We are thinking of getting a small travel trailer to get back down to Arizona from Washington for awhile. The Jeep seems sensitive steering at times. So we wonder if towing a trailer will make it more stable or less. Appreciate all help and thoughts.
2005 Jeep Liberty Limited V-6, 4WD, Auto Trans
I purchased my 2012 KK new. I purchased a 17’ Casita fiberglass travel trailer about a year later. The KK has the factory towing package, with 500 lb tongue and 5000 total tow weight. I towed the trailer from my home in northeastern Utah to Arizona dozens of times (We have a daughter in the PHX are). I also towed it to Portland many times, and once to the Olympic peninsula, as well as to Mt. Ranier, etc. Altogether, I estimate that I towed it around 60,000 miles. The Jeep has 236,000 miles at present. The Casita weighs about 3500 lb when we are loaded (30 lb propane, 25 gallons of fresh water, plus food and clothing.
I always towed it using a Andersen weight distribution hitch, which incorporates sway control. You need to keep 10-15% of the trailer’s weight directly on the tongue. You do not state what kind of towing gear—if it came with factory tow package, you’re good to go.
I felt I was on the edge of its towing capacity. I would not want to haul anything heavier. I still have the Jeep, but I tow the trailer with a 2021 Toyota Tacoma which has 670 lb tongue and 6500 lb trailer weight capacity. I still use the Andersen WDH.
If you have no engines or suspension issues, you should be fine as long as you keep the weight down. If your trailer weighs more than about 2500 lb, I would use a WDH. Also, if your trailer has electric brakes, install a brake controller and use those brakes.
