What Size Camper Can a Jeep Cherokee Pull

By Nick Marchenko, PhD

The Jeep Cherokee offers an optional towing package that enables it to tow various types of campers.

This package is available as an option on all models and comes standard on the Jeep Cherokee's highest-priced and most fully-equipped versions. So, can a Jeep Cherokee pull a camper trailer?

Being outside is more pleasurable and seems less like a chore when you are conversing with another camper. To ensure a more trouble-free camping trip, there are a few potential problems you should be aware of.

However, try not to stress too much; camping is meant to be enjoyable and carefree. Discover all there is to know about camper trailer towing with a Jeep Cherokee by reading on.

Jeep Cherokee towing capacity

The maximum towing capacity represents the weight limit that a particular vehicle can safely handle. This capacity for the Jeep Cherokee normally ranges between 2,000 and 5,000 pounds, demonstrating their ability to carry a sizable amount of weight, particularly when towing smaller campers.

It is important to remember that the towing capability includes both the camper's base weight and the weight of all its contents.

However, there are several methods to potentially improve your Jeep Cherokee's ability to tow through particular enhancements, which we will cover later.

Keep in mind that the towing capacity of your Jeep might vary based on the precise make and model, and the owner's handbook has more particular information on your vehicle's limits.

Can the Cherokee tow a camper trailer?

The base Jeep Cherokee boasts a modest towing capacity of 2,000 pounds, which limits its ability to tow even the smallest trailers. However, if you are considering towing with a Cherokee, opting for an engine upgrade can significantly enhance its capabilities.

An improvement over the 2.4-liter base engine or 2.0-liter turbo engine is the 3.2-liter Pentastar engine. With these engine improvements, you would anticipate a towing capacity of 4,000 to 4,500 pounds. These enhancements greatly expand the range of trailers you can consider.

What kind of campers can the Jeep Cherokee tow?

As you can see, there is a wide range of camper and travel trailer options that a Jeep Cherokee can tow, with the specific capabilities varying depending on the trim level. At the top of the range, the Jeep Cherokee Trackhawk and SRT models can tow some small and lightweight travel trailers.

The Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk and High Altitude trim levels are excellent for towing tiny travel trailers since they are more suited to teardrop campers and expandable campers, but they are still acceptable for larger travel trailers.

The maximum towing capacity is capped at 3,500 pounds for the remainder of the basic range, which includes the Jeep Cherokee Laredo, Laredo E, Limited, and comparable trim levels.

This restricts them to towing micro campers, pop-up campers, and a few lightweight teardrop campers. Here are a few campers that fall within the towing limits for the Jeep Cherokee:

Lance 1685

With a dry weight of almost 4,000 pounds and the ability to transport an extra 1,000 pounds of stuff, the Lance 1685 is a well-liked pop-out camper. It has a 25,000 BTU heating rating and can comfortably fit up to five people.

J Feather

The J Feather is another suitable camper for Jeep Cherokee owners, weighing in at 4,350 pounds with the ability to store an extra 1,000 pounds of cargo. It requires 18,000 BTUs for heating and provides ample space for up to eight people.

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Dutchmen Aspen Trail

The Dutchmen Aspen Trail is a popular choice among Cherokee owners, known for its ease of towing at 3,730 pounds and an additional 1,000 pounds of storage capacity. It has eight beds and a 13,500 BTU cooling capacity.

Forest River R-Pod

The R-Pod is a portable camper that weighs just 2,700 pounds and has a carrying capacity of 1,100 pounds. It can cool with 13,500 BTU and accommodates four people.

When shopping for campers, it is essential to keep in mind that you have a mid-size Jeep Cherokee. So, unless you have the Trailhawk model, you should focus on smaller campers that your Cherokee can safely handle.

Improving the Cherokee is an option for larger trailers

If you are not driving a Trailhawk or Trackhawk, you may want to consider upgrading your Cherokee to enhance its towing capabilities while keeping the same vehicle. Here are some popular upgrades for towing with your Cherokee:

Towing package

The towing package is a highly sought-after upgrade for the Jeep Cherokee. It involves enhancing the axles and suspension, allowing you to tow several thousand more pounds compared to the standard Cherokee.

Engine upgrade

For a more comprehensive upgrade, you can consider enhancing the engine. An engine upgrade will enable you to tow thousands of additional pounds that the standard Jeep Cherokee engine may not accommodate. Opting for these upgrades is a smart way to maintain the vehicle you love while being able to tow a larger camper.

Keep in mind that these upgrades should be performed by professionals to avoid voiding any warranties that were part of your Jeep purchase agreement. Always ensure that your Cherokee remains within safety standards when towing.

Is the Cherokee a good car for towing?

The Jeep Cherokee is a remarkable off-road vehicle with some towing capabilities. However, to make it a more suitable, tow-friendly vehicle, upgrading to the turbo or Pentastar engine is highly recommended. With one of these upgraded engines, the Cherokee becomes a solid choice for towing.

Without them, it can be challenging to recommend this vehicle for towing, as drivers may encounter limitations in terms of towing capacity and payload capacity with the smaller engine.

If the camper trailer fits within the Jeep Cherokee's permitted size and weight ranges, it can be towed. Weight is a key consideration because your Jeep can tow items weighing anywhere between 2,000 and 7,000 pounds.

Many smaller campers fall within this weight range. To make an informed choice, it is advisable to research and determine which trailer suits your needs best.

You can find the towing specifications for your specific model of Cherokee in various sources, but the most crucial thing is to do the math and make sure that you are choosing something secure for you and your loved ones. A Jeep Cherokee is capable of towing a camper trailer, however, this should only be done under safe conditions.

Nick Marchenko, PhD

Industrial Engineer & Automotive Content Specialist

Nick writes in-depth guides on car clubs, engine specs, vehicle ownership, and modifications, combining engineering knowledge with automotive passion.

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