If you own or are considering a Jeep Cherokee and you’re looking to pull your rig, you’re probably wondering: can a Jeep Cherokee tow a travel trailer?
Yes, a Jeep Cherokee can tow a travel trailer or camper up to 4,000 pounds.
There are additional factors you’ll need to consider when towing a camper or travel trailer with a Jeep Cherokee which we’ll cover below.
Towing A Travel Trailer With A Jeep Cherokee
So, can a Jeep Cherokee tow a travel trailer? Yes: the Jeep Cherokee towing capacity is 4,000 pounds, so as long as your travel trailer, camper, toy hauler, or pop-up camper is under 4,000 lbs your Jeep Cherokee can successfully tow it.
Now we need to explore the additional factors you’ll need to keep in mind when towing a travel trailer with your Jeep Cherokee.
Jeep Cherokee Tow Package
Does The Jeep Cherokee Come With A Tow Package?
The Jeep Cherokee does not automatically come with a tow package included, so you’ll need to add one yourself or have one installed professionally.
Jeep Cherokee Trailer Towing: What Do I Need?
At minimum you’ll need a trailer hitch and wiring harness to tow your camper behind your Jeep Cherokee.
Do I Need A Brake Controller To Pull A Camper With A Jeep Cherokee?
If your travel trailer or camper has electronic brakes then you’ll also need a brake controller to send a signal from your vehicle to the brakes on your trailer.
Most states have laws stating that any trailer over 3,000 pounds must have a brake controller, but check with your state for specifics.
Jeep Cherokee Towing Package Cost
Jeep Cherokee Trailer Hitch & Wiring Harness Cost
Jeep Cherokee trailer hitches run between $125-$175.
Take a look at this recommended Jeep Cherokee Hitch Kit:
- Designed to complement today's trucks, vans and sport utility vehicles, attach directly to the frame with no drilling or welding necessary
- 2 inch square receiver tube opening and solid all-welded construction for maximum strength and durability
- The A-Coat base with black powder coat finish is resistant to adverse weather conditions and corrosion, ensures an attractive appearance for years to come
- Computer-Aided design and fatigue stress tested to ensure perfect fit and top towing performance, backed by Draw-Tite's Nationwide Limited Lifetime Warranty
- Rated at 500/5,000 lbs. (TW/GTW) weight carrying (WC) and 500/5,000 lbs. (TW/GTW) weight distributing (WD), always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for actual weight capacities
A Jeep Cherokee trailer hitch wiring harness runs between $30-$50.
- EASY TO INSTALL. No cutting! No splicing! This trailer wiring harness kit plugs into existing factory wiring on your vehicle and equips it with a standard, rear 4-pin trailer wiring connector for plugging in and towing a trailer
- STANDARD CONNECTOR. This plug-in 4-flat trailer wiring can be used to connect trailer tail lights, brake signal lights and turn signals. 4-way trailer light wiring is popular on a variety of trailers, adding versatile towing options for your vehicle
- VEHICLE-SPECIFIC. This aftermarket, vehicle-trailer wiring harness is designed for select years of the Jeep Cherokee, including Sport
- RELIABLE POWER. This 4-way trailer wiring harness is built with surface mount technology. This type of circuitry generates less heat, optimal light intensity and durable performance
- DUST COVER. To promote long-lasting use and weather resistance, this 4-pole trailer lighting wire harness comes with a rubber dust cover. It easily fits onto the 4-way flat connector when not in use, protecting it against the outdoor elements
Jeep Cherokee Trailer Hitch Installation Cost
Expect to pay between $100 and $200 to have a tow package professionally installed on your Jeep Cherokee (including the hitch and wiring harness).
Jeep Cherokee Brake Controller Cost
Jeep Cherokee brake controllers cost between $100-200 for the part, and up to $250 for the installation of the brake controller.
Can You Put A Trailer Hitch On A Jeep Cherokee? Jeep Cherokee Tow Package Installation
If you’re handy and looking to save money, you can install the trailer hitch and wiring harness yourself.
Always follow the manufacturer’s directions and use proper safety precautions.
Here’s a great video walkthrough on a Jeep Cherokee trailer hitch installation:
What Else Will I Need To Pull A Trailer With My Jeep Cherokee?
Depending on what trailer or camper you’ll be pulling with your Jeep Cherokee, you may opt for a suspension enhancement kit to reduce rear-end sag and to improve your ride quality and stability.
Additionally, if your trailer or camper has electric brakes then you’ll need a 7-way connector and brake controller kit.
What Travel Trailers And Campers Can Jeep Cherokee Tow?
Your Jeep Cherokee can pull a camper, trailer, travel trailer, toy hauler, or pop-up camper under 4,000 pounds which is going to be most lightweight campers.
The Jeep Cherokee can safely tow the following travel trailer and camper models under 4,000 lbs:
- Gulf Stream Vintage Cruiser 19CSK
- Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro
- Winnebago Micro Minnie 2106FBS
- Keystone Bullet Crossfire 1700BH
- Jayco Jayflight SLX174BH
- Forest River R-Pod RP196
- Forest River Independence Trail 172RB
- Gulf Stream Enlighten 25BH
This is by no means a full list, but the above are some popular examples of campers that can be towed by a Jeep Cherokee.
When determining what travel trailers you can pull behind your Jeep Cherokee, you’ll want to know the following specs:
- UVM (Unloaded Vehicle Weight) aka Dry Weight: This is the weight of a trailer as it’s manufactured at the factory. This figure includes all the weight including the axles and hitch of your trailer or camper.
- Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC): This is the maximum weight of your personal belongings that can be added. This is the GVWR minus the UVM, full fresh water tank weight, and full LP (liquid propane) gas weight. In other words, CCC = GWVR – (UVM + water + gas).
- Tongue Weight aka Hitch Weight: This is the amount of weight that’s pressing down on your vehicle’s hitch or 5th wheel connection when your travel trailer or camper is fully loaded for travel.
The most important factor to look for is the dry weight or UVM of your travel trailer or camper and making sure it’s below 4,000 lbs so your Jeep Cherokee can safely tow it.
Understand that if it’s close to that number, you must also factor in any additional weight added to your trailer via cargo, water, or propane tanks and make sure the total does not exceed 4,000 pounds.
If you’re looking to tow your Jeep behind your RV, check out our guide: Can you flat tow a Jeep Cherokee?
Jeep Cherokee Towing Capacity
So, how much can a Jeep Cherokee tow?
The Jeep Cherokee towing capacity is 4,000 pounds.
Jeep Cherokee Towing Capacity: 4,000 lbs
Jeep Cherokee GVWR: 5,050 lbs
You’ll want to pay attention to the following specs to make sure your Jeep Cherokee can tow your camper or travel trailer:
- CGWR (Combined Gross Weight Rating): This is the max allowable weight including your vehicle, cargo, passengers, and the trailer.
- GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): This is the maximum weight capacity of your vehicle including the vehicle itself, passengers, and cargo without a trailer or camper attached. Exceeding either or both of the Jeep Cherokee GVWR or Jeep Cherokee towing capacity can damage the vehicle.
Can A Jeep Cherokee Tow A Camper? Wrapping Things Up
Hopefully this guide helped you to understand that yes, you can tow a travel trailer with a Jeep Cherokee as long as you pay close attention to the total weight (the camper or travel trailer must be under 4,000 pounds).
Some Jeep Cherokee models don’t come with a towing package installed, so you may need to add one to the vehicle. Once complete, you’re ready to hit the road and get camping!
What hitch and wiring harness did you choose for your Jeep Cherokee, and what camper or trailer are you towing with it? How did the hitch installation go? Let your fellow campers know in the comments below.
While you’re here, check out our other helpful RV, camper, and travel trailer repair guides:
- What to do if your RV water pump keeps running
- How to perform RV toilet foot pedal repair
- Our guide to RV roof reseal cost
- What to do if your RV heater is blowing cold air
- How to fix an RV microwave not working
- Our guide to motorhome fuel pump replacement
- How to replace RV window glazing bead
- How to fix an RV toilet not holding water
- How to fix a sagging RV slide out
- Preparing for an RV one night freeze
