SCCAForums.com

I've towed w/ Grand Cherokees in the past with great success, always with a weight distributing hitch.  I'm in the market for a trailer and looking into a Featherlite open trailer, the problem being that it has a closed A-frame that would not allow the use of a WDH.  I'd like to get opinions from anyone towing with a Grand Cherokee and an open trailer.  Are you able to tow comfortably without a WDH?  I'd be most concerned about the front end pointing skyward and the rear end bobbing.  I've had experience w/ trucks having no issues but I wondered w/ the short wheelbase and relatively soft rear suspension.

 
Thanks,

John.....
 

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Tak Tuned Suspension
2006 BSP National Champion

I have a '99 GC Limited with the 4.7 V-8 and AWD.  I've only towed a 1500-1800lbs, really old, rental trailer with a 2050lbs car, and kind of guessed at tongue weight, but it seemed to tow just fine, although I did have some trailer sway if you weren't smooth on the steering wheel (I didn't want to let my wife drive it though, because she isn't as smooth).

I have since purchased Air-Lift air springs for the rear coils that would allow me to put a little more tongue weight while keeping the headlights out of the trees. I do have Monroe Reflex shocks, which likely work better than the stock shocks. Bilsteins would be even better.

 
Oh, have you looked at any other aluminum trailers? Trailer world has some nice ones with open front decks.
 

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David Avard
89 Honda Civic Si black (STS)
07 Mazda 3s (HS?)

Last 2 years I towed a STS Civic (2050#'s) on an open trailer (~1500#'s) using a '05 GC w/ 5.7L Hemi.  I used a WDH hitch pretty much all the time.  I would say I averaged another 500# in tools/wheels/tires.

I did tow a Miata on one occasion for about 120 miles when I forgot my bars, it towed pretty good on that trip, I was surprised.  I placed the Miata at the same point on the trailer as I usually place the Civic when using the WDH, Miata has better weight distribution though.

 

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Jason Frank
Bridgestone / datatoys.com / Redshift Motorsports STS Civic Si

TeamUndercoatRacing.com

Thanks for the thoughts.  There seems to be a common thread here with STS cars as that's what I may be towing next year.

I have looked at Trailer World.  The only issue being that they are 600 miles from me but I might be forced to look that way.  The other option is a nice steel trailer but that's obviously added weight and not as northern weather tolerant.

 

John.....
 

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Tak Tuned Suspension
2006 BSP National Champion

What year and model GC are you planning to tow with? 

When I was first looking for my open trailer I was considering an aluminum trailer due to weight, but after purchasing a steel trailer and using it for 2 years I don't regret it at all.  The cost is way less, and the car you are looking to tow isn't that heavy anyways.  I'm not saying that aluminum trailers aren't nice, I had a hard time justifying the extra money at first, and now that I've had mine for awhile it would be even harder to justify it.

At times I forget the trailer is back there.  My plan is to move into an enclosed trailer when I have the money (and vehicle to tow it), so this trailer isn't something that I plan to keep for more than another year or two... so for me I couldn't see the extra money for the aluminum trailer.  I say put the extra money into the car!

If I were you I would get the WDH...  so my suggestion is steel trailer w/ WHD hitch.
 

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Jason Frank
Bridgestone / datatoys.com / Redshift Motorsports STS Civic Si

TeamUndercoatRacing.com

My plan is to tow with a 2008 Grand Cherokee w/ the new 4.7L.   I used to have a steel trailer for years so I know how that can be.  The real downside for me was the wear from weather over the years since it was stored outside.  I recently got used to towing w/ my former co-driver's aluminum trailer.  But in his case, the diesel pickup had no load issues without a WDH.

I understand the plan for an enclosed trailer, that would be ideal.  I backed away for now due to needing a bigger vehicle, you should really have a full-size truck or SUV.

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Tak Tuned Suspension
2006 BSP National Champion

My current trailer is a 1989 model and is still holding up to the elements.  It has some surface rust, and could use a paint job without a doubt... however, nothing structural to be concerned with.

I purchased a diesel Excursion at the end of the race season this year and have plans of  purchasing an enclosed trailer in the next couple years when the X is paid off. 

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Jason Frank
Bridgestone / datatoys.com / Redshift Motorsports STS Civic Si

TeamUndercoatRacing.com

If I am not mistaken, there are a number of states that REQUIRE a WDH if tongue weight is over 500#.  In any event, I think at WDH is a great security blanket.  I recently had to borrow an open, steel trailer to haul my 2007 Mazdaspeed 3 to Lime Rock. 2000 Dodge Ram 2500, total weight of around 5100 lbs (the MS3 is heavy @ 3200#). I did not have a real secure feeling without the WDH.  The 2 WDH's I have used are secured on the outside of the A frame of the trailer and a closed A frame would not be an issue.

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Old Guys Rule

We have an 05 GC with the Hemi in it, and have put about 7k mi. on towing a stock Mini (2500 lbs) on an open steel trailer without a ldh and have had no trouble. It is however very critical to load the car in exactly the right spot on the trailer, since the Jeep is sprung so soft. It took me a few tries to get it right, but once I did, I just marked the spot on the trailer, and no problems.  Also, I kinda drive a little slower than some folks when towing- never over 75, usually 65-70ish.  That said, if have not purchased your Jeep yet, give the 5.7 some thought.  With the cylinder de-activation I can get 18-20 mpg on the hwy and 15-17 the rest of the time. (not towing of course!)  I get 11-13 pulling the trailer (a heavy solid deck 22'er) And that Hemi pulls like a freight train.

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Tony Savini
2005 Mini Cooper S

racnmni:

  With the cylinder de-activation I can get 18-20 mpg on the hwy and 15-17 the rest of the time. (not towing of course!)  I get 11-13 pulling the trailer (a heavy solid deck 22'er) And that Hemi pulls like a freight train.

Wish I could get mileage like that, I'm lucky to see 17 mpg on the highway (that is trying to get good mpg), and average about 14 mpg around town.  According to the factory computer I averaged 10.5-11 mpg the last 2 years I towed to Topeka.  I usually drive 10+ mph over.

The big issue in my eyes with the GC w/ Hemi is the gas tank.  It only has a 19 gallons tank, that means you have to stop every 180 miles or so, which leads to lots of stopping which adds time to trips.
 

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Jason Frank
Bridgestone / datatoys.com / Redshift Motorsports STS Civic Si

TeamUndercoatRacing.com

My 1st trip to Topeka (05) I couldn't get anything better than 11mpg.  But since about 15K,miles the fuel economy has gotten better. This year I cleared the computer when I left home (Pa.), and when I got to the hotel in Ks. it said 12.2 avg. I do use Mobil 1 (every 3500) and I replaced the plugs @ about 40K, but nothing else.  The numbers I gave are what the factory computer says, I never bothered to check manually.  My wife drives from the Philly area to North Jersey on a regular basis, and averages 18-20mpg consistently.  Have you done the plugs yet?  The service interval does seem way too short, but that's the only thing I can think of.  I agree that the tank does make for some frequent fuel stops while towing, but hey I've got a weak bladder anyway...  My big issue is how the computer will tell you 26 miles to empty, then 5 miles later 0 miles to empty. DOH! I don't think it can accurately digest that 12mpg figure.  Still love my Grand though.

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Tony Savini
2005 Mini Cooper S