Travel Trailer Towing Suggestions

Starcrwzr · **Posted:** Sat May 17, 2008 3:11 pm

I own a 2005 KJ, 3.7L, Auto, 4X4, with a Mopar hitch added after I bought it. I want to purchase and pull a lightweight travel trailer, something around 16' and 2000 to 2500 pounds. Are there any suggestions as far as modifications I should make to the engine? I was thinking about maybe a larger capacity radiator and a transmission cooler. Anything else?

KJ04 · **Posted:** Sat May 17, 2008 4:52 pm

Just for the he11 of it, try reading your owners manual on towing. You'll find you don't need any extras to tow 2,500 lbs.

crd liberty · **Posted:** Sat May 17, 2008 5:31 pm

Starcrwzr wrote:

I own a 2005 KJ, 3.7L, Auto, 4X4, with a Mopar hitch added after I bought it. I want to purchase and pull a lightweight travel trailer, something around 16' and 2000 to 2500 pounds. Are there any suggestions as far as modifications I should make to the engine? I was thinking about maybe a larger capacity radiator and a transmission cooler. Anything else?

--------------------------

If I may suggest, look up the TT you wish to pull.
That will tell you the actual overall weight of the unit you wish to pull.
I would not worry about the mods needed till I know what the vehicle is
rated to tow and what the weight of the vehicle you wish to tow. Make
sure you include all the goodies in the TT. Yea, like groceries, bedding,
etc.
Once all this is done. Have a great time on the road, RV, ing
You will sleep like a baby on the road.
Just my 2 cents worth.
Steve

Starcrwzr · **Posted:** Sat May 17, 2008 7:08 pm

KJ04 wrote:

Just for the he11 of it, try reading your owners manual on towing. You'll find you don't need any extras to tow 2,500 lbs.

I have read the manual, but I do know that pulling a trailer puts a tremendous load on the engine and power train, and even though it's rated to pull that weight, I wouldn't want to stress anything. So I'd rather be safe then sorry, and upgrade the cooling at least.

ATXKJ · **Posted:** Sat May 17, 2008 7:32 pm

7 pin trailer wiring and a brake controller.

VTNomad · **Posted:** Sat May 17, 2008 7:35 pm

I had no problems towing close to the limit of 5,000 pounds. A 2800 pound car on a 16' 2000 pound trailer. I had to come down a BIG mountain with it, I was concerned about my brakes, but the did great. The KJ has impressed me with everything I've attempted.

Just give yourself plenty of room to stop, because it will take a lot longer for you to stop. Even with enough space between you and the guy in front of you, there will never be a shortage of idiots that cut in between you. Honks your horns and flash you lights, they'll get the idea.

I was towing a 10,000 pound generator with my F-250 work truck coming down from Loveland Pass, CO (12,000 feet). I-70 is a 6%-8% grade in some places west of Denver. Some little Del Sol cut right in front of me and slammed on his brakes. He got the idea pretty quick that I was going to flatten him, he used the emergency lane as a third lane. Denver has some of the worst drivers in the country.

Rush345 · **Posted:** Sat May 17, 2008 9:40 pm

VTNomad wrote:

I had no problems towing close to the limit of 5,000 pounds. A 2800 pound car on a 16' 2000 pound trailer. I had to come down a BIG mountain with it, I was concerned about my brakes, but the did great. The KJ has impressed me with everything I've attempted.

Just give yourself plenty of room to stop, because it will take a lot longer for you to stop. Even with enough space between you and the guy in front of you, there will never be a shortage of idiots that cut in between you. Honks your horns and flash you lights, they'll get the idea.

I was towing a 10,000 pound generator with my F-250 work truck coming down from Loveland Pass, CO (12,000 feet). I-70 is a 6%-8% grade in some places west of Denver. Some little Del Sol cut right in front of me and slammed on his brakes. He got the idea pretty quick that I was going to flatten him, he used the emergency lane as a third lane. Denver has some of the worst drivers in the country.

Years ago before I moved to Denver my sister who had already lived here for a while described it best, Just as in the old west they point their cars in what ever direction they want to go and say Getty Up :lol:

Jeepjeepster · **Posted:** Sat May 17, 2008 10:58 pm

Adding the engine driven fan will help keep it cooler in heavy traffic or low speed pulls. If the electric fan fails it will keep it cool too.

A bigger tranny cooler can only help.

A good brake controller is key when towing something like that with the liberty. I would never tow a pop-up or TT without one.

Travel Trailer Towing Suggestions

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