Can I tow an SUV?

10650 Views 12 Replies 7 Participants Last post by JohnEqui, Mar 28, 2011

xonecrazymofox

Discussion Starter · Feb 15, 2011

I have the 2011 Terrain 4 cylinder and I also have a 2001 Jeep Cherokee. In July I'm moving from NC back to CA (thankfully) but I'm not sure if either car can tow the other? I am moving with one other person and it would be an awful drive if we both had to drive separately. I was also looking into shipping the Jeep but whichever way is cheaper is the best way for me. I just don't want to destroy either car! I have a motorcycle too so I guess thats another problem. So much to tow...ugh.

Any thoughts?

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MOCHA11NOX

· #2 · Feb 15, 2011

I suspect the Nox and Terrain are similar if not identical in regard to tow spec...

If so you are limited to 1500 pounds...

I have no idea what the Jeep is capable of towing...

but your Terrain won't be towing it...

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NoobNox

· #3 · Feb 24, 2011

I just looked up your 2001 Grand Cherokee, and assuming you don't have the optional V8...you have an I6 with 195hp and a standard tow rating of 2000lbs and max of 6500lbs. Personally I would not tow either with the other one...but if you have to then the Nox behind the Cherokee is your only option. The motorcycle behind either one shouldn't be a problem however..

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gearhead

· #4 · Feb 24, 2011

I'd drive both and carry those FM phone/walkie talkie type things and chat on the way, not constantly mind you.

I'd tow the bike with one vehicle and a loaded u-haul with the other.

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xonecrazymofox

Discussion Starter · #5 · Feb 24, 2011

Its definitely not the V8. I think we'l have to drive separately which is going to make for the longest roadtrip ever! Oh well, at least I'll get to break in the terrain and hopefully get some good gas mileage

...So towing the bike behind the terrain wouldn't be a problem?

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NoobNox

· #6 · Feb 24, 2011

xonecrazymofox said:
Its definitely not the V8. I think we'l have to drive separately which is going to make for the longest roadtrip ever! Oh well, at least I'll get to break in the terrain and hopefully get some good gas mileage ...So towing the bike behind the terrain wouldn't be a problem?

The bike shouldn't be a problem behind the Terrain...assuming you have the towing package installed which (iirc) includes a tranny re-program.

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MOCHA11NOX

· #7 · Feb 24, 2011

xonecrazymofox said:
...So towing the bike behind the terrain wouldn't be a problem?

Keeping in mind the 1500 pound max combined weight of trailer and cargo

It is generally considered prudent to stay within 75% of the max rating

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NoobNox

· #8 · Feb 24, 2011

MOCHANOX said:
Keeping in mind the 1500 pound max combined weight of trailer and cargo

It is generally considered prudent to stay within 75% of the max rating

Tow ratings are usually conservative to avoid liability...he should be fine up to the 1500lb max and maybe a little beyond. (assuming only the driver and a light load inside of course) The 2.4 I4 is no monster engine, but it does have a decent amount of torque for a 4cyl.

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xonecrazymofox

Discussion Starter · #9 · Mar 3, 2011

The car will probably be packed full since I'm moving. When I bought the car I didn't buy any tow package b/c I wasn't really sure if I was moving or not. Do I need to go to the dealer and have them do something with my transmission? I didn't realize it was going to be such a pain haha...all I do is ride the bike (and not very well) ..I have never had to tow anything.

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TerrainSLT2

· #10 · Mar 28, 2011

Trade-in your Jeep into a truck with 3.55-3.73 axle ratio so that you can tow everything.

Check your Terrain TOWING CAPABILITIES HERE if he tow your Jeep+Bike.

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dietz4ibanez

· #11 · Mar 28, 2011

Really the best suggestion is trading the Jeep in for a truck.

Other than that there is the thought of getting a pull behind system so that you can just simply pull the Terrain behind the Jeep. I would look for a small trailer for the motorcycle to pull behind the Nox. With a little training this could be easy and you could get by without having to back up. You can always sell these items easily when you get there. Though with the jeep it will take a toll on you fuel bill.

If it were me though I would just get a truck as long as the Bike would fit in the bed. And trailer the terrain.

Another thing to consider is I would get a trailer before even giving thought to hauling with a dolly. Dolly's are great for short trips and that's it. I would check prices with U-haul. I know that renting a truck one way for my inlaws from Michigan to NC was going to cost over $2000 just for the rental cause they were charging you for relocation back to the original location. You may be better off buying a trailer and selling it when you get to destination.

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TerrainSLT2

· #12 · Mar 28, 2011

That's the reason why I get my new 2011 Ford F-150 v6 EcoBoost 3.73 axle ratio with limited slip so that I can tow my terrain or anything just in case that I needed.

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JohnEqui

· #13 · Mar 28, 2011

Or better pay a driver for the second car. You'll end up cheaper.

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