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Anyone tried towing yet?

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GB1

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
The Jeep with towing package and 2.4 L engine is rated at 2000 lbs towing. I've looked at a few small camping trailers online and there's a few nice ones at around 1200-1500 lbs. However, I've also read a few threads on various sites that say you should really have a 6-cylinder to tow these.

I'm wondering if there's an advertised weight and a real weight for towing? I'd hate to get on a hill and only make 45 mph and back traffic up. Any advice?
 
#2 ·
The Pat could probably handle it ok based on the weight you put in your post. The K&N setup would probably give you a little extra oomph on those hills though.
 
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#3 ·
Just did a long trip towing a flatbed trailer with a motorcycle. Total weight approx 1000 lbs. No problems at all. Granted, the hills were minor but the engine (W/CVT) never went above 3000 RPM to climb them.

I used to tow a 2000 lbs camper with a 150 HP minivan. That was fine too but the lack of horsepower really forced you to go slow when climbing steep hills.
 
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#6 · (Edited)
As long as the trailer is "low profile", you are probably OK at 1500#.

I think a trailer made from the back 2/3rds of a Patriot would look awesome...but don't wreck yours to attain a donor vehicle.
 
#7 ·
DarbyWalters said:
As long as the trailer is "low profile", you are probably OK at 1500#.

I think a trailer made from the back 2/3rds of a Patriot would look awesome...but don't wreck yours to attain a donor vehicle.
Click to expand...
I think the same thing about a matching trailor. LMAO about the donor vehicle!
 
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Discussion starter · #8 ·
mitakuuluu - What version do you have? If you have the 4WD off-road version then I think that already comes with the engine oil cooler (?? not sure if that is the different component). I got the tow package and in my situation since I had the off roader the only difference was the light harness........
 
#10 ·
CRD tows great. more go that with my X-Trail 2.2Di. 70 miles inc 25 over very bumpy irish roads and some big hills.
 

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#12 · (Edited)
Remember that quoted trailer weights are "dry weight", and don't include all the stuff you carry in them, and all the fluids, propane, etc. It isn't unusual to add half a ton of extra weight. Every gallon of water, waste, etc., weighs about 13 pounds.

With holiday trailers, read the manufacturers brake recommendations. You will need to have a trailer brake controller installed in your vehicle. It isn't as simple as attaching the trailer to the hitch, and taking off.

Also, 1 1/4" hitches are intended for light utility trailers, not holiday trailers.

I've done short trips to the dump with my utility trailer. Once, the trailer and junk weighed over 1500 pounds, and the Pat pulled it easily.
 
#15 ·
I have towed a less than 300# scooter, on a 300# trailer. Mine is a 2.0 and towed
fine. I kept it at 65 on the interstate. This is a flat trailer with no frontal area, which can be as important as weight.
To be on the safe side:
Keep the weight at 75% of maximum capacity.
Low or no sides on the trailer. The bow wave hitting the side of a box trailer could destabilize a small vehicle like the Pat.
Air up the tires (at least the rear).
Give yourself extra braking room.
Slow Down! I don't care how fast my car will go.....
I do care how fast it will stop!
 
#16 ·
mitakuuluu said:
I have the 4x2 CVT. I do have an engine oil temp and water temp monitor on my Scangauge, so if it gets too hot I'll pull over, but I doubt it will since the air temps right now are running in the 60s here.
Click to expand...
I haven't seen an engine oil temp on my ScanGauge II. The only temps are water and intake air. By the way, at cruise speed the intake air temp stays around ambient temp plus 7-9 degrees. I'm not going to spend any money on a "cold air intake". The intake air temp is already pretty close to ambient temperature.
 
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#17 ·
Dodge Caliber 2.4 turbo in a patiot

does anyone wish they had more power for towing or passing????? i tow a kawasaski 700 4x4 on my 800 lb trailer and i have no power at all does anyone think that you can put in the calibar 2.4 in our pat???? i have the 5 speed 4x4 sport
 
#18 ·
It might be easier just to install the Caliber turbo onto your Pat's engine, as it is the same. However, like Chrysler, I'd be concerned about the drivetrain (note that the Cal SRT-4 is not available with AWD) and turbos don't always increase pulling power as much as you'd like since they tend to be more efficient at higher RPMs. Now, if you could find a supercharger....
 
#19 ·
I think that if you don't push it..say trying to maintain 80 mph, or at least 55 on steep grades, you can double the weight for a short distance--say bringing home a load a bricks/rocks from home depot for your yard. Just keep your distance and don't do a panic stop while in a turn--that'll "jack-knife" your rig, and the trailer will try to pass you, and will make for a terrible dent on that side!

With my Chev S10, I routinely towed over twice the limit, but again, I'm a conservative driver and treat all my vehicles with tender, light controlling touch--especially the Stearman!
 
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#20 ·
How about hauling a 24 foot pontoon boat from lake to lake (about 15 miles) ?
Looks to be just over 3000 pounds with the trailer
The size, the launching, and re-trailering are my biggest concerns
My Ram I had to sell due to big oil, government, media manipulation, and other conspiracy's wouldn't have even noticed the boat back there, but the Patriot has me concerned.
2.4, towing package, 2" hidden hitch, cvt

any thoughts?
 
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