Recommended Towing Package for a 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Question:

My son is looking to buy a boat and he has a 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee. How can we tell if it can tow the boat? The boat is 4300 lbs. not sure about the trailer. Thanks

asked by: Derek M

Expert Reply:

To determine the maximum trailer weight you can tow with your 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee you will need find both the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) and the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of your Jeep. This can all be found on the information tag located inside the driver door jamb. If you subtract the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) from the (GCWR) that will give you the maximum Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) you can safely tow.

In order to tow a trailer with your Jeep, you will need a trailer hitch receiver, wiring harness, and ball mount/hitch ball if you do not already have them. For a trailer hitch receiver, I recommend the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver part # 75139. If you do not have a trailer connector at the rear of the vehicle then I recommend the Hopkins Plug-In Simple Vehicle Wiring Harness part # 42535. Since most boat trailers have a 5-way trailer connector, you will also want to use the Tow Ready 4 Pole to 5 Pole Trailer Wiring Adapter part # 20036. For a ball mount/hitch ball I recommend the Ball Mount Kit part # 989900 as this will give you a few different options.

I have attached an installation video of the trailer hitch and wiring harness for you as well.

expert reply by: Conner L