I'm looking into buying a 1997 Grand Cherokee limited with the 5.2L V8 to use as a daily driver and tow rig. The towing loads would be my YJ on a trailer plus any additional gear I might be carrying. The factory tow rating is 6500 lbs. but does anyone have experience towing anywhere near that weight with a GC?

Another issue is the wheelbase of the GC relative to the trailer. Is the wheelbase long enough to safely tow a trailer in the 15 foot range with a total weight of around 5000 lbs. with my YJ on it?

Yet another issue is the brakes. Are they up to the task of stopping the Jeep/trailer combo? If not, what can be done relatively cheaply to improve the braking?

My bro used to have a GC and I've driven that so I know how they ride and drive and such so I know I like them, I just want to see if anyone has personal experience with using them as a tow rig.

I know its lots of questions but I'd like to get some opinions from people before I go ahead and buy something that won't work for what I had planned. And no since this vehicle (whatever I end up buying) is going to be my daily driver I can't go with a 1 ton dually with a diesel <IMG SRC="smilies/frown.gif" border="0">.

Well, I will tell you that I have pulled my boat around and even hauled it all the way to the lower 48 (read ALCAN) and have little problems with the size wieght/ratio.

I will tell you that you will need to upgrade the brakes. First make sure you are getting 4 wheel disc and then make sure you put on a set of Stillen or Powerstop vented or slotted rotars and the pads that go with them.

The heaviest load I ever pulled was a 74 Dodge 3/4 ton on a big u-haul trailer. It was way over the rated weight and I was able to manage it for the 100 mile pull. I was not able to get up to 60 (had to stay at around 50 or so) or the pull got to be more than I liked.

I think that they are a great tow rig and would suit your purpose just fine.

Two friends have used them to two their jeeps but it is not comfortable. The trailer should have brakes on both axles so braking is not a problem. The gc should not be the one stopping the trailer. If you must tow heavy loads with it make sure you get a good anti sway bar on there as you will need it.

I use a f350 crew cab now as my daily driver and tow rig and believe me the longer wheel base makes a night and day difference. But you can tow with a gc.