2017 Jeep Cherokee TV

Law requires you to use a brake controller. It's not optional on any trailer over 2000lbs, and if a lighter trailer has brakes installed, they must be functional.

 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.

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.

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).

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.