Well, deer hunting is almost upon us. I'm looking at buying a 19-foot prowler camper/trailer. I understand that I need electric brakes on the trailer and sway bars. I balanced properly, the tounge weight shouldn't be an issue. I? Planning on driving 3 hours at most.

My question... I have a 1998, 4.0. Sport. Hidden hitch. Auto with OD. OME heavy duties in the back. And front.
Has anyone towed something like this before? Did they feel safe? How did it handle? Any advice would be welcome.

Thanks in advance.

 

I believe without the tow pkg, 2K lbs was the max....with the tow pkg (4.0L, auto tranny, HD engine cooling and auxiliary tranny cooler), 5K lbs was max.

I can definitely tell a mere 1500lbs is back there.

 

What are OME " heavy duties " any way ? How do you know that you have them, whatever they are ?

 

Old man emu. Aftermarket suspension company. Very good stuff from what I've heard.

 

Yeah I can't even imagine towing a 5000 lb trailer!

Also the max rated tongue weight is 500 lbs IIRC

 

if it's close to my 99 GC:
Class I - trailer weight - 2,000lbs, tongue weight - 300lbs. class I hitch, total weight - 4x2 - 5,781, 4x4 - 6,000, all engines, all transmisssions.
Class III - 5,000, 750, Class III hitch, 4x2-8,781, 4x4-9,550, all engines, auto trans w-cooler.
Class IV - 6,700, 750, Class IV hitch, 4x2 & 4x4 - 10,500, 4.7 engine only, AT/cooler

straight from the owners manual. "Minimun Requirements" . Keep in mind this was for a new vehicle. And suspension set-up for towing.

 

youll be fine with a class 4 hitch....ive pulled some real big stuff with mine, just take it easy because your braking is gonna be trash, even with the trailer brakes...it was a 25 foot offshore boat with 3 250 outboard...id say around 5-6K lb

 

Thanks guys/gals.

Yeah, I read the owners manual, but still. I understand they say something can do it, and it's a good place to start, but I was looking for some hands-on experience.

Just for the ake of safety, knowing someone has done it makes me fee a lil better.

Wish me luck-

 

Have u pulled your loaded trailer across certified public scales to accurately determine its weight? Only costs a few bucks.

 

Try the town dump... they will usually do it for free.

I towed a 10' x12' utility trailer with two ATV's and it was no problem. I beleive it was close to 3000 lbs.
Braking was affected but not so much I wouldnt try a heavier load. Although the trailer brakes are a good idea.

 

I have towed a 10K trailer with mine with no issues. Other than lack of power. I have stock class3 hitch.

 

I hope it wasn't for very far... that is dangerous

 

I pulled this across I40 thru the mountains without trailer brakes and it was sketchy only with the brakes. Pulled and handle fine, with a good set of trailer brakes it wouldnt of been bad. Definitely have a trans cooler because my aw4 died several months later.

 

Thats pretty big for an XJ lol i can put that on mine for moving it around town or something small but for a long trip my grandpa's 2010 Dodge Ram Big Horn pulls our 21' Sea Pro

 

Yeah, seeing as how there aren't any certified scales anywhere near detroit, I think I'll do the junkyard idea t weigh the little 5 by 6 trailer I got for my 4wheeler and ice shanty. It can't weigh more than 200 to 250 unloaded. With my little quad and gear topping out at 800 max.

I haven't bought the camper yet because I wanted to make sure I could tow it without blowing up my cherokee. I'm currently lookin at a 19 footer. Good enough to slep 4 guys hunting or me my two kids and the old lady during the summer camping.

Thanks for the imput y'all.