What Is the Max Towing Capacity Of a 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Question:

Hi, We would like to tow our Airstream for short trips with our 98 Grand Cherokee 5.9 not the regular 5.2. The Jeep has 40,000 miles so is as new. The Airstream is 5300lbs and it has tension bars on it. You have a class III hitch that wed like to buy but we would like to get your opinion. We do know that a Ford F250 or alike would be best, especially on longer trips, but we have a special connection with this 5.9 Grand Cherokee and would just love to make it work. Thanks for you opinion and recommendation.

asked by: Daniel V

Expert Reply:

According to my research, the most well equipped 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs. Unfortunately, we cannot recommend you tow more than this but since you are very close to the maximum towing capacity you would most likely be fine by just going over a few hundred pounds or so. That said, I cannot recommend this so you will just need to use your best discretion on what you think is right for your vehicle.

For a trailer hitch, I recommend using the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver part # 75041 because it's a bolt-on fit and has a mostly hidden cross tube. For a trailer wiring harness, I recommend the Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness part # C55260 if you have the factory tow package or part # C55349 if you do not. The trailer also likely brakes so I recommend the 7-Way RV Upgrade Kit part # ETBC7L and Curt Echo Mobile Trailer Brake Controller part # C51180.

expert reply by: Conner L