Towing an x17z with a Jeep Liberty?

[OttawaBob]

Hello.

We are looking at purchasing a 2013 x17z trailer from a local dealer. We currently own a 2011 Jeep Liberty with a 3.7 litre engine. With a specified tow capacity of 5000lbs, would this vehicle be suitable to tow this trailer without any concerns/problems. This is our first trailer and we want to do things right for both the vehicle and ourselves!

Thank you for any comments/replies to this post.

Bob (and Theresa)

[DocBrown]

Personally I think the Liberty's wheel base is too short to tow much of anything other than a boat, not to mention it has a high center of gravity. I'm one to talk though, my X20E brings me close to the rated capacity of my Trailblazer and its a surprisingly good towing experience.

Your x17z is well within what the Liberty is rated for. Without know the specs on your engine, I suspect you'll be just fine. Especially if you aren't towing up 6% grades on a regular basis.

[MonkeyClaw]

Let me preface with I'm no expert. I have only made two trips so far, one was towing my friend's Roo 233 from Sedona to Salt Lake City and back, and another towing my X20E from Salt Lake City to my home in Sedona. I have an FJ Cruiser with a 4.0L that I had fitted with a transmission fluid cooler and is rated at 5000 lbs.

One thing I noticed is that on hills, I need to make sure the engine isn't 'lugging'. Know where the power band for your engine is and stay near it. For smaller engines, the higher torque and horsepower are made at higher RPM. It will sound like your engine is working harder than you're used to, but it's far better for it than trying to power on at a low RPM.