Towing help pls! 96 jeep GC

rochsmama · 10-07-2003, 01:44 PM

I have just bought a travel trailer that I want to tow with my 96 Jeep, 4.0 I6. It meets the requirements but I am getting a lot of neg feedback from fellow airstream owners about pulling with a Jeep. I love my truck, bought it with 7K miles on it in 96 and feel it is too dependable to "give" away at current mkt prices. It now has 115K on it but I would drive from Ga to WA in a second in it.

I know I need to add the cooler to the tranny, what else will help? I am considering a weight distribution hitch that I believe will move some of the weight to the Jeep from the trailer. Sway bars are a must - what kind of $ am I looking at to regear it?

whitevette · 10-07-2003, 04:14 PM

It would really help if you said the specs of the trailer. How much does it weigh? Single or double axle? Trailer brakes? etc.

rochsmama · 10-07-2003, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whitevette

It would really help if you said the specs of the trailer. How much does it weigh? Single or double axle? Trailer brakes? etc.

The trailer is a double axle, 4300 lbs approx, has brakes, 27' including tongue, it is an Airstream so is more aerodynamic than others. the hitch weight is fine as is the trailer weight according to my Jeep owners manual. Now I'm not sure about it though

whitevette · 10-07-2003, 06:55 PM

I would *personally* not tow that with a ZJ.

5point9Limited · 10-08-2003, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whitevette

I would *personally* not tow that with a ZJ.

I agree! And My main reason is because of the overall size of the trailer. The Wheel base of the ZJ is pretty short compared to that of a tahoe of or full size pick up. You may feel the trailer take control of the "little Jeep that could" at times. That is an un-nerving feeling...trust me! I towed a 4,000 lb boat with a Cherokee XJ and it was a little scary sometimes...GET TRAILER BRAKES! Power should be there, allthough the 5.2 or 5.9 would be a HUGE bonus.

whitevette · 10-08-2003, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 5point9Limited

I agree! And My main reason is because of the overall size of the trailer.

Exactly! You hit a crosswind or evasive lane change with that long of a trailer and you're going to have a 'tail wagging the dog' situation. They're not fun and the aftermath usually isn't very pretty.

10-07-2003, 04:14 PM	#2
whitevette Registered User Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 268 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	It would really help if you said the specs of the trailer. How much does it weigh? Single or double axle? Trailer brakes? etc. __________________ Darkness is deaths ignorance, and the Devils time. '96 Grand Cherokee Laredo '93 Taurus SHO '77 Corvette L-48 '74 Land Cruiser FJ40

10-07-2003, 06:55 PM	#4
whitevette Registered User Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 268 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	I would personally not tow that with a ZJ. __________________ Darkness is deaths ignorance, and the Devils time. '96 Grand Cherokee Laredo '93 Taurus SHO '77 Corvette L-48 '74 Land Cruiser FJ40