Hopefully buying a jeep liberty HELP!

Cherrie 274 · **Posted:** Wed Jul 10, 2013 11:47 am

I'm going to disagree again. A vehicle with same engine and Trans should tow the same amount. If you don't have enough cooling will things heat up? Yep. I have posted what the 09 book stated on towing. (Lost it now) but it says something like up to 5000 Lbs with load equating, hitch. This is not included in factory package.
I'm don't know if factory package includes trailer brake controller or if just the wire is there. Someone with a factory tow package can answer.
But people have always added to base models and towed.
As I've mentioned before my elderly neighbor uses a 1/2 ton standard Trans pick-up to tow a 5th wheel. Towed it Alaska from Michigan and back!. Truck and trailer are old too.
I believe you should never tow what you can't control and stop.

Ted15 · **Posted:** Wed Jul 10, 2013 8:17 pm

Wayside Charlie wrote:

The factory tow package cannot be added. It includes larger coolers and when towing a trailer with brakes, provides controls over the trailer and vehicle brakes. The sway control, people are talking about with the factory package involves the vehicle controling braking when it senses the trailer swaying. It also boosts the tow limit to 5000 lb. -- You can't get that capability with an aftermarket tow hitch, even if says Mopar on it.

Where did you find that info? I haven't seen anything that says the tow package couldn't be added.

musclezmarinara · **Posted:** Thu Jul 11, 2013 12:25 am

5k class 3 hitch with the trailer package is rated at just that 5k. Tongue weight I believe is 500lbs the trailer brake control wiring is included with the class 3 mopar hitch ( which I have installed )
There is no actual trailer brake control included with this wiring that would be added separately.

Per mopar part
"5,000-lb tow rating, 500-lb tongue weight rating with weight distributing Hitch and cooling fan kit (see Trans cooler listing); otherwise 2,000-lb tow rating, 200-lb tongue weight rating; 2" opening"

Cherrie 274 · **Posted:** Thu Jul 11, 2013 6:32 am

musclezmarinara wrote:

5k class 3 hitch with the trailer package is rated at just that 5k. Tongue weight I believe is 500lbs the trailer brake control wiring is included with the class 3 mopar hitch ( which I have installed )
There is no actual trailer brake control included with this wiring that would be added separately.

Per mopar part
"5,000-lb tow rating, 500-lb tongue weight rating with weight distributing Hitch and cooling fan kit (see Trans cooler listing); otherwise 2,000-lb tow rating, 200-lb tongue weight rating; 2" opening"

Yep, Ive added the MOPAR hitch and wiring. But still haven't installed brake controller. I just wondered if it came with factory tow package, because of the above post.

Ted15 · **Posted:** Thu Jul 11, 2013 8:01 am

Wayside Charlie wrote:

The factory tow package cannot be added. It includes larger coolers and when towing a trailer with brakes, provides controls over the trailer and vehicle brakes. The sway control, people are talking about with the factory package involves the vehicle controling braking when it senses the trailer swaying. It also boosts the tow limit to 5000 lb. -- You can't get that capability with an aftermarket tow hitch, even if says Mopar on it.

When I purchased my hitch from the dealer, I also got the factory seven pin wire harness. It has a rather large relay pack attached to it. It's not just a bunch of wires tapped into the lights. There is a brake control wire and two battery wires that go to the engine compartment. I also checked on additional components that needed to be added. There MAY be a larger A/C condenser with increased transmission cooling capacity. The stability control is already there according to the dealer and is operated through the ABS. I'm pretty sure the trailer brake controller is an additional purchase as well but I don't remember. Also available is a clutch fan that goes on the engine. Not sure if it comes with the tow package but it is available. I think it can be added without removing the electric fan. It doesn't make sense to have a different computer special for vehicles with tow packages from a manufacturing standpoint. If there is something additional in the programming, they should be able to flash the computer with the changes. The biggest issue I've had was with oversized tires and 3.73 gears. My load leveling hitch has sway control inherent to its design so sway isn't an issue. People have been towing trailers for decades without a computer to tap the brakes, I don't see a requirement for that anyway.

2morrow · **Joined:** Tue Aug 21, 2012 5:02 pm **Posts:** 21

We got a great deal on a new black sport (2012) with the tow package, sun roof, popular pkg.

The battery was deal when we test drove it as well but after a jump no issues.

I wish I could have picked another color with the same options but oh well.

I also added a brake controller as we use this to pull a 16' tandem landscape trailer occasionally.

Had it for 11 months now and happy with the purchase.

PS- the factory tow package adds electric AND mechanical fans to the engine cooling.

Scar0 · **Posted:** Thu Jul 11, 2013 11:51 pm

Just to throw this into the fire...
There is no different oil/ trany/PS coolers offered for the 3.7. Many have looked for different ones, no one can find any, not even a dealer.
This horse has been beaten to death.

There is extra programming included with a "Factory" tow package.
It is called Trailer Sway Control. A dealer can program this into the computers.
Some dealers refuse to do it if you install a non- Mopar hitch. But it can and has been done.
Tow group:
1. Class III Receiver
2. Factory Harness - ties into Truck's electronics for anti-sway provision/ lights
3 Seven way trailer plug with a 7 to 4 way adapter
3. Full Size Spare
4. Trailer Sway Control - programmed into the Trucks electronics.
The factory tow group is supposed to include a viscus fan, but my rig has the "tow group" and no viscus fan. I know, I know, I have a KA, but the 3.7 and trany is the same as in the KK.
The towing capacity is based on whether or not you use a weight distributing hitch.

Now back to the topic at hand. I think you should get the one that makes you the most happy.
Even if you don't tow, having the hitch back there makes for a really good recovery point if you need it.
I also agree with the folks who suggested the skids. Never hurts to ask they be included in the deal.

Cherrie 274 · **Posted:** Fri Jul 12, 2013 12:07 am

About the fan somebody claimed to have it a couple of us ask for pic. OP disappeared.
And yes ScarO this is never ending just like what lift what tires.

MJCT208 · **Joined:** Mon Jul 08, 2013 10:13 pm **Posts:** 6

Hey Guys!
I cannot thank you engough for the help. I went to the dealership today and test drove all three I deffiently liked the latitude the best. Then we talked about numbers and i've come to the conclusion that I can't afford the monthly paments and at this point in my life I would make so much more sense not to have a loan. After I realized I couldnt afford a new one I looked into used Kj's on the lot and drove one. I loved it! although it wasent as quite and as well put together I still liked it very much and will now be in the market for a 2005-2007 liberty limitied. If anyone has help with anything regarding the KJ's I would really appericate it.
Thank you

halburchal · **Posted:** Fri Jul 12, 2013 7:31 am

I have two 2005 KJ's crd. I've owned one since it was new and just bought another one. Either I'm looking for punishment or I like them enough to have two. One thing that I've noticed is not the same thing happens to both of them. One will have this problem and the other will have another thing to fix. But I love these things. I will probably be buried in one.

Scar0 · **Posted:** Sun Jul 14, 2013 1:16 am

MJCT208, Glad we were able to help out. If a KK in not in the budget, then you need to do what is right for your situation. Get a KJ, they are for the most part, good rigs. The folks on the KJ side can give you more info on the ins and outs then I can. Don't forget the Pics, or it didn't happen. :mrgreen:

DREDnot · **Posted:** Sun Jul 14, 2013 7:06 pm

My wife had a 2003 KJ 2WD that we got used with 54K miles and put another 100K on it in 4 years.

We took it on 500 miles worth of death valley back roads, went through 3 sets of tires, changed the oil every 10K miles, and the only things it ever needed was an A/C compressor, front brake pads, two rear window regulators, and an IACV cleaning.

Oh, and the A/C vent balls like to pop out of the dash

audiboy86 · **Posted:** Mon Jul 15, 2013 7:39 pm

I am and 05 limited CRD owner welcome hopeful future KJ owner. There are quite a few well decked limiteds out there for cheap with low miles just very few bright red ones been hunting for a gasser limited red for months now. CRDs are nice because of the diesel milage and easy of towing what ever you want plus the looks from people when you say diesel liberty. But they are a handful sometime and not always easy a true mechanics jeep. But don't worry if you can't afford the KK we have all the aftermarket support currently anyway. And have had a lot of the same options they do or they can easily be added.

Hopefully buying a jeep liberty HELP!

Who is online