flyrc

Hello. It is a privilege to be a Jeep Cherokee owner. I bought a very nice used 2001 2 door and it is the car I have wanted for a long time. I fly radio controlled aviation so this Jeep will allow me to transport my planes in the back without damage. I plan to build a pvc rack for the wings and fuselages.
I have a question though. My fiance and I are into camping. This Jeep has the straight 6 in it and an automatic trans. How much can I pull with it safely? Will it pull a small 2 man camping trailer?

Thank you for you reply. Donald.

iyzak the xj

should be fine, 5000lbs, is "max" however i can promise its strong enough to tow a tent

1ABrian

yeah X2. Rated for 5K towing. IMOO With you being a fairly new owner, I always recommend checking your fluids (tranny) before you head out. Maintenance is key to a dependable tow rig. Maybe do a filter and fluid on your tranny so you know what you are starting with.

flyrc

Thanks guys. I really appreciate the prompt reply. Yes, I plan to do a full fluid change out as soon as possible. That will include the trans. I want a clean slate as to where the fluids are on this gem. And 5K or less is nice.

Donald.

Jurnymn

Welcome, congrats, but please don't call it a car.

no rdplz

If you plan on towing, throw a tranny cooler on there too. Even if it's only a small 2 person trailer, a tranny cooler helps.
Welcome to the Addiction and CF!

flyrc

Jurnymn, sorry. Still learning the vernacular. What should I call it?
I saw a spare tire cover on a Jeep once that said " It's a jeep thing- you wouldn't understand". I suppose the person was right.
But I am learning! And I love this Jeep!
The trans cooler sounds like a good idea. Does this- whatever I end up calling it- need a shift kit? Or is the trans already strong enough to handle the tow? The kind of trailer I plan to tow weighs about 2500 lbs loaded.

Thanks, Donald

zombie jeep101

Welcome to the forum and addiction! You will learn fast here

no rdplz

Best way to describe your Cherokee is by calling one of the following:
1. Jeep
2. XJ
3. Cherokee

To answer your other question, no, you do not need a shift kit. XJ's with the 4.0 and AW4 (this is the engine/tranny set up you have) can easily handle 2,500lbs. The tranny cooler simply helps keep fluids at a lower temp, thereby reducing the amount of wear on the tranny itself.

flyrc

Is it best to have the trans cooler installed by a Jeep dealer or can any trans shop do it. I just don't want a botch job...


Donald

91 limited owner

You never mentioned if it came with the towing pkg. (Hitch and tranny cooler.) If you want to know what your Jeep came with, here a site for the org. build sheet. just fill it out and ask for the build sheet at bottom. http://www.jeep.com/wccsapp/universa...ull&category=U They will get back to you in a couple of days. I tow a 20 ft. pontoon boat a couple times a year. With my XJ (about 130 miles one way) I never had a problem. Except for on a real windy day, You can feel the boat getting buffered around. Oh yea! Don't pay any attention to it being listed as a station wagon on the title.

xjboy14

Some very motivating pics for trailer people.

I have the red jeep and my friend has the more built blue one with the pop up