Re: [tabtrailers] Re: Time for a new Tow Vehicle...thoughts on small SUV?

12:56 PM |

Arlene, I suggest you ensure that the 7-pin to 4-pin adapter included an added larger ground lead to the 7-pin in the tow vehicle. The 4-pin connector is only intended to provide current for the trailer lights, and the ground lead is normally not adequate to handle the additional current for charging a battery and running a 3-way fridge in the DC mode while towing. We have had several occasions where the person adding the charge lead only used a large lead for that, but left the smaller ground lead to the 4-pin connector in place, resulting in the lead burning open from the larger current needed for the additional load.

Jerry J

----- Original Message -----

From: webwiz_tn

To: tabtrailers@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Wednesday, January 26, 2011 3:05 PM

Subject: [tabtrailers] Re: Time for a new Tow Vehicle...thoughts on small SUV?

All -

I bought a 2011 Jeep Liberty several weeks ago after a horrendous 7-week experience with a pre-owned 2007 Mazda CX9. I have not contributed to this thread because I have not yet had an opportunity to tow my T@B.

All I can say is that I wish I had made this decision before I got involved with the CX9! I an enjoying the Jeep and am anxiously awaiting camping weather. The vehicle does have a 5000# towing capacity and the Trailer Tow Class III package comes with:

7-Pin Wiring Harness
7-to-4-Pin Wiring Adaptor
Class III Receiver Hitch
Full-Size Spare Tire
Heavy Duty Engine Cooling
Power Steering Cooler
Trailer Sway Control
Trailer Tow Group

The spare tire is now housed underneath the vehicle and the receiver hitch sticks out a bit from the vehicle (instead of under the bumper) which should make it so much easier to attach the chains.

Hope this helps!

Best regards,
Arlene

--- In tabtrailers@yahoogroups.com, "C" <familybakerfive@...> wrote:
>
> Theresa, unless the tow rating has changed in the last couple of model years on the Jeep Liberty, it did have a rating of 5,000. That's an SUV I am considering.
>
> Thanks for your break-down on each. That's informative.
>
> Crystal
>
> --- In tabtrailers@yahoogroups.com, "theresakoth" <theresakoth@> wrote:
> >
> >
> > Hi Guys,
> >
> > Here's a summary and a big Thank You to all for your great input. I've
> > considered many of the vehicles that were mentioned.
> >
> > The Conclusion for me is a diesel Grand Cherokee. 5,000+ tow capacity,
> > 21 mpg average, and I can run biodiesel.
> >
> > Based on the owner's database showing tow vehicles I calculated the
> > breakdown:
> >
> > 53% of us tow with SUVs
> > 30% of us tow with a truck
> > 17% of us tow with a car
> >
> > Also, for posterity's sake, here are some thoughts about my test drives.
> > My needs are adequate towing for mountain driving, better than average
> > gas mileage and/or reduced environmental impact. If anyone has any
> > questions on these, please feel free to email me.
> >
> > * Toyota Highlander: The gas model was great at 5,000 lbs max, but
> > the Hybrid maxed out at 3,500 lbs. Thanks Sandra, for the
> > recommendation and I think you're right about needing closer to 5,000.
> > * Jeep Liberty: A great car with 3,500 towing and good hp/torque.
> > Thanks to Mark & Leslie for the suggestion, but I think the hills
> > require a bit more for me.
> > * Jeep Wrangler Unlimited: Good tow capacity at 3,500 lbs but too
> > stripped-down on aesthetics for this girly-girl.
> > * Hyundai Santa Fe: Out of all of them, this drove the nicest. Had
> > great user options and stock class III hitch with wiring harness. The
> > 3,500 lb limit would be great on the plains, but I felt for regular use
> > in the mountains, it didn't fit. Thanks Gid, for the suggestion though.
> > * Toyota Rav4: 3,500 tow capacity, swinging rear door, good gas
> > mileage.
> > * Toyota 4Runner: Had one of these and loved it. Same gas mileage as
> > Highlander, but tows much more. Love it, but was looking for better gas
> > mileage and lower carbon footprint. Thanks David, for the suggestion
> > and I'm jealous.
> > * Toyota FJ Cruiser: Liked the tow/cargo capacity, but in driving it
> > seemed that the windows had too small visibility. I also didn't like
> > the mileage and the fact that the FJ and Rav4 had swing-out rear doors
> > which I felt wouldn't work when hitched. Great car though, Cindy and I
> > hope you have fun with it. :)
> > * Ford Escape & Explorer: I didn't consider these because of my bad
> > previous experience. purely personal bias and I'm sure they're more
> > than adequate.
> >
> > Thanks to Mervyn who got me looking at the diesels. While for finacial
> > reasons, I eliminated most of the diesel SUV's currently on the market
> > (Mercedes, VW, Audi) I found that Jeep made diesel SUVs in the Grand
> > Cherokee (2007-2008) and the Liberty (2005-2006). A combination of good
> > torque, mercedes-designed 3L V6 and average of 21 mpg sold me on the
> > Grand Cherokee model.
> >
> > Happy T@bbing <mailto:T@bbing> ,
> > Theresa
> > #0576
> >
>