Hello, I had a question on towing, I am about to buy a 7x12 single axle trailer for my lawn mowing business, and I was wondering if my XJ would be able to handle a trailer that big. My XJ is a automatic, with a tow package. Has any body ever towed something that large with their Cherokee before?

 

Whats the GTW?

 

An auto with tow package is rated for 5000 lbs with a transmission cooler. I would not tow that much though. The brakes are not good enough to safely stop that weight all the time like a truck. My dad used to smoke the front brakes slowing down a 19ft bay liner on hills.

I would stay around 3000 lbs and keep distance from people in front of you. Cherokees are rated for 500 lb tongue weight.

 

Thanks for all of the info! I bought the trailer a couple hours ago, and learned that I have to anticipate stoping!!

 

Sorry if I sound stupid, but what is the "gtw"?

 

You dont sound stupid at all. GTW is Gross Trailer Weight, or how much the trailer weighs with what youre hauling on it. I would say 3000 would be about max, especially if you havent towed before. I pull 5000 lbs with mine frequently, but thats a zj with disc brakes and trailer brakes.

 

You should check with your insurance to see if the trailer & contents are covered or if you need an additional policy.

 

My trailer gtw is about 850 ish pounds without trailer brakes. It's towing well so far! Thanks for all of the info JSJJ388!

 

what are you hauling that combined with the weight of the trailer only weighs 850lbs? I think my lawnmower and trailer weigh that much.

 

Sorry, no. My trailer itself wieghs 850 and my lawnmower and other equipment, about 550. So about 1400 lbs total.☺

 

Ok. that makes a little more sense. You should be just fine pulling that around, just remember that its there and drive accordingly

 

Will do!

 

Trailer brakes make a huge difference. I have towed the limit and a bit more with mine.

Care and foresight and good trailer brakes.