OK First- Thanks to everyone who responded to my first question.

I found a Grand Cherokee that has most of what I wanted,

V8 special edition,
Only major option it's missing is a trailer towing package.
According to the dealer, the 4.7's come with all the necessary cooling for
towing,
and the tow package only adds the receiver, trailer plug wiring, and power
steering cooling.

Is this true that the tow package adds NO additional cooling capacity to the
engine or transmission
and I should be OK towing my 3000# boat? or maybe a 4000-5000 trailer in the
future?

Assuming I have to buy a trailer hitch, what's a good brand and model?

Thanks again for your help.

---Greg---

 

You can find the answer to all your questions at www.jeep.com .
Basically, the dealer is correct. The $360 tow package, available on
all except the Overland, includes a 3.73 axle, 7 to 4 pin adapter,
Class III hitch and 7-pin wiring harness.

The Class IV towing package, apparently only available on the
Overland, includes the Class IV hitch, power steering cooler, and
7-pin harness. The Overland comes standard with the 3.73 axle.

There is also a trailer towing prep package available on all except
the Overland. It contains the 3.73 axle and 7-pin harness.

If I were going to tow anything, I would not buy a Jeep without the
factory towing package. For one thing, the 3.73 axle could be very
important, depending upon the weight towed. Secondly, the 7-pin
wiring harness is not a minor addition. On my JGC, the trailer wiring
is quite complex, including several relays, etc. It is mounted inside
behind the panel on the right-rear wheel well. You can always go the
"jury-rig" route with a lamp connector adapter, etc., but you won't be
integrated into the Jeep wiring system.

----

On Thu, 01 Jan 2004 16:01:50 GMT, "Greg" <vze4973g@verizon.net> wrote:

>OK First- Thanks to everyone who responded to my first question.
>
>I found a Grand Cherokee that has most of what I wanted,
>
>V8 special edition,
>Only major option it's missing is a trailer towing package.
>According to the dealer, the 4.7's come with all the necessary cooling for
>towing,
>and the tow package only adds the receiver, trailer plug wiring, and power
>steering cooling.
>
>Is this true that the tow package adds NO additional cooling capacity to the
>engine or transmission
>and I should be OK towing my 3000# boat? or maybe a 4000-5000 trailer in the
>future?
>
>Assuming I have to buy a trailer hitch, what's a good brand and model?
>
>Thanks again for your help.
>
> ---Greg---
>

 

You can find the answer to all your questions at www.jeep.com .
Basically, the dealer is correct. The $360 tow package, available on
all except the Overland, includes a 3.73 axle, 7 to 4 pin adapter,
Class III hitch and 7-pin wiring harness.

The Class IV towing package, apparently only available on the
Overland, includes the Class IV hitch, power steering cooler, and
7-pin harness. The Overland comes standard with the 3.73 axle.

There is also a trailer towing prep package available on all except
the Overland. It contains the 3.73 axle and 7-pin harness.

If I were going to tow anything, I would not buy a Jeep without the
factory towing package. For one thing, the 3.73 axle could be very
important, depending upon the weight towed. Secondly, the 7-pin
wiring harness is not a minor addition. On my JGC, the trailer wiring
is quite complex, including several relays, etc. It is mounted inside
behind the panel on the right-rear wheel well. You can always go the
"jury-rig" route with a lamp connector adapter, etc., but you won't be
integrated into the Jeep wiring system.

----

On Thu, 01 Jan 2004 16:01:50 GMT, "Greg" <vze4973g@verizon.net> wrote:

>OK First- Thanks to everyone who responded to my first question.
>
>I found a Grand Cherokee that has most of what I wanted,
>
>V8 special edition,
>Only major option it's missing is a trailer towing package.
>According to the dealer, the 4.7's come with all the necessary cooling for
>towing,
>and the tow package only adds the receiver, trailer plug wiring, and power
>steering cooling.
>
>Is this true that the tow package adds NO additional cooling capacity to the
>engine or transmission
>and I should be OK towing my 3000# boat? or maybe a 4000-5000 trailer in the
>future?
>
>Assuming I have to buy a trailer hitch, what's a good brand and model?
>
>Thanks again for your help.
>
> ---Greg---
>

 

You can find the answer to all your questions at www.jeep.com .
Basically, the dealer is correct. The $360 tow package, available on
all except the Overland, includes a 3.73 axle, 7 to 4 pin adapter,
Class III hitch and 7-pin wiring harness.

The Class IV towing package, apparently only available on the
Overland, includes the Class IV hitch, power steering cooler, and
7-pin harness. The Overland comes standard with the 3.73 axle.

There is also a trailer towing prep package available on all except
the Overland. It contains the 3.73 axle and 7-pin harness.

If I were going to tow anything, I would not buy a Jeep without the
factory towing package. For one thing, the 3.73 axle could be very
important, depending upon the weight towed. Secondly, the 7-pin
wiring harness is not a minor addition. On my JGC, the trailer wiring
is quite complex, including several relays, etc. It is mounted inside
behind the panel on the right-rear wheel well. You can always go the
"jury-rig" route with a lamp connector adapter, etc., but you won't be
integrated into the Jeep wiring system.

----

On Thu, 01 Jan 2004 16:01:50 GMT, "Greg" <vze4973g@verizon.net> wrote:

>OK First- Thanks to everyone who responded to my first question.
>
>I found a Grand Cherokee that has most of what I wanted,
>
>V8 special edition,
>Only major option it's missing is a trailer towing package.
>According to the dealer, the 4.7's come with all the necessary cooling for
>towing,
>and the tow package only adds the receiver, trailer plug wiring, and power
>steering cooling.
>
>Is this true that the tow package adds NO additional cooling capacity to the
>engine or transmission
>and I should be OK towing my 3000# boat? or maybe a 4000-5000 trailer in the
>future?
>
>Assuming I have to buy a trailer hitch, what's a good brand and model?
>
>Thanks again for your help.
>
> ---Greg---
>

 

---- did pass the time by typing:

> If I were going to tow anything, I would not buy a Jeep without the
> factory towing package. For one thing, the 3.73 axle could be very
> important, depending upon the weight towed. Secondly, the 7-pin
> wiring harness is not a minor addition. On my JGC, the trailer wiring
> is quite complex, including several relays, etc. It is mounted inside
> behind the panel on the right-rear wheel well. You can always go the
> "jury-rig" route with a lamp connector adapter, etc., but you won't be
> integrated into the Jeep wiring system.

I've installed several tow harnesses in ZJs. Plainly put the most
difficult thing is pulling off the plastic panels. The wiring package
comes with basic instructions and if your comfortable with a screwdriver
and zip-ties it is an easy job. Word of caution. Those plastic panels
have razor sharp edges. Sliced the crap out of myself twice on those
things.

The only thing that can get difficult is wiring for a brake module. Most
ZJs and WJs are already wired with a light blue coil of wire up by the
drivers left foot. Should be marked E-brake (electronic brake) and then
you need to run another wire back to where the harness connects. That of
course depends on the trailer your running and how its brakes work.

I'll second your last sentence and add a few more words. The WJs and
ZJs are not designed to run a trailers lights directly. If you have a
light-outage-module it can be burned up due to excessive current draw.

--
DougW

 

---- did pass the time by typing:

> If I were going to tow anything, I would not buy a Jeep without the
> factory towing package. For one thing, the 3.73 axle could be very
> important, depending upon the weight towed. Secondly, the 7-pin
> wiring harness is not a minor addition. On my JGC, the trailer wiring
> is quite complex, including several relays, etc. It is mounted inside
> behind the panel on the right-rear wheel well. You can always go the
> "jury-rig" route with a lamp connector adapter, etc., but you won't be
> integrated into the Jeep wiring system.

I've installed several tow harnesses in ZJs. Plainly put the most
difficult thing is pulling off the plastic panels. The wiring package
comes with basic instructions and if your comfortable with a screwdriver
and zip-ties it is an easy job. Word of caution. Those plastic panels
have razor sharp edges. Sliced the crap out of myself twice on those
things.

The only thing that can get difficult is wiring for a brake module. Most
ZJs and WJs are already wired with a light blue coil of wire up by the
drivers left foot. Should be marked E-brake (electronic brake) and then
you need to run another wire back to where the harness connects. That of
course depends on the trailer your running and how its brakes work.

I'll second your last sentence and add a few more words. The WJs and
ZJs are not designed to run a trailers lights directly. If you have a
light-outage-module it can be burned up due to excessive current draw.

--
DougW

 

---- did pass the time by typing:

> If I were going to tow anything, I would not buy a Jeep without the
> factory towing package. For one thing, the 3.73 axle could be very
> important, depending upon the weight towed. Secondly, the 7-pin
> wiring harness is not a minor addition. On my JGC, the trailer wiring
> is quite complex, including several relays, etc. It is mounted inside
> behind the panel on the right-rear wheel well. You can always go the
> "jury-rig" route with a lamp connector adapter, etc., but you won't be
> integrated into the Jeep wiring system.

I've installed several tow harnesses in ZJs. Plainly put the most
difficult thing is pulling off the plastic panels. The wiring package
comes with basic instructions and if your comfortable with a screwdriver
and zip-ties it is an easy job. Word of caution. Those plastic panels
have razor sharp edges. Sliced the crap out of myself twice on those
things.

The only thing that can get difficult is wiring for a brake module. Most
ZJs and WJs are already wired with a light blue coil of wire up by the
drivers left foot. Should be marked E-brake (electronic brake) and then
you need to run another wire back to where the harness connects. That of
course depends on the trailer your running and how its brakes work.

I'll second your last sentence and add a few more words. The WJs and
ZJs are not designed to run a trailers lights directly. If you have a
light-outage-module it can be burned up due to excessive current draw.

--
DougW

 

Hi ----,

Thanks for your reply,
I "think" when you get the 4.7 and the 5speed automatic you get the 3.73
dana 44.
but I'll have to check.
for trailer wiring, I was hoping jeep would have a wiring harness to plug
in to the existing
vehicle wiring.
---Greg---
"----" <r------33@cableone.net> wrote in message
news:06j8vvk5ub4sb0oqhh9ngmtm18h296sg7o@4ax.com...
> You can find the answer to all your questions at www.jeep.com .
> Basically, the dealer is correct. The $360 tow package, available on
> all except the Overland, includes a 3.73 axle, 7 to 4 pin adapter,
> Class III hitch and 7-pin wiring harness.
>
> The Class IV towing package, apparently only available on the
> Overland, includes the Class IV hitch, power steering cooler, and
> 7-pin harness. The Overland comes standard with the 3.73 axle.
>
> There is also a trailer towing prep package available on all except
> the Overland. It contains the 3.73 axle and 7-pin harness.
>
> If I were going to tow anything, I would not buy a Jeep without the
> factory towing package. For one thing, the 3.73 axle could be very
> important, depending upon the weight towed. Secondly, the 7-pin
> wiring harness is not a minor addition. On my JGC, the trailer wiring
> is quite complex, including several relays, etc. It is mounted inside
> behind the panel on the right-rear wheel well. You can always go the
> "jury-rig" route with a lamp connector adapter, etc., but you won't be
> integrated into the Jeep wiring system.
>
> ----
>
> On Thu, 01 Jan 2004 16:01:50 GMT, "Greg" <vze4973g@verizon.net> wrote:
>
> >OK First- Thanks to everyone who responded to my first question.
> >
> >I found a Grand Cherokee that has most of what I wanted,
> >
> >V8 special edition,
> >Only major option it's missing is a trailer towing package.
> >According to the dealer, the 4.7's come with all the necessary cooling
for
> >towing,
> >and the tow package only adds the receiver, trailer plug wiring, and
power
> >steering cooling.
> >
> >Is this true that the tow package adds NO additional cooling capacity to
the
> >engine or transmission
> >and I should be OK towing my 3000# boat? or maybe a 4000-5000 trailer in
the
> >future?
> >
> >Assuming I have to buy a trailer hitch, what's a good brand and model?
> >
> >Thanks again for your help.
> >
> > ---Greg---
> >
>

 

Hi ----,

Thanks for your reply,
I "think" when you get the 4.7 and the 5speed automatic you get the 3.73
dana 44.
but I'll have to check.
for trailer wiring, I was hoping jeep would have a wiring harness to plug
in to the existing
vehicle wiring.
---Greg---
"----" <r------33@cableone.net> wrote in message
news:06j8vvk5ub4sb0oqhh9ngmtm18h296sg7o@4ax.com...
> You can find the answer to all your questions at www.jeep.com .
> Basically, the dealer is correct. The $360 tow package, available on
> all except the Overland, includes a 3.73 axle, 7 to 4 pin adapter,
> Class III hitch and 7-pin wiring harness.
>
> The Class IV towing package, apparently only available on the
> Overland, includes the Class IV hitch, power steering cooler, and
> 7-pin harness. The Overland comes standard with the 3.73 axle.
>
> There is also a trailer towing prep package available on all except
> the Overland. It contains the 3.73 axle and 7-pin harness.
>
> If I were going to tow anything, I would not buy a Jeep without the
> factory towing package. For one thing, the 3.73 axle could be very
> important, depending upon the weight towed. Secondly, the 7-pin
> wiring harness is not a minor addition. On my JGC, the trailer wiring
> is quite complex, including several relays, etc. It is mounted inside
> behind the panel on the right-rear wheel well. You can always go the
> "jury-rig" route with a lamp connector adapter, etc., but you won't be
> integrated into the Jeep wiring system.
>
> ----
>
> On Thu, 01 Jan 2004 16:01:50 GMT, "Greg" <vze4973g@verizon.net> wrote:
>
> >OK First- Thanks to everyone who responded to my first question.
> >
> >I found a Grand Cherokee that has most of what I wanted,
> >
> >V8 special edition,
> >Only major option it's missing is a trailer towing package.
> >According to the dealer, the 4.7's come with all the necessary cooling
for
> >towing,
> >and the tow package only adds the receiver, trailer plug wiring, and
power
> >steering cooling.
> >
> >Is this true that the tow package adds NO additional cooling capacity to
the
> >engine or transmission
> >and I should be OK towing my 3000# boat? or maybe a 4000-5000 trailer in
the
> >future?
> >
> >Assuming I have to buy a trailer hitch, what's a good brand and model?
> >
> >Thanks again for your help.
> >
> > ---Greg---
> >
>

 

Hi ----,

Thanks for your reply,
I "think" when you get the 4.7 and the 5speed automatic you get the 3.73
dana 44.
but I'll have to check.
for trailer wiring, I was hoping jeep would have a wiring harness to plug
in to the existing
vehicle wiring.
---Greg---
"----" <r------33@cableone.net> wrote in message
news:06j8vvk5ub4sb0oqhh9ngmtm18h296sg7o@4ax.com...
> You can find the answer to all your questions at www.jeep.com .
> Basically, the dealer is correct. The $360 tow package, available on
> all except the Overland, includes a 3.73 axle, 7 to 4 pin adapter,
> Class III hitch and 7-pin wiring harness.
>
> The Class IV towing package, apparently only available on the
> Overland, includes the Class IV hitch, power steering cooler, and
> 7-pin harness. The Overland comes standard with the 3.73 axle.
>
> There is also a trailer towing prep package available on all except
> the Overland. It contains the 3.73 axle and 7-pin harness.
>
> If I were going to tow anything, I would not buy a Jeep without the
> factory towing package. For one thing, the 3.73 axle could be very
> important, depending upon the weight towed. Secondly, the 7-pin
> wiring harness is not a minor addition. On my JGC, the trailer wiring
> is quite complex, including several relays, etc. It is mounted inside
> behind the panel on the right-rear wheel well. You can always go the
> "jury-rig" route with a lamp connector adapter, etc., but you won't be
> integrated into the Jeep wiring system.
>
> ----
>
> On Thu, 01 Jan 2004 16:01:50 GMT, "Greg" <vze4973g@verizon.net> wrote:
>
> >OK First- Thanks to everyone who responded to my first question.
> >
> >I found a Grand Cherokee that has most of what I wanted,
> >
> >V8 special edition,
> >Only major option it's missing is a trailer towing package.
> >According to the dealer, the 4.7's come with all the necessary cooling
for
> >towing,
> >and the tow package only adds the receiver, trailer plug wiring, and
power
> >steering cooling.
> >
> >Is this true that the tow package adds NO additional cooling capacity to
the
> >engine or transmission
> >and I should be OK towing my 3000# boat? or maybe a 4000-5000 trailer in
the
> >future?
> >
> >Assuming I have to buy a trailer hitch, what's a good brand and model?
> >
> >Thanks again for your help.
> >
> > ---Greg---
> >
>