Will a 1997 Grand Cherokee Laredo with a V-6 be enough to tow a Viper?

[Qualitywires.com]

I've got a car transport that my viper will fit on, but I was wondering if the Jeep with a V-6 would be able to handle towing the Viper? It's pretty much flat roads and no big hills involved..what you think..would it be safe?

Thanks in advance.

 

[SoCal Rebell]

The V-6 is rated at about 5,000 lbs. towing which is right around where you're at (+/- 500 lbs). A short trip on level ground should be OK. I have a V8 in my Jeep and it pulls fine until you get to those steep grades, then it's 60 mph w/V8, I don't think a V6 would make it.

A big part of towing is not only HP & TQ but how heavy duty a cooling system you have, if you're gonna do this watch your temp gauge.

 

[kernie]

I towed my viper from Atlanta to Austin with a
V6 Grand Cherokee. About 980 miles each way. No
problems during the tow; however I did have to
replace the transmission about 2 weeks later.

It was under warranty, but a hassle nonetheless.
The dealership told me it was unrelated to the
tow, but it makes you wonder.

 

[Roland L-Ocala FL]

Make sure you have a tranny cooler too! You can get them at the dealership or aftermarket ones are also available. Is it a new V-6? I have seen Vipers pulled from Chicago to the Gingerman with Cherokees with straight sixes in them, and they struggled with them at times (hot summer days especially), but seemed to do ok with open trailers. Enclosed trailers are something else however, lots more weight to pull. For occasional pulling and mostly level roads, it should be ok. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE ELECTRIC BRAKES ON THE TRAILER!

 

[Qualitywires.com]

I will be towing with an open trailer..like the ones you see with budget. The weather should be cool, and the jeep is an automatic. The travel is pretty level. So are you guys saying I should be okay? When going up small hills, should I just let the transmission do it's job or should I just down shift it myself?

Thanks guys!

 

[Qualitywires.com]

Hey Guys!!! Thanks for all your advice!! I really appreciate it! I now feel comfortible using my Friends Jeep! ha! Thanks again!

 

[-RUNNR]

Towed my Viper from NH to IN using my new Jeep Liberty.

Powerwise it was fine, but it was squirrely going downhill. Liberty was just too light.

 

[-RUNNR]

btw, if you are using a UHaul trailer, DON'T!!!

The Viper fits, but you will totally screw up your back rims (as my car can attest to)

 

[FRANK]

Hey Ab,

That Jeep isn't strong enough to haul that Viper and trailer combo. I am sure the total weight is over the 5,000 limit. You're maxed out. That six will be struggling. If I had to use it for a local tow...i.e. under 30 miles, I'd use it but if you're going anything over and hour the tranny will be taxed...especially if it doesn't have a cooler. Like the one person mentioned they towed with their Jeep and two weeks later the tranny went out. This happened to me years ago...now I only use my truck with a stick shift and heavy duty clutch/plate to tow with. No offense...but if I had this Jeep, I wouldn't tow anything other than a waverunner/jetski trailer with it...plus...it isn't even yours!

 

[Qualitywires.com]

yeah, that's good info to know. I appreciate that..that is why I am asking about it and so concerned. My friend said go ahead and use my jeep, but I don't want to cause any damage. Thanks!