I need some advice.
I'm looking to purchase a used trailer today, a 24ft ultralight weighing in at 2800lbs.
I've got a 2005 jeep liberty (with tow package) to haul it. It's rated around 500lbs - so it can handle the weight.
but
I'm looking for feedback. I've heard comments about it being a short wheelbase to tow a big trailer....
Is this too long of a trailer for my liberty?
If so, what's the cut off (or where would you start getting nervous?)
What does Jeep say about it? (I'm ASSUMING that it's a typo when you say the Jeep is rated for 500 lb. and you're wanting to tow 2800). I've never heard any manufacturer that rates their tow vehicles by the length of trailer they can tow. A short wheelbase tow vehicle will not be as stable as a long wheel base tow vehicle (when all other things are equal) but that doesn't mean they can't tow. Takes a lot more than wheelbase to determine a good one and you see VERY few slingshot dragsters towing trailers. Very FEW trailers are being towed by the PERFECT tow vehicle (we'd be pretty overrun by OTR tractors if this were not true). I'd read the manufacturers ratings (ALL of them) and follow what they recommend. Remembering that the two SAFETY related numbers are GVWR and GAWR.
Good luck / Skip
2011 F-150 HD Ecoboost 3.5 V6. 2550 payload, 17,100 GCVWR - 2004 F-150 HD (Traded after 80,000 towing miles) 2007 Rockwood 8314SS 34' travel trailer
US Govt survey shows three out of four people make up 75% of the total population
The answers to your questions depend a great deal on how your Jeep is equipped and other variables, which you don't include in your post. Check the 2005 Jeep Liberty manual for a chart that addresses most of the key numbers. The wheelbase is a definite consideration but not the only one.
Frankly, I'm having a hard time believing any 24ft TT can weigh anywhere near 2800lbs loaded for camping, so you definitely need to double check that.
John
2010 Ford F-150 SuperCrew 5.4 4x4
2011 Lance 2285
2008 Acura MDX (still own but not to tow)
2006 Fleetwood Timberlake pop-up (SOLD)
My wife drives a 2005 Liberty... with the V-6, but I don't think it has the tow package (which probably only includes a hitch receiver and possibly a transmission cooler).
Personally, I don't think I'd tow anything larger than one of those small u-haul trailers with the Liberty. While technically, it may be able to tow x amount of weight, I would not be comfortable towing very much with it.
The Liberty's is VERY sensitive... I suspect due to the short wheel base. I would expect any amount of trailer sway or cross winds would push it off course.
I would prefer a different vehicle for towing. Leave the Liberty for commuting and/or light trails if properly equipped.
I would not tow anything but a popup,and a light one at that.
I have one of the lightest travel trailers made,a Fun Finder189.The way I campusually solo, it weighs 3400 lbs with a tongue of 380 lbs with half a tank of water.I woundnt think of towing it with a liberty.
when you post give us more info as to the TT.There are other things to consider,wind loading and braking.If you go on the interstate and are passed by a semi going 75,you will be in for a wild ride.Just my 2 cents.I am not bashing Jeep,they are great for back country.
2006 F150 4wd 7200gvw,Lt275-65-18,Scan Guage,Garmin,flowmaster,load levelers,Firestone work rites, sat radio 50s on 5 or outlaw country
2013 Bronco 800
1200/1500 champion
Mostly Boondock
I used to tow a Forest River 25 ft TT with a 2005 Liberty with tow package. The trailer weighed 4000lbs. The Liberty was rated at 5000 towing compactly. It was our first TT. We used a Reese WD hitch with friction bar. I think I remember every mile I towed with that set up. Scarry! It was our first TT so I didn't really know any better. First off, the wheel base is WAY too short. The wind would get ahold of that trailer and whip it from side to side. The hitch would dampen it a little but not much. I would drive constantly looking in my door mirror for semi trucks that were coming up on me to pass. The drag off those trucks would pull our camper towards them as they passed. Again, scarry. That's just my experience with that set . We eventually traded in the Liberty for a F150. What a difference! I could actually relax and enjoy the drive to the campsite... Oh, also if you still go with the Liberty setup, make sure you check the tires on the liberty. We had to change ours out to "D" rated tires, also added an oil cooler and transmission cooler.
Yes, it'll tow a 24' trailer, but it won't be enjoyable. IMO, 19' would be the max length. Even then, it's not going to tow like a truck would. Sway is going to be the main issue. You can combat it with a good hitch. I guess it all depends on how relaxed you want to feel when towing.
BTW- I saw a liberty towing a 29' trailer at a local campground.
I had an 2002 liberty for a while. I did not tow with it, but this forum has a lot of information and tips. I went on a 4x4 run and one of the guys had an 18' fun finder. It pulled that just fine, but I would think that would be around max.
2013 Keystone, Laredo.. 291, Outdoor kitchen (my camping man cave)
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