Cherokee sport Towing Caravan?

[Bowman]

In January I bought a brand new Cherokke sport 2.8 Turbo Diesel (Towing capacity 2800kg) because I wanted to tow a caravan 18/20 foot about 1800 kilos in weight. Every time I hook a van up to the jeep it sinks so low it would be ridiculous to try and tow the van. Has anybody got any first hand experience towing a van of that size with this particular vehicle.

Stweve Bowman

bowman17@ozemail.com.au

[goodol55]

Hi Bowman - welcome aboard.
While I tow with a Grand and not a chero sport I did nonetheless have exactly the same issues you described.
There is debate in here about using:
1. airbags in rear springs - downside is airlines can be a nuisance and can get ripped out when off road.
2. stiffened/progressive rate springs - rear of vehicle is jacked up further when unladen but on some vehicles I've had this was not such a problem.

I wanted to maintain standard suspension so went for Hayman Reece ride levelling hitch from ARB - see http://210.10.49.162/gallery/Hayman-Reece-Hitch

My laden trailer weight is 1900kg. The hitch was fitted and set-up by ARB so that the rig sits dead level. When not towing, I simply slip the tow bar and hitch with swaybars off and store, thus leaving vehicle dead standard. Theoretically there is an added advantage that the sway bars assist with stability when underway.
I must admit that it is hardly noticeable on the Grand but could be noticeable with your vehicle. The assembly is heavy at ~13kgs and this may or may not be an issue for you. Cost was abt $590 odd fitted I think.

I hope this helps until a chero sport owner comes along.
ciao

[goodol55]

Oh by the way Steve - originally I got around the problem by turning the square section tow bar tongue upside down, un bolting the ball which was then facing down, and bolting it to top of tongue.
This does compromise the rating of the tow bar significantly and given the weights we are towing this is a very short term solution (eg no probs if your only hauling a box trailer)

[FredE]

Bowman you didnt say where you are from The best way to go would be as goodol55 suggests I have a set of double cam anti sway/lift bars that I no longer use if you are in Bris let me know and you can give them a try I used them on a 24foot chesney van towed by a F100 and a Ford Bronco i can assure you that this type of setup is worth its weight in gold