[depman160]

I have a 2004 Jeep Liberty Sport, 4x4, which is supposed to have a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.

I am wondering if anyone else has a Liberty that they use to haul their boat with.

I just bought a 1992 Mariah 2000z and I am very worried about twoing it with such a short-wheelbase vehicle.

I've had this discussion with some on the this site about it, but I am really wondering if it is worth it to buy a hitch package to tow the boat or whether I make other arrangements to haul it.

I plan to keep it at my marina, but it would be nice to be able to travel with it, if and when I want to.

Can it be done safely, or should I hold out and look for another tow vehicle later on down the line?

Thanks!

[Z 202]

It shouldn't be a problem. I suspect your boat trailer and gear are under the 5K.

I tow mine with a V8 Grand Cherokee, and it's easy to forget it's back there. The V6 in the Libby will have adequate power, but don't expect to win any drag races. The 4WD will come in handy on steep or slippery launch ramps.

Stopping will be your biggest issue. If you've got surge brakes on your trailer you should be fine, but make sure to do a few hard practice stops to get a good feel on how the whole package is going to behave.

Check out page 8 of the 2002 Jeep towing guide. http://www.wjjeeps.com/misc/wj_towing_info1.pdf

[depman160]

I looked that over and it seems to have some good info.
I have no idea what, if any, type of brake system the trailer has on it.

I am going to do more research and see. I would like to have the hitch anyway, so maybe I will get the hitch, load up the boat and take it for a drive and see what happens.

Just wish someone else with a Liberty like mine could give me some firsthand insight.


The trailer is a single-axle Eagle brand, but that is all I know about it.

[indykoch]

You might want to consider a transmission cooler also. If your Liberty doesn't have a hitch, it doesn't have the tow package - which is what allows the 5000 lb tow capacity.

Eagle makes a nice trailer. It probably has surge brakes, but depending on age and previous owner's maintenance, they may not be working correctly. Those brake systems lose their effectiveness over time if left alone.

[Z 202]

I have an Eagle trailer as well. If you look at the last picture in my gallery uploads you'll see (part of) the surge break actuator on the end of the trailer tongue. Basically the coupler will push against an actuator that closes the piston on the master cylinder which activates the brakes. If you don't have the big box like coupler, or any steel brake lines to the wheels, you don't have surge brakes. I suspect you do, simply because most jurisdictions require them for loads over 3K.

If you do have surge brakes you'll want to inspect the system thoroughly. My coupler/master cylinder was pooched last year, so I replaced it.

Indy has a good advice as well. An aftermarket transmission cooler is good insurance, and are not difficult to install.

[depman160]

Thanks. I have been doing some research and it seems to point toward the cooler as a wise investment if I decide to use my Liberty as a tow vehicle.

As for the trailer brakes, I am highly doubting the previous owners did anything to maintain it prior to getting rid of it.

The marina was the last official owner and I know they did work on the boat, but none on the trailer that I know of, maybe other than grease the bearings and put air in the tires.

I will continue to look at my options and get back to you! I think I might pass on using mine as a tow vehicle.

Who knows, with the auto industry craziness, I may be able to get a new set of wheels for less than I expect!!!

[22empire]

I have pulled boats with several vehicles, and Jeeps. The Jeeps I have used have had lots of power to tow. However, they do tend to have some wag or sensitivity with the short wheelbase. The 3.7L will definetely be working hard .... If you aren't going cross country it should be fine, but the trainy cooler is definately a must. I would consider pulling it in an emergency or short distances. But it will feel like a hood ornament on the highway with thay thing behind you. Especially with no trailer brakes, but to be quite frank.. It ain't big enough.. I wouldn't do it if it where mine.. A V-8 or torquey V-6 is a must, trannny cooler, etc. In my opinion (consider me old fashioned) you shouldn't be any higher than 75% of the tow rating of your vehicle.

[depman160]

Yeah, from everything I am reading, my Jeep isn't equipped to handle such a load and frankly, I am not sure I want to try it.

I found a $200 Class 3 hitch package, but it seems like even though it's a decent price, it would pale in comparison to the costs if something worse would happen while heading down the road!

I'm keeping my eyes open for maybe a Cherokee with a towing package, I know the larger Jeep would handle it with ease.

[ShabahZ280]

Originally Posted by depman160

I'm keeping my eyes open for maybe a Cherokee with a towing package, I know the larger Jeep would handle it with ease.

I hope you mean Grand Cherokee! I had a '99 Grand Cherokee Limited with the 4.7L v8, I towed my Z250 with it for probably a year, but not for any long distances. Something like that would be perfect for your situation. You'll appreciate the V8, and the increase in wheelbase will add stability. Plus if you get one with a towing package, they come with Class III hitches, have the electric prewired, and a tranny cooler already installed. I think you could probably pick up a nice one for around $10k used.

[Z 202]

The Cherokee (XJ) has wheelbase of 101 inches, the Libby is 104 and the Grand (WJ) at 106. If you want a longer wheelbase you don't want to go to an XJ.

The Liberty was actually the replacement for the XJ. The Cherokee is no longer in production.

Your boat weighs in at 2850#, so add a grand for the trailer and a few hundred and gear etc. and you are still well within the towing capacity of the Liberty. I think with a good class III hitch and an aux transmission cooler, you'll be fine.

Just my .02