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Towing Question- travel trailers

5K views 19 replies 7 participants last post by  honda_fox3 
#1 ·
Happy Holidays everyone!

I'm exploring buying a smaller travel trailer in the Spring, but not sure what my Jeep can handle. My SE has an OEM hitch that was added a few years ago along with OEM harness. I had a rear axle leaking issue that was fixed with some lock tight. Currently have 158k in miles.

The trailers I'm looking at are no more than18ft. and most likely a hybrid since they're lighter. The hybrids are between 2,345 and 2800lbs.

My questions are:

1. Will my SE be able to tow an RV. If so, what is the maximum weight?
2. What will I need to add to the Jeep if towing? (Trans. Cooler, etc.)

Thanks in advance for the help!
 
#3 · (Edited)
Thanks! Since my WJ didn't have the factory installed package, will I need to add:

Transmission oil cooler
Frame-mounted receptacle for load-equalizer type hitch (???)

ETA: with a 2" lift, what mount will I need?
 
#4 ·
You would want an auxiliary cooler if you are towing, especially with the 42re transmission. As with any modern automatic, heat is the enemy. The cooler would help fight that. You can go with factory pieces or go with an aftermarket unit mounted behind the grill. Either way I would not expect the install to be too difficult.

Also, larger transmission pan (which allows for additional ATF) would be a good thing. I installed one on my WJ and I am happy with it. I don't have a temp gauge but their testing shows a drop in temp due to the cast aluminum. PML offers one for your transmission: YourCovers.com Dodge 40RH, 42RH, 42RE, 44RE Transmission Pan

Not sure on the frame mounted receptacle for the load equalizing hitch. :confused:
 
#5 · (Edited)
This site has some more info on the load equalizing hitch and hitch height.
It also states to have an auxiliary transmission cooler as soon as you tow over 2000 pounds and also to use a larger engine radiator. http://www.wjjeeps.com/misc/wj_towing_info1.pdf
 
#6 ·
Hey girl Merry Christmas! Camper now? That's my girl. Your weights sound about right. Just remember you're gonna be hauling between about 500 to 1000# of your own gear in there.Especially beer cause it's heavy,and you need a lot of it because it's an integral part of the camping experience:D With a 4.0 try to stay around the 3000# mark give or take or you're just being mean to your Jeep. Are you planning on buying new? The reason I'm asking is a lot of times you can talk a dealer out of a weight dist setup to make the sale. At least a good discount. Sometimes people will throw in their setup with a used one too. For your setup I would say 6000# bars would be the best. About the lift, all setups come with an adjustable height draw bar. Whether it will adjust low enough depends on the camper and what size tires it has. If you can't get the camper to sit level with the bars snapped up then you will have to get a longer draw bar. I had to go that route but I'm higher than you and my camper only has 13" tires. Here's my setup.



Don't get discouraged cause there's gonna be some trial and error till you get it right. Just remember you have to get that camper as level as possible with your wj at normal ride height. That's THE most important thing for a swayless towing experience. A sway control is also cheap insurance($50). I wont leave the driveway without it. Next up is a brake control. Don't try to save money here. You get what you pay for and it's your BRAKES:D There are two kinds and a third technology that's emerging but it's pretty new so I would stay away for now. For me proportional is the only way to go. Those timed controls just plain suck imo. I highly recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 here. I wish I would have bought one last year but I definitely will this season. Always the best reviews. A good mounting spot for these is here in an '04.



Remember you may have to hit that manual override in a hurry. Also a tranny cooler is a great idea,turn off the air on hills and keep a close eye on the temp gauge. Have a ball this summer!
 
#7 · (Edited)
Your weights sound about right.
He Dave, where are your manners:smh:. You can not just tell a lady that her weights are about right...........................:slapfight::lol::lol::lol::lol:
 
#8 ·
You guys are awesome! More tomorrow!!! :)
 
#13 ·
My SE has an OEM hitch that was added a few years ago along with OEM harness.
TK when you say oem harness do you mean the 7 wire round connector? If it's just the 4 wire flat plug you're gonna have to change some things.
 
#14 ·
Almost positive its the 7 pin. Got it brand new via mopar for around 125.
 
#15 ·
i tow with my jeep ALOT. i removed the stock trans cooler and went with a larger aftermarket one (not so much for the cooler trans but more because the shitty stock fittings on the radiator where leaking) have to say though i am really pleased i did this. IMO this truck is one of the best rigs i have ever used to pull a trailer!
 
#16 ·
What's your set up?
 
#17 ·
are you asking what kind of trailer i pull or the jeep... i have a 4.7 w/ quadra drive, torqflo external trans cooler, CAI, port and polished TB, chip, and Thrust 2 chamber muffler. My jeep came with the upgraded hitch package when i got it.. pulls the boats, sleds, bike trailers... you name it... smooth as glass!
 
#18 ·
Another vote for the P3 here they are about the best out there. Also an aftermarket sway bar and some better shock aren't a bad idea but not a requirement either.

As far as the cooler, make sure and look at it before you order a bunch of stuff. On my '04 Limited the lines were already hooked up to the tranny and run to the front of the jeep but instead of going to a cooler there was just a loop on them so all I had to do was hook in the cooler, easy peasy. And I didn't have a factory tow package. That saved the time of hooking lines into the tranny so look and see if maybe yours is the same way.
 
#19 ·
Another vote for the P3 here they are about the best out there.
Probably gonna buy the P3 but check this out Dustin really curious about the technology here. Amazing reviews but pricey. DirecLink NE
 
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