As a responsible vehicle owner, it is essential to know your vehicle’s towing capacity.
Whether you’re carrying a boat off for a fishing trip or helping a friend get their busted car to the warehouse, the last thing you’d want is for your vehicle to exceed its towing capacity and sustain costly damages in the process.
The Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk is one of the company’s sturdier models, but that doesn’t mean it can tow anything.
That’s where this guide comes in handy to help owners of this vehicle figure out what the towing capacity on their Trailhawk may be.
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Features of the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk
The Jeep Trailhawk comes in various models, such as the Renegade, Compass, Grand Cherokee, and Cherokee.
Regardless of which model or year you choose to buy, a few features of the Trailhawk set it apart.
Firstly, the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk has tires suitable for every terrain. Not only are they suited for every terrain, but if the place you live experiences heavy snow, these tires will hold you steady through the colder months.
The Trailhawk also comes equipped with skid plates. Since this is an off-roading vehicle, these skid plates will help protect components on the underside of your car, such as the transfer box or fuel tank, from getting damaged.
An additional feature of the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk is that it has higher ground clearance. This makes it well-suited for off-roading.
Off-roaders will also be glad to know that the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk comes with a 4-wheel drivetrain and locking differentials. Together, this creates an efficient off-roading experience.
The Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk also comes equipped with the Selec-terrain traction system. Selec-terrain makes the Trailhawk perfect for various terrains.
The Trailhawk has a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine by default, but those searching for a high-powered drive can opt for a 3.2-liter V6 engine.
What is the Towing Capacity on my Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk
While the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk is suitable for use while off-roading, it’s advisable not to tow while doing so, as you may end up damaging both your vehicle and whatever it is that you’re towing.
The towing capacity for your Jeep Cherokee depends on the engine strength. If you have the standard 2.4L Engine that all Jeep Cherokee Trailhawks come with, you can expect to tow up to 2,000 pounds, which is more or less the weight of a compact car.
If you’ve chosen a 3.2L engine, you can tow up to 4500 pounds. If you’re towing a trailer, it’s essential to know what the capacity for the trailer hitch is. Your vehicle may be able to haul the trailer, but if the hitch specifies that it can not handle more than a certain weight, you must not exceed this limit. Exceeded loads can be a hazard when driving at a higher speed, as the hitch may come undone.
What Happens When You Exceed the Towing Capacity
You shouldn’t take the towing capacity of your vehicle lightly. If you exceed the towing capacity of your vehicle considerably, you risk damaging your car. This damage may not happen instantly. You may even get away with a heavy tow multiple times, but consistently overburdening your vehicle will lead to gradual degradation.
Here’s what could happen
Over time, the added weight will cause the brakes on your vehicle to weaken. This will lead to an increased risk of accidents.
Your tires will wear out, leading to less road traction. This will also lead to an increased risk of accidents on your vehicle, particularly on rainy days, as there would be less friction on the road.
Your engine will overheat, which will damage its components over time. A dead giveaway of a damaged engine is increased fuel consumption. If you catch your vehicle guzzling fuel more than usual, there’s a good chance that the 5000-pound trailer you tow around may be to blame.
Exceeding the towing capacity will significantly hamper your braking abilities and control over the steering. This is not ideal in an emergency where a quick brake and traction control may mean the difference between life and death.
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How to increase the towing capacity for the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk
Although the capacity of your Trailhawk’s engine is the sole major determinant of what load you can tow, a few things can increase your vehicle’s capacity.
- Firstly, keeping your brakes in good condition will help your vehicle handle higher loads without risking an accident.
- To avoid overheating your engine, you can consider adding a larger radiator. This will also help your vehicle to tow above its specified capacity without causing harm to its components.
- With the help of a weight distribution hitch, you will maintain control of the item you’re towing. This is particularly useful when towing on the highway or at high speeds. This will not necessarily increase the towing capacity for your vehicle but will certainly make higher loads safer to tow.
Final words
In conclusion, the Trailhawk is an excellent vehicle designed for off-roading. That said, its towing capacity is nothing out of the ordinary. It comes down to what you, as a vehicle owner, require.
If you’re somebody who does not require towing heavy loads regularly, the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk is a great bang for its buck, guaranteeing comfortable interiors and an upscale off-roading experience.
FAQS
Can a Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk tow a camper?
Depending on which engine you’re using, the towing capacity of your Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk will be anywhere between 2000-5000 pounds. The average camper trailer weighs between 1000-9000 lbs. A Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk can tow small and average-sized campers, but larger ones will be a problem.
Does the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk come with a sunroof?
All models of the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk, starting from 2016, come equipped with a sunroof.
Why isn’t my Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk starting?
Many factors could be the cause of this issue. You might have a faulty battery, which is the first and most typical cause. Have your local mechanic examine your battery to determine if this is the case.
It’s also possible that the problem is with your alternator, which would indicate that your battery doesn’t have enough charge. The Trailhawk just won’t start for another reason: corroded battery terminals. Even though this isn’t a widespread problem, you might decide to have it checked out.
What are some common issues with the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk?
While the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk is generally a reliable vehicle, it does have some issues. Firstly, the backup sensor alarm in the car is known to malfunction.
This issue is seen in newer models of the Trailhawk (2020 onwards). The more serious problem is that the transmission for the Trailhawk tends to fail prematurely at around 70,000 miles.
