Toad Advice

colemole · 11-21-2010, 08:45 AM

I am considering a newer toad to follow my Adventurer with the Ford V-10 engine. I'm interested in opinions on the Jeep Liberty, which at 4100 ibs is not the lightest unit but I like the towing capacity of the Liberty and the ability to put the transfer case in neutral. I'm towing a 1997 CRV now. Will the extra approximate 800 pounds of tow weight be noticable when towing up grades e.g. Mesquite Nevada into Utah. I'm would think flat towing will not be an issue. Looking forward to your comments from those with more experience. Thanks

Finhawk · 11-21-2010, 10:18 AM

I'm towing a Subaru AWD 5 speed. All I have to do is put it in neutral, turn the key to the acc position and go. Makes life really simple.

beanjr · 11-21-2010, 10:21 AM

Colemole...The extra 800# will be noticeable but just how can only be judged by you...Have experience towing various load weights and will say that the effect of the differance has a lot to do with driving style under different situations...A vague answer but should be accurate. Can say that having a Jeep Liberty as a toad has been a good choice for me...I tow a 2007 4WD and as you said the ability to shift transmission and tranfer case into neutral was important...Very easy to do and when towing I have found it to be a very stable vehicle...Just got back from a very windy trip out west with no issues. Hope this helps!

Lued · 11-21-2010, 10:34 AM

I tow a Jeep Cherokee Sport, 4X4 4 down a little over 3000 LBS , transfer case in neutral and key 1 click. The Blue Ox's tow bar works great. Good Luck

bruceh · 11-21-2010, 03:18 PM

Just as a data point, I had my Jeep Cherokee (98 Sport) weighed at the same time as my motor home. I was surprised that it came in at 3900 pounds. I have some aftermarket stuff on it but I don't think 900 pounds worth.

I love this as a Toad/Offroad vehicle.

SideRoads · 11-21-2010, 03:33 PM

I went to th 08' Liberty, just for the reasons you state. Has followed me around for 2 years, 25k miles, still like new. I don't know it's there. I towed a Nissan Sentra on a dolly before the Lib,,,,,much easier than dolly, don't notice the difference in lbs.

I can tell the difference in gas between the Nissan and the Liberty,,,,,the MH mpg, stayed the same.....

I lub th lib, wouldn't go back, at this time....

OldChief7155 · 11-21-2010, 03:57 PM

What is your hitch rated to tow might be a good question.

colemole · 11-21-2010, 07:54 PM

I have a 5000 lb hitch on the motorhome and an 5000 lb blue ox tow bar.

ihbond · 11-21-2010, 10:11 PM

when you mean flat towing you mean putting all 4 wheels on the ground or towing with a flat dolly ? I tow my 2010 4 dorr (4100 curb weight). Not the fastest up hill but make it none the less. I dont really know that its even behind me as far as handling goes (even in the high winds overe here in i-90). Still i prefer 4 down rather than a higher point of gravity. If you do go with a flat bed tow, make sure you have those wheels properly fastened. Look at the towing forum and do a search for another poster that did not have the appropriate tire fasteners and the damage that was done when he hit a huge bump.

Lued · 11-22-2010, 06:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bruceh

Just as a data point, I had my Jeep Cherokee (98 Sport) weighed at the same time as my motor home. I was surprised that it came in at 3900 pounds. I have some aftermarket stuff on it but I don't think 900 pounds worth.

I love this as a Toad/Offroad vehicle.

I was going by the book, if it weighs close to 4000 lbs the workhorse does a nice job of pulling it down the road. We were out in the desert the other day, what fun the little Cherokee is.

Belgique · 11-22-2010, 06:29 AM

Tow a Grand Cherokee with a V10 (35J) for many thousands of miles out west, Mexico and east coast. Never know the car is there...mileage doesn't change either on the times we've gone Toadless.