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Do I have to have a tow package?

Old Dec 14, 2010 | 09:56 AM
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Default Do I have to have a tow package?

If my 07 GC doesn't have a tow package, can I still tow a camper? I understand I can tow up to 3500lbs. If I don't have the tow package and have the 3.07 axle ratio instead of the 3.73 axle ratio does that mean anything? How do I go about wiring my trailer if I do not have the tow package? Do I need a transmission cooler? Thank you!
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Old Dec 14, 2010 | 10:21 AM
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^@%&^$%&$^#& i just wrote a 3 paragraph responce and my internet went out.

For starters, do you have a hitch? and what about the original window sticker.
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Old Dec 14, 2010 | 11:30 AM
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No, I do not have a hitch, yet, any ideas on which one to get, and no, i dont have the window sticker but am in the process of getting an options list or build sheet from jeep. The dealership option list did not say anything about a tow package.
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Old Dec 14, 2010 | 11:37 AM
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if theres no hitch then there is no package
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Old Dec 14, 2010 | 11:55 AM
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So what is required for me to be able to tow my camper? Without the tow package the axle ratio is lower, does that matter?
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Old Dec 14, 2010 | 12:04 PM
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I was reading some articles on wkjeeps.com, and it states that it can have a trailer prep package that has a 3.73 axle ratio, mechanical cooling fan, and 7way and 4way plug harness prewired for brake controller, no hitch included. I also looked at some 07 gc online that were like mine but had a tow package, and some also had no hitch. What do you all think? Thanks for all the help!

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Old Dec 14, 2010 | 08:04 PM
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how big of a camper you pulling?
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Old Dec 14, 2010 | 08:09 PM
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Just a pop-up... the camper itself can weigh 2390 lbs total...
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Old Dec 14, 2010 | 09:06 PM
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Originally Posted by readingbabelfish
I was reading some articles on wkjeeps.com, and it states that it can have a trailer prep package that has a 3.73 axle ratio, mechanical cooling fan, and 7way and 4way plug harness prewired for brake controller, no hitch included. I also looked at some 07 gc online that were like mine but had a tow package, and some also had no hitch. What do you all think? Thanks for all the help!
Imo let's go with this, in your research did it show where the plugs were? I would personally be looking all over the rear for it. If it does then your good to go with the towing, keep in mind you can tow up to the advertised ammount but it would probably get squirrelly. (Im on my phone or I would look this stuff up for you) if you don't have the tow prep package then you will want to look into ext coolers and a good wiring kit ( I got a good one from uhaul for my 96 grand)
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Old Dec 14, 2010 | 09:43 PM
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Well I got the installed option list from my dealer and it does not list any tow package installed on my jeep. So that means I have a base unit with no hitch, no prewired harness, and the base axle ratio of 3.07. So, does the axle ratio pose a problem? The towing packages automatically upgrade the axle ratio to 3.73. What transmission cooler should i look into, is it even needed for my camper, are they hard to install? What hitch should I look at, is it hard to install? What about wiring? Thanks for the input!
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Old Dec 14, 2010 | 10:44 PM
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simple answer is yes the axle ratio will make a diffrence it wont take off as easy and for a secondary cooler on your trans it shouldent be a problem running with out one and your hitch problem ide go to uhaul and have them put one in and wire it up
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Old Dec 14, 2010 | 11:45 PM
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uhaul is also where i would recommend to go. like i said my zj had a uhaul towing setup on it and it was very nicely done. on the tranny cooler unless you are going to be doing alot of hills or mountains while towing i dont think it would be necessary but it would help extend your tranny's life. link to transmission coolers- http://www.etrailer.com/tran-2007_Je...d+Cherokee.htm (i have never personally used this site but have heard many good things about them.)

hope that helps
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Old Dec 15, 2010 | 04:07 PM
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is a tranny cooler even nessasary, cause my dad pulls a 10,000 lb camper with his 98 chevy 1500, im thinkin a 2500 lb camper shouldnt be a problem
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Old Dec 15, 2010 | 10:17 PM
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A full size truck is way different then a grand cherokee even though for the sake of his tranny your dad should add one. It is not necessary for the jeep but it will help the life of the tranny.

Last edited by taythegibs; Dec 15, 2010 at 10:18 PM. Reason: called the grand an xj on accident
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Old Dec 16, 2010 | 06:40 AM
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Well I looked into the uhaul idea, and the hitch they sell and install is a hitch with its own frame. Now I've seen hitches that look almost like factory ones that are square and just bolt to the back of the bumper. Are there differences? I kind of like the looks of the factory style hitches. They also look pretty easy to install, any reason I shouldn't install my own? Plus, autozone sells wiring kits, I wonder if I could use one to wire it myself?
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