trailer hitch recommendation
05-11-2010, 09:56 PM
#48
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Year: 1998
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Engine: 4.0L HO
i know this is a lil off topic but i have a question pertaining to this thread. what rear and front hitch sits pretty close to the bumper i heard that the ones from u-haul sit close to it but i wanted to hear some of your opinions im wat both hitches and a winch plate without braking the bank
Last edited by djb383; 05-11-2010 at 10:00 PM.
05-12-2010, 04:31 PM
#50
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yes, the uni body is rated to 5000 MAX and the brakes are rated to 10,000 max. (althou if your trailer has electronic brakes get a brake controler for them cherokee brakes are not the best, but they work).
You want a cooler for your tranny as well as a nice hitch and your golden.
I have a 5speed and i have towed 22' tandem axle flat trailers that weight probably 4000 lbs with no issues. I also tow a 5x9 closed u-haul trailer that is stuffed full to and from school at the beginning and end of each year.
Also, if you have stock suspension i would highly suggest getting another main leaf and cut the eyes off. Since it is the same spring rate it wont be much of a stiff ride at all and it will just help with load carrying. I added a a main leaf and 2nd-secondary leaf to my pack, so it was a 6 leaf pack, helped a ton.
You want a cooler for your tranny as well as a nice hitch and your golden.
I have a 5speed and i have towed 22' tandem axle flat trailers that weight probably 4000 lbs with no issues. I also tow a 5x9 closed u-haul trailer that is stuffed full to and from school at the beginning and end of each year.
Also, if you have stock suspension i would highly suggest getting another main leaf and cut the eyes off. Since it is the same spring rate it wont be much of a stiff ride at all and it will just help with load carrying. I added a a main leaf and 2nd-secondary leaf to my pack, so it was a 6 leaf pack, helped a ton.
Install a Class III receiver and an automatic transmission cooler (aftermarket is fine). I believe that the OE towing package came with 3.73 gearing. You probably have 3.55 which will be fine especially with stock-size tires. Make sure that your engine cooling system is in top shape. Fill up with premium fuel. Place the auto transmission shifter in 3 and leave it there. With 3000+ pounds behind you, you'll never forget that your car is back there, but you and your Jeep will do just fine.
Last edited by ElectricevoIX; 05-13-2010 at 07:47 AM.
05-13-2010, 04:22 AM
#52
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Year: 1996 two-door SE
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Just personal experience on the fuel octane. One reason I purchased my Cherokee in 1996 was that it was the least expensive SUV that could occasionally pull my 3500+ lb. boat and trailer. I hate using anything but regular gasoline; however, I found that when pulling my boat, I experienced more spark knock than I liked to hear. I also use premium fuel when on the trail.
One other item. Have your rear brake shoes adjusted properly.
Are you sure that you don't want to rent a car trailer as opposed to a dolly for her?
One other item. Have your rear brake shoes adjusted properly.
Are you sure that you don't want to rent a car trailer as opposed to a dolly for her?
05-13-2010, 07:49 AM
#53
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Just personal experience on the fuel octane. One reason I purchased my Cherokee in 1996 was that it was the least expensive SUV that could occasionally pull my 3500+ lb. boat and trailer. I hate using anything but regular gasoline; however, I found that when pulling my boat, I experienced more spark knock than I liked to hear. I also use premium fuel when on the trail.
One other item. Have your rear brake shoes adjusted properly.
Are you sure that you don't want to rent a car trailer as opposed to a dolly for her?
One other item. Have your rear brake shoes adjusted properly.
Are you sure that you don't want to rent a car trailer as opposed to a dolly for her?
05-13-2010, 07:59 PM
#55
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After all this discussion and finding out the tranny cooler is not too expensive, I'm completely sold on putting one in. I'm being lazy here, will have to search the posts, but does anybody have a handy link for the install process?
Also, what adjustments should be made to the rear brake shoes?
I'll only be towing about 2,000 lbs, but it'll be mostly full time, and she's my baby so am keen to keep everything ship shape.
Also, what adjustments should be made to the rear brake shoes?
I'll only be towing about 2,000 lbs, but it'll be mostly full time, and she's my baby so am keen to keep everything ship shape.
05-13-2010, 08:06 PM
#56
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Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 inline 6
Just personal experience on the fuel octane. One reason I purchased my Cherokee in 1996 was that it was the least expensive SUV that could occasionally pull my 3500+ lb. boat and trailer. I hate using anything but regular gasoline; however, I found that when pulling my boat, I experienced more spark knock than I liked to hear. I also use premium fuel when on the trail.
One other item. Have your rear brake shoes adjusted properly.
Are you sure that you don't want to rent a car trailer as opposed to a dolly for her?
One other item. Have your rear brake shoes adjusted properly.
Are you sure that you don't want to rent a car trailer as opposed to a dolly for her?
05-13-2010, 09:28 PM
#57
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Year: 1998
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Engine: 4.0L HO
False, just another Internet myth. Higher octane gas is simply less likely to pre-ignite (knock/ping) than low octane gas. Very few engines need/require it and it's probably not needed in the XJ but certainly wouldn't hurt if used when towing.
05-14-2010, 12:44 AM
#58
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Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 upgraded
^^ agreed i switch between octane's of gas all of the time i always get the highest octane gas that i can afford at the time and i have no issues
05-15-2010, 06:55 PM
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Year: 1996 two-door SE
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
The trailer towing section of my 1996 owner's manual reads inside a caution box, "When pulling a heavy load or driving a fully loaded vehicle use a premium unleaded fuel to help prevent spark knock. If spark knock persists, lighten the load. Otherwise, engine piston damage may result."
Most of the time with normal driving, high octane is unnecessary.