod ![]() Senior Member ![]() ![]() Joined: 27 Sep 2016 Location: Massachusetts Online Status: Offline Posts: 1221 |
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I agree that 4500 pound max is ok. Thats probably the lowest tow capacity i would use to tow a pod. I know a few here use 3500, but being at max capacity isn't the best way to go. I don't drive 120 miles an hour everywhere cause that would be silly. Just my opinion
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2017.5 Rp-172
2020 R-pod 195 2015 Frontier sv 4.0L 6cyl I'll be rpodding |
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Richand Cindy ![]() Senior Member ![]() ![]() Joined: 16 Apr 2016 Location: New Jersey Online Status: Offline Posts: 328 |
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We have a 2015 Cherokee trailhawk. It has the same 4500 lb tow capacity. Most people on this forum recommend a minimum 5000 lb TV but people with Cherokees say they have no problem. You will need to buy a brake controller. The included tow package means it comes pre wired for the brake controller. After reading reviews we went with the Tekonsha P3. A bit pricey but well worth it. It comes with wiring harness that has to be spliced into the cars wiring. However for about $14 more you can buy item 3014-P which has a plug which fits the Cherokee so no cutting and splicing wires and making wrong connection. Just plug and tow. You can search for a YouTube video on where to find the plug on the Jeep (the hardest part of the self install was finding that hidden plug. It is attached to the car so you cannot attach it until you slide it free first, I was thinking it would just be hanging down.
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OLD 2017.5 RPOD 180 + 2015 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk
NEW: 2018 Passport Elite 23RB + 2017 Ram 1500 Diesel |
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Happy Tripping ![]() Senior Member ![]() ![]() Joined: 27 May 2014 Online Status: Offline Posts: 473 |
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It's not very powerful, but try the advanced 'search' function for - Cherokee "tow vehicle". It'll get you some feedback.
We have a 2014 Trail Hawk with tow package and, at times, have used sway control with a 171. Been cross country to L.A. from WV once, went twice to Yellowstone @ 8000 feet, and parts west. No problems, no excitement, satisfied, especially considering the Jeep's ability to then detach trailer and go off roads or in city. PM me for further info.
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David and Danette ![]() podders Helping podders - pHp ![]() ![]() Joined: 24 Nov 2009 Online Status: Offline Posts: 1223 |
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Is your tow capacity 2,000 lbs.? If so I think that is too low I think you would need a greater tow capacity. Sorry I see now with tow package it raises tow capacity to 4,500 lbs. We towed a 171 with a 2007 saturn view it had less horsepower and a 5 speed transmission and I will guess your Cherokee and our View weighed about the same. I thought the Saturn did a great job towing our 171. I would think your Cherokee would tow a 171 even better. A larger r-pod not sure hopefully someone will answer your question with the experience of your Cherokee limited with tow package.
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2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018-
2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab |
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