Hi, I've got a stock 2000 Cherokee Classic 4WD with 75k on the odo. Auto transmission with the 4L inline 6. I'd like to get a small trailer for camping, but want to be safe & not over-load.

The trailer I'm looking at is just under 1,700 lbs. I do not have the Jeep Tow Package, so I'm assuming I don't have the heavy-duty engine or cooling systems.

Do I need to add a tranny cooler, oil cooler, etc? Or make any other modifications?

I would need to get a hitch installed. Any recommendations on hitch brand? Curt, Hidden Hitch, DrawTite, etc? Or should I go to a Jeep dealer?

Any other thoughts? My XJ is in really good shape & I want to keep it for a very long time. Thanks.

 

I'd definitely get a trans cooler. You'll want to add in some heavy duty leafs and shocks too.

 

I think 1700 lbs is OK but make sure you keep the transmission in 3rd gear not D while towing the trailer. Keeping in D will cause the transmission overheat.

 

If your XJ came with factory a/c, it also came with factory HD engine cooling. The other 3 items required for the max tow rating (5K lbs) is the 4.0L, auto tranny and a auxiliary tranny cooler. The XJ is far from a towing machine......from experience, 1500 lbs back there is very noticeable....slow down a little....give yourself plenty of stopping distance....and trailer brakes will make a big difference.

 

I will definitely second djb. In my experiences, the weakness for the XJ when towing is not the engine or transmission, but often its own lack of weight (causes it to get pushed around a fair bit, depending on trailer), the brakes, and, depending on the XJ, the suspension. If you are hauling a trailer that is low (ie tent trailer) I generally wouldn't consider the suspension to be as much as a priority as the braking system. There are brake upgrades that can be done, but most likely aren't needed, as long as you are cognisant of the braking power, and adjust your stopping distances accordingly. Obviously, a trailer with good trailer brakes is a big plus as well.

Edit: Your trailer is 1700 pounds dry correct? Our tent trailer was approximately 1800 dry, but loaded with propane, water, canoe, and miscellaneous food and camping junk, it was 2600+. In either case, as long as you do what has been recommended here, you will likely be fine.

Finally, for suspension upgrades, one thing that might help if you are experiencing significant sway on the highway in addition to a good-functioning set of springs and shocks is a beefier rear sway bar. Lots of personal preference with this though, and if you wheel the Jeep as well, might not be the best option.

 

I have a 98 with no tow package. I frequently tow a three rail dirtbike trailer with 3 crf450x which probly weigh around 300 each plus trailer, plus tons of gear and tools. probably around 3000-3300 total. Most of the driving is up and down mountain passes in Colorado. Like he said above, it is no towing machine but it does the job at the speed limit.

Go to U-haul. They will get you out the door for cheap.

MAKE SURE you get the weight over the trailer axle.!!!. There is hardly something dumber to see then an xj with the back end slammed to the tires.. lol (: