I just purchased a 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Lerado model with a 3.7 liter V6 engine. I want to pull my Macgregor 25 with it and was wondering if anyone here has experience with using the same vehicle? The boat and trailer weigh around 1500 lbs. Not sure of the towing capacity because the jeep did not have a manual with it when I bought it. Thanks! Jerry Mac
Tow Vehicle
- Thread starter Mac
- Start date
- Status
Jerry...
Contact a Jeep dealer to find out what the tow limit is on your model for what it is equipped with. Find out the Gross Vehicle Weight Restriction(GVWR)--your vehicle and tow should not exceed this limit either. For safety sake, for that weight of tow, your trailer should be equipped with surge brakes at the minimum. Most 6 cyl SUV's should be able to handle the 1,500 pound tow.
Contact a Jeep dealer to find out what the tow limit is on your model for what it is equipped with. Find out the Gross Vehicle Weight Restriction(GVWR)--your vehicle and tow should not exceed this limit either. For safety sake, for that weight of tow, your trailer should be equipped with surge brakes at the minimum. Most 6 cyl SUV's should be able to handle the 1,500 pound tow.
Towing capacity is more a result of type of chasis, gear ratios and suspension than the size of the engine. Your vehicle is rated at 3,500 lbs so it will be fine to tow your Mcgregor. I was surprised to see that the same vehicle with a 3.0 engine and a 3.72 rear gear ratio is rated to tow up to 7,400 lbs. That is probably due to the incorporation of a factory towing package.
No manual needed. Open your driver side door and look for the certification sticker, which will list the towing capacity for your vehicle.
Cheers,
Brad
Jerry,
Count on more than 1500 lbs. The Mac25 has a displacement of 2100 lbs but I'm not sure if that's with the water ballast or not, or if that matters. Also, the trailer is probably around 1000 lbs. I'd figure on 3500 lbs for towing and that should cover your kicker and gear. With my Lancer 25, I figure I tow 5000 lbs to the launch every weekend. Which makes pretty good sense since I have 1300 lbs of lead in my keel that you don't deal with. My tow vehicle is a Ford F150 with a 5.4 liter engine but when we first towed her home, we used a Dodge Dakota with a 3.9 liter engine and a towing package. It towed beautifully and still does.
Fair Winds!
Don
Count on more than 1500 lbs. The Mac25 has a displacement of 2100 lbs but I'm not sure if that's with the water ballast or not, or if that matters. Also, the trailer is probably around 1000 lbs. I'd figure on 3500 lbs for towing and that should cover your kicker and gear. With my Lancer 25, I figure I tow 5000 lbs to the launch every weekend. Which makes pretty good sense since I have 1300 lbs of lead in my keel that you don't deal with. My tow vehicle is a Ford F150 with a 5.4 liter engine but when we first towed her home, we used a Dodge Dakota with a 3.9 liter engine and a towing package. It towed beautifully and still does.
Fair Winds!
Don
I used to tow a Mac 22 (about 3000 pounds including trailer) with a 1/2 Ton Dodge Ram that had a V-6. As a truck, it did have enough brakes but the motor struggled pulling up long grades. If you don't go near hills and mountains it should be possible but near the limits of the motor. As others have mentioned, having enough brakes is much more important. The 3.7 V-6 is not much on torque or horsepower but for shorter trips on flat roads I would try it. Be very certain that your tires and brakes are in top shape!!!
I tow my Cat 22 (app. 3200 lbs. incl. single axle trailer) with a 97 Grand Cherokee with 4 liter straight six, over 200k on odometer, tow package includes substantial cooler for tranny, no trailer brake. Tows fine about everywhere, but I definitely brake early and need to optimize position on trailer for proper tongue loading to eliminate any sway at speed.
Clint
Clint
- Status