Quick towing question

[Dman]

For towing my ACR and an enclosed trailer, what towing capacity should I plan for in my tow vehicle?

For example, is 7500 lbs enough for reasonable towing? I’m hoping I don’t need to get back to a pickup truck. My SUV class IV is rated at 7700lbs for example, with tow assist mode.

[Dave292]

Do you have electric brakes on the trailer?

[Jack B]

For towing my ACR and an enclosed trailer, what towing capacity should I plan for in my tow vehicle?

For example, is 7500 lbs enough for reasonable towing? I’m hoping I don’t need to get back to a pickup truck. My SUV class IV is rated at 7700lbs for example, with tow assist mode.

I tow with a Grand Cherokee that has a 7200 lb tow rating. It is not only the hitch that you have to worry about, as an example i have a hitch rated at 10,000. The other issue is the tongue weight, the GC max tongue weight is 750 lbs. The trailer plus car is is approx 6,000 lbs and you need a minimum of 10% tongue weight from the trailer for stable towing, that only leaves 150 lbs of weight in the rear of the car. The answer is a weight distribution hitch.

Be careful, I have a light trailer, that is what keeps my total weight to under 6,000 lbs. If it is not an all aluminum trailer you could be in trouble.

[Dman]

Thanks, helpful info.

I will have trailer brakes, yes, all those I'm shopping for will have them.

[ViperGeorge]

Jack is spot on. I used to tow my Viper with a Jeep GC using a 20 foot tilt bed aluminum trailer. No issue but in total the weight was less than 5000 pounds and as Jack says the GC can tow up to 7200. I now use a RAM 1500 with a towing capacity of 10,000 pounds. Of course my RAM is the exact same color as my Viper ;)

[RedTanRT/10]

Dman, Car weight, plus trailer weight plus the weight of all the stuff you'll be placing in the trailer.

As Jack wrote, he has an aluminum trailer. If you're towing a viper plus extra's, with a rig rated at 7500, aluminum is your best option.

[commandomatt]

Terrain where you will be towing the most is also important. The gear box is what will take the biggest beating, especially going up and down hill

While you may be within you cars capacity, you will want as much cushion as possible

[Arizona Vipers]

For towing my ACR and an enclosed trailer, what towing capacity should I plan for in my tow vehicle?

For example, is 7500 lbs enough for reasonable towing? I’m hoping I don’t need to get back to a pickup truck. My SUV class IV is rated at 7700lbs for example, with tow assist mode.

Which SUV? You don't want to be at the upper end of your tow rating, it will get scary as hell in windy conditions. A weight distribution hitch is a MUST. How long of a trailer are you thinking about?

[Dman]

Which SUV? You don't want to be at the upper end of your tow rating, it will get scary as hell in windy conditions. A weight distribution hitch is a MUST. How long of a trailer are you thinking about?

Well, I think I need to be at 20' and not more than 24'. From looking around any way. I'd use it for my race car, SRF3 so only a 1700 weight (plus junk), but then also for the ACR to expand my tracks and get extra use out of the trailer & ACR. For race purposes it's a no brainer that I'm fine, with the ACR weighing twice my race car weight ... I'm scratching my head. Right now my SUVs are Jeep GC with hemi and Range Rover Sport with the HST engine, both are rated nearly the same. Back when I was towing a lot I had F150 pickups thru the years, so I never even thought about it, now with SUVs .. I'm wondering. Wife won't be happy if I need a pickup again, lol, she was so happy when I finally got rid of a truck in the driveway, and they were nice trucks, geesh.

[Dave292]

If in doubt about a tow vehicle always play it safe. Life is too short to make the wrong decision. One accident, one injury is too many when you're out trying to have fun. Buy a pretty cover for a truck and she'll love it.

[dewilmoth]

Subscribed.

On a semi-similar topic, anyone towed an ACR on a Uhaul or Penske rental trailer? I went and measured the Uhaul, and it looks doable. I’ll be towing FL to Dallas this summer with my Tacoma. Did it several years ago with my Z06 with zero issues.

[Arizona Vipers]

Well, I think I need to be at 20' and not more than 24'. From looking around any way. I'd use it for my race car, SRF3 so only a 1700 weight (plus junk), but then also for the ACR to expand my tracks and get extra use out of the trailer & ACR. For race purposes it's a no brainer that I'm fine, with the ACR weighing twice my race car weight ... I'm scratching my head. Right now my SUVs are Jeep GC with hemi and Range Rover Sport with the HST engine, both are rated nearly the same. Back when I was towing a lot I had F150 pickups thru the years, so I never even thought about it, now with SUVs .. I'm wondering. Wife won't be happy if I need a pickup again, lol, she was so happy when I finally got rid of a truck in the driveway, and they were nice trucks, geesh.

You're gonna be around 4000 lbs with a 20-24 foot enclosed, if you go all aluminum you can drop to maybe 2900, so with ACR and spares etc, it adds up quick you will be at the extreme limits of the Grand Cherokee. With a weight distribution hitch and without crazy winds you'd be ok at 65-70mph. Most of the non fullsize SUV's have a smallish wheelbase.

[Jack B]

Subscribed.

On a semi-similar topic, anyone towed an ACR on a Uhaul or Penske rental trailer? I went and measured the Uhaul, and it looks doable. I’ll be towing FL to Dallas this summer with my Tacoma. Did it several years ago with my Z06 with zero issues.

I think you will have issues loading and unloading. It is not only the front and rear, the sills hit also.

[Jack B]

You're gonna be around 4000 lbs with a 20-24 foot enclosed, if you go all aluminum you can drop to maybe 2900, so with ACR and spares etc, it adds up quick you will be at the extreme limits of the Grand Cherokee. With a weight distribution hitch and without crazy winds you'd be ok at 65-70mph. Most of the non fullsize SUV's have a smallish wheelbase.

my ATC is 2400 with the spare and winch. It is rock solid behind the GC. On the other hand my Tototo, GMC and Titan struggled

[dewilmoth]

I think you will have issues loading and unloading. It is not only the front and rear, the sills hit also.

Just have to back it up to an appropriate incline, like a driveway. But yeah, definitely have to be careful.

[ViperSRT]

Subscribed.

On a semi-similar topic, anyone towed an ACR on a Uhaul or Penske rental trailer? I went and measured the Uhaul, and it looks doable. I’ll be towing FL to Dallas this summer with my Tacoma. Did it several years ago with my Z06 with zero issues.
I think you will have much more response if you open it up to Vipers in general versus only an ACR. Not sure exactly why the trim may matter, but if critical maybe reduce it to a specific color combo. :)

[dewilmoth]

I think you will have much more response if you open it up to Vipers in general versus only an ACR. Not sure exactly why the trim may matter, but if critical maybe reduce it to a specific color combo. :)


Haha, while I do see your point, my reasoning was because I am wondering if there's any weird towing qualities on an open trailer with a car with a gigantic wing. Seems like it could "adjust" the tongue weight quite a bit depending on speed. I had the most success with my Z06 by backing it on, but I don't feel comfortable doing that with the ACR because the wing would pull up against the hatch for the entire 1000 mile drive. Just hoping someone has actually put one on a rental trailer.

[ViperGeorge]

Haha, while I do see your point, my reasoning was because I am wondering if there's any weird towing qualities on an open trailer with a car with a gigantic wing. Seems like it could "adjust" the tongue weight quite a bit depending on speed. I had the most success with my Z06 by backing it on, but I don't feel comfortable doing that with the ACR because the wing would pull up against the hatch for the entire 1000 mile drive. Just hoping someone has actually put one on a rental trailer.

I have never towed my Viper on a UHaul trailer. However, I do tow my ACR-E on an open trailer and it tows fine - and I've towed upwards of 95 mph with my Grand Cherokee SRT. I would be careful with the Uhaul trailer. Is it really wide enough to accomodate the ACR? Even my Aluma KLM Tilt bed is a tight fit with the front splitter. The splitter sticks out to the sides so there is not a lot of room. I always felt the UHaul trailers were pretty narrow.

[Jack B]

I have trailered a G1, G2 and the G5, the G5 is the easiest to damage. Throw in lowering, rear diffuser and front DF, an ACR would be even worst. My ATC has the optional 7 ft rear door and the 6 ft hinged extention ramp, those two items save a lot of grief. The walk out drivers side door is nice also.

[Jack B]

Just have to back it up to an appropriate incline, like a driveway. But yeah, definitely have to be careful.

Inclined drives are against the law in Ohio.

[Jack B]

I have never towed my Viper on a UHaul trailer. However, I do tow my ACR-E on an open trailer and it tows fine - and I've towed upwards of 95 mph with my Grand Cherokee SRT. I would be careful with the Uhaul trailer. Is it really wide enough to accomodate the ACR? Even my Aluma KLM Tilt bed is a tight fit with the front splitter. The splitter sticks out to the sides so there is not a lot of room. I always felt the UHaul trailers were pretty narrow.

I tried a Uhaul one time, it was the weekend from hell.

[BrianACR]

Inclined drives are against the law in Ohio.
That's a strange law

[BlueAdder]

I would not tow 7500lbs with an SUV that's rated for 7500lbs. My 2004 Ram is rated for 9500lbs and I use a weight distribution system. The hitch is a class III I believe, which is the minimum you need.
If you already have your trailer, make sure that the suspensions on it are rated for more than 3500lbs otherwise, once loaded with the snake, your suspensions will be compressed all the way and it's not going to be pretty when you hit a bump.
SUV don't have a towing mode either (I could be wrong since I never had an SUV) and that'll be hard on your transmission. You'll also need a transmission cooler and a brake control module.

Like someone said before, safety should be your main concern, so either get a truck or buy an aluminum trailer.

[ViperGeorge]

I would not tow 7500lbs with an SUV that's rated for 7500lbs. My 2004 Ram is rated for 9500lbs and I use a weight distribution system. The hitch is a class III I believe, which is the minimum you need.
If you already have your trailer, make sure that the suspensions on it are rated for more than 3500lbs otherwise, once loaded with the snake, your suspensions will be compressed all the way and it's not going to be pretty when you hit a bump.
SUV don't have a towing mode either (I could be wrong since I never had an SUV) and that'll be hard on your transmission. You'll also need a transmission cooler and a brake control module.

Like someone said before, safety should be your main concern, so either get a truck or buy an aluminum trailer.

I can't say about all SUVs but the Jeep Grand Cherokee has a tow setting.

[Jack B]

That's a strange law

You do know i was being sarcastic, the comment related to loading a car by finding an incline to make it easier, my point was you may get it loaded, but, there is no guarantee you are going to get it off at your destination.

[Jack B]

I would not tow 7500lbs with an SUV that's rated for 7500lbs. My 2004 Ram is rated for 9500lbs and I use a weight distribution system. The hitch is a class III I believe, which is the minimum you need.
If you already have your trailer, make sure that the suspensions on it are rated for more than 3500lbs otherwise, once loaded with the snake, your suspensions will be compressed all the way and it's not going to be pretty when you hit a bump.
SUV don't have a towing mode either (I could be wrong since I never had an SUV) and that'll be hard on your transmission. You'll also need a transmission cooler and a brake control module.

Like someone said before, safety should be your main concern, so either get a truck or buy an aluminum trailer.

I agree with you, I am only pulling approximately 6000 lbs with a tongue weight of approx 600 lbs. I will say this i have towed with vehicles that had a better tow capacity than the GC, but, Jeep has towing down to a science and is dramatically better in that general tow range. I actually tow a 10,000 lb boat (short distances) with the little GC, that 5.7L engine with the eight speed is well proven. The 2018 GC no longer has a tow mode, however, it automatically senses the increased load and changes the shift points.

[Voice of Reason]

I can't say about all SUVs but the Jeep Grand Cherokee has a tow setting.

I think you’re right about the V8 versions but the V6 does not. We tow a 23’ travel trailer with our V6 Overland GC, it’s 5k weight is a real struggle at 70mph with the vehicles 6,200 tow capacity. I use cruise control to keep the speed set but have to shift it myself, otherwise it wants to spend way too time in lower gears trying to keep up going up hills when it should just slow down a little. We’re looking at Durango SRTs this year with their 8,700 capacity, I’m honestly sick of driving across the country to go to these camping spots my wife wants to see when the drive is so unenjoyable.

[pastohio]

Reading this thread brings some other items to discuss......I have never owned an SRT Jeep, but I was told that these car's drivetrain isn't good for towing and the brakes are for sport driving, not for stopping a load ??!! Jeep's mirrors aren't wide enough to comfortable watch your rear load ! When I loaded a car on/or in the trailer, I looked for uphill loading, downhill for unloading, the car may start moving ! I had Jeeps, the vehicle can easily tow the weight BUT the wheelbase is so short on the Jeep, if you are doing 60-70 the vehicle starts fishing from side to side, and doesn't feel straight with the trailer...I also had a Durango once, it was a little better BUT the larger tires were like balloons and the car bounced a lot, I now have a Big Horn dual cab Ram diesel, none of the above problems,

[Arizona Vipers]

I agree with you, I am only pulling approximately 6000 lbs with a tongue weight of approx 600 lbs. I will say this i have towed with vehicles that had a better tow capacity than the GC, but, Jeep has towing down to a science and is dramatically better in that general tow range. I actually tow a 10,000 lb boat (short distances) with the little GC, that 5.7L engine with the eight speed is well proven. The 2018 GC no longer has a tow mode, however, it automatically senses the increased load and changes the shift points.
When I first got my Becker trailer, we towed it with my wifes GL550 a few times (about 11,000 lbs loaded) and it did really well until the first time we encountered wind. I went and bought a Ram the next day LOL

[Jack B]

Reading this thread brings some other items to discuss......I have never owned an SRT Jeep, but I was told that these car's drivetrain isn't good for towing and the brakes are for sport driving, not for stopping a load ??!! Jeep's mirrors aren't wide enough to comfortable watch your rear load ! When I loaded a car on/or in the trailer, I looked for uphill loading, downhill for unloading, the car may start moving ! I had Jeeps, the vehicle can easily tow the weight BUT the wheelbase is so short on the Jeep, if you are doing 60-70 the vehicle starts fishing from side to side, and doesn't feel straight with the trailer...I also had a Durango once, it was a little better BUT the larger tires were like balloons and the car bounced a lot, I now have a Big Horn dual cab Ram diesel, none of the above problems,

I always tow at 70 mph and even in high winds it has never been an issue with the V8 GC when it has the tow package and the self leveling susension. As I said my V8 Gmc, V8 Titan and V8 Toyota were all border line.

[ViperGeorge]

Reading this thread brings some other items to discuss......I have never owned an SRT Jeep, but I was told that these car's drivetrain isn't good for towing and the brakes are for sport driving, not for stopping a load ??!! Jeep's mirrors aren't wide enough to comfortable watch your rear load ! When I loaded a car on/or in the trailer, I looked for uphill loading, downhill for unloading, the car may start moving ! I had Jeeps, the vehicle can easily tow the weight BUT the wheelbase is so short on the Jeep, if you are doing 60-70 the vehicle starts fishing from side to side, and doesn't feel straight with the trailer...I also had a Durango once, it was a little better BUT the larger tires were like balloons and the car bounced a lot, I now have a Big Horn dual cab Ram diesel, none of the above problems,

That maybe used to be true about older SRT Jeeps. The newer models can tow with no problem. I've towed my Viper on an open aluminum trailer with my wife's 2014 SRT Jeep without issue. In fact I got a speeding ticket in Nebraska doing over 90 on I-80. Never felt nervous including in wind. I have not yet towed anything with my wife's new 2018 SRT Jeep as I bought a RAM 1500 crew cab sport truck with the 5.7. It tows fine as well.

[Dman]

I always tow at 70 mph and even in high winds it has never been an issue with the V8 GC when it has the tow package and the self leveling susension. As I said my V8 Gmc, V8 Titan and V8 Toyota were all border line.

I'm a strong believer in peoples experience over brochures, this is really helpful. One option is the Jeep GC, it's a 5.7 hemi with the class IV hitch and tow mode. The Range Rover is rated the same, but I just don't know, it's such a .... Range Rover. I may focus on finding the right trailer first, with all the advice here, then see how it goes. I'm not looking at huge distances for the ACR. Right now I only track day at Summit Point with my street cars, and a trailer would afford me easy flexibility to go hit Pit, VIR, Dominion, etc., which are all pretty close but not close enough I trust driving the car to & from.

Second detail question, inside width measurement for the trailer? I do plan on only considering ones with a side drivers escape door/hatch.

[BrianACR]

You do know i was being sarcastic, the comment related to loading a car by finding an incline to make it easier, my point was you may get it loaded, but, there is no guarantee you are going to get it off at your destination.

Haha good to know. I had to say something cuz I know there are places that really do have some silly laws.

[Jack B]

I'm a strong believer in peoples experience over brochures, this is really helpful. One option is the Jeep GC, it's a 5.7 hemi with the class IV hitch and tow mode. The Range Rover is rated the same, but I just don't know, it's such a .... Range Rover. I may focus on finding the right trailer first, with all the advice here, then see how it goes. I'm not looking at huge distances for the ACR. Right now I only track day at Summit Point with my street cars, and a trailer would afford me easy flexibility to go hit Pit, VIR, Dominion, etc., which are all pretty close but not close enough I trust driving the car to & from.

Second detail question, inside width measurement for the trailer? I do plan on only considering ones with a side drivers escape door/hatch.

make sure the car door can fully open

[nrs1]

Another thing you might want to pay attention to is the GCVWR (Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating) The GCVWR is defined as the maximum weight of a loaded vehicle and its attached loaded trailer, with all the payload added (e.g. occupants and cargo). There should be a sticker GCVWR or GCWR on the door jamb somewhere.

In this litigious society, even though a 1/2 Ton truck could pull it, doesn't mean some lawyer/insurance co won't sue you and win, saying you were overloaded, even if an accident was not your fault. Something to think about. One of the reasons why I was either going very light open trailer with 3500lb axles, or an enclosed trailer with 5000lb axles and a 3/4 ton truck.

[BlueAdder]

I'm a strong believer in peoples experience over brochures, this is really helpful. One option is the Jeep GC, it's a 5.7 hemi with the class IV hitch and tow mode. The Range Rover is rated the same, but I just don't know, it's such a .... Range Rover. I may focus on finding the right trailer first, with all the advice here, then see how it goes. I'm not looking at huge distances for the ACR. Right now I only track day at Summit Point with my street cars, and a trailer would afford me easy flexibility to go hit Pit, VIR, Dominion, etc., which are all pretty close but not close enough I trust driving the car to & from.

Second detail question, inside width measurement for the trailer? I do plan on only considering ones with a side drivers escape door/hatch.

Most enclosed trailers are 8.5' wide and inside is some 81" but the wheel wells are pretty wide and you basically get about 3" clearance on both sides, so you oughta aim right when you drive in :)
The wheel wells are also about 13" tall and with the track ride height, the door most likely won't clear. I have an escape door in my trailer and it makes it so much easier.
In order to clear the wheel wells plus the frame of the escape door, I screwed in some 1.5" thick 12"x96" boards and bolted the e-tracks on those.

[Racingswh]

This is the Viper trailer and the towing experience so far.

I winch in. Winch has a remote so I make sure the car is lined up perfectly and in it goes. Clutch likes me better for it. Trailer has a dovetail and the box sits high on the frame. Easy loading.

Because the trailer box sit's high on the chassis with the escape door the Driver's side door opens right up without issue but it doesn't matter since we don't drive it on or off. What it does do is make e-track tie down a cinch with simple access to the driver's side front wheel so the door is a must have in my book. Before the e-track I didn't care if I had it or not as I have been winching in for the last 10 years now.

This is a 24' but a 20' works no problem as that's the length of the box on my other trailer and I have used it for years. You should be able to pull a 20' with a proper load leveling hitch with no issue at all. I use those hitches no matter what i am using to tow with just to reduce the drama to zero.

Becker makes a sweet 20' with high mounted front cabinets and a huge swing open door like AZ has. Great trailers!! You would tow that thing loaded like it's nothing.

One thing I can say is that as I have upgraded my tow vehicles over the years the stress of towing has gone from "anxious" to "I don't care where we have to go". I can't even begin tell you how what a stress reliever that is and how that's made the whole weekend that much better. In your case I would get a quality short (20 feet max), light, enclosed trailer with a good load leveling hitch with built in sway control and you should have no issues at all.

[RedTanRT/10]

Racing, nice set up!! One day I might get an enclosed and yours is really nice

[Racingswh]

Racing, nice set up!! One day I might get an enclosed and yours is really nice

Thanks! It tows great! It's a good trailer with everything we need in it.

One of the issues I have seen in person as AZ eluded to while trying to tow with his MB is towing a longer trailer in higher winds with an SUV. My friend tried towing his 24 ft ATC loaded with his ACR-X and all his gear with his new Expedition. It would "wag the tow vehicle" in cross winds. He just wasn't comfortable and moved to a Crew Cab Chevy w/ Duramax.

My worst towing experience I have ever had was a heavy steel open trailer being towed by a newer Toyota Sequoia loaded down with gear. I was a passenger in the SUV and it was downright scary. It was raining and windy. The whole rig moved around a lot. We had the flashers on and were moving slowly. We made it but it was not a very pleasant trip.

I like the towing experience to and from the track to be as uneventful as possible. That's the place we are in now. Capable tow vehicles, load leveling hitches with sway control and well maintained trailers. Makes a difference.

[Dman]

Wow, I’m actually drooling over a trailer, lol. That’s a sweet setup. A no white knuckle setup is what I’m after. Thanks!


This is the Viper trailer and the towing experience so far.

I winch in. Winch has a remote so I make sure the car is lined up perfectly and in it goes. Clutch likes me better for it. Trailer has a dovetail and the box sits high on the frame. Easy loading.

Because the trailer box sit's high on the chassis with the escape door the Driver's side door opens right up without issue but it doesn't matter since we don't drive it on or off. What it does do is make e-track tie down a cinch with simple access to the driver's side front wheel so the door is a must have in my book. Before the e-track I didn't care if I had it or not as I have been winching in for the last 10 years now.

This is a 24' but a 20' works no problem as that's the length of the box on my other trailer and I have used it for years. You should be able to pull a 20' with a proper load leveling hitch with no issue at all. I use those hitches no matter what i am using to tow with just to reduce the drama to zero.

Becker makes a sweet 20' with high mounted front cabinets and a huge swing open door like AZ has. Great trailers!! You would tow that thing loaded like it's nothing.

One thing I can say is that as I have upgraded my tow vehicles over the years the stress of towing has gone from "anxious" to "I don't care where we have to go". I can't even begin tell you how what a stress reliever that is and how that's made the whole weekend that much better. In your case I would get a quality short (20 feet max), light, enclosed trailer with a good load leveling hitch with built in sway control and you should have no issues at all.

[Racingswh]

Wow, I’m actually drooling over a trailer, lol. That’s a sweet setup. A no white knuckle setup is what I’m after. Thanks!

Thanks! A good towing experience really reduces the anxiety and like you said gives you a feeling of added security when you're traveling to tracks further away knowing that if something goes wrong getting home is a non-issue.

Company colors and logo are going on the car and trailer so they will have a similar theme. Interestingly enough we have some interest from others to be on presented on the car and trailer as well. I said I was up for anything the helps pay for service, gas, tires and brake pads. ;)

[ACR Steve]

Be careful with logos on a trailer..........it makes you commercial and lots of pain in the butt stories leaving tracks and pulled over. Can be subject to way stations as well. I never put any logos or writing on except "not for hire"

[Racingswh]

Be careful with logos on a trailer..........it makes you commercial and lots of pain in the butt stories leaving tracks and pulled over. Can be subject to way stations as well. I never put any logos or writing on except "not for hire"

Excellent point Steve and 100% correct. Something we have become used to dealing with more recently.

All of our stuff currently has a GCVWR of 26,000 lbs or less.

One of the things I used to think was it mattered how much everything weighed. While it does what's more important is the rating. Even if everything is empty if the GCVWR is rated at 26,001 or more you need a class B license certification to operate the rig. If you do not your whole rig may be subject to impound.

None of this though has any bearing on the OP.

We do it because, with a B to C business in the Pet Category, the commercial advertising component is important to us.

[Snorman]

You're gonna be around 4000 lbs with a 20-24 foot enclosed, if you go all aluminum you can drop to maybe 2900, so with ACR and spares etc, it adds up quick you will be at the extreme limits of the Grand Cherokee. With a weight distribution hitch and without crazy winds you'd be ok at 65-70mph. Most of the non fullsize SUV's have a smallish wheelbase.
This.
It'll depend on the trailer, whether or not it's aluminum vs. steel, interior cabinets, generator, AC unit, interior height (~6'-6" vs. ~7' or 7'-6"). Figure a 20' steel with nothing is around 3500#. A 24' steel with nothing is around 3800#. They can easily gain 300-400# with the aforementioned items. Add in a set of tires, tools, track gear, etc. and you can figure another 300-400#. IMO, you can't tow an enclosed with a 3450# ACR with a Grand Cherokee. It's not just the tow rating, it's the truck's wheelbase. The trailer is going to move it all over the place on the highway or in any wind or with wind wash from semi trucks. Also depends on the geography. If it's hilly or flat. You can spend more money for an aluminum trailer, and it'll mitigate some of this. Or you can get a truck that'll tow enough.
While maybe not for you, I've had a 2500 Cummins for about 4 years. It'll tow anything and I don't even think about what I throw in the trailer during a track weekend.
S.

[Whitey]

There is a lot of good information in this thread. I would like to get an aluminum trailer, but I don't have the logistics/space to support it. It would have to go in a storage facility for a large portion of a year. I did read the views about U-Haul. Does anyone have any recommendations on towing to events without buying a trailer? Are there other trailer rental options?

[Arizona Vipers]

This.
It'll depend on the trailer, whether or not it's aluminum vs. steel, interior cabinets, generator, AC unit, interior height (~6'-6" vs. ~7' or 7'-6"). Figure a 20' steel with nothing is around 3500#. A 24' steel with nothing is around 3800#. They can easily gain 300-400# with the aforementioned items. Add in a set of tires, tools, track gear, etc. and you can figure another 300-400#. IMO, you can't tow an enclosed with a 3450# ACR with a Grand Cherokee. It's not just the tow rating, it's the truck's wheelbase. The trailer is going to move it all over the place on the highway or in any wind or with wind wash from semi trucks. Also depends on the geography. If it's hilly or flat. You can spend more money for an aluminum trailer, and it'll mitigate some of this. Or you can get a truck that'll tow enough.
While maybe not for you, I've had a 2500 Cummins for about 4 years. It'll tow anything and I don't even think about what I throw in the trailer during a track weekend.
S.

This! When I ordered my Becker trailer I thought it was going to be around 2500 lbs since it was all aluminum and plan was to tow with our SUV. Well when we got it with every option it was 5000lbs, I was shocked, but all that stuff adds up, cabinets, batteries, roof deck etc

[Arizona Vipers]

There is a lot of good information in this thread. I would like to get an aluminum trailer, but I don't have the logistics/space to support it. It would have to go in a storage facility for a large portion of a year. I did read the views about U-Haul. Does anyone have any recommendations on towing to events without buying a trailer? Are there other trailer rental options?

What about doing something like this, but with the lightest 16' aluminum you can buy? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ha0DiyERKdU
Here's another one- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MujbcaKO44

[esm_viper]

I've got the same problem with space and have to rent a storage unit just for the trailer! I have an all aluminum Nextrail open trailer with a dovetail. I tow it with a 2013 Ford Raptor and have no issues at all, although I an going to add a weight distribution hitch and antisway before my next track day.

[Jack B]

This.
It'll depend on the trailer, whether or not it's aluminum vs. steel, interior cabinets, generator, AC unit, interior height (~6'-6" vs. ~7' or 7'-6"). Figure a 20' steel with nothing is around 3500#. A 24' steel with nothing is around 3800#. They can easily gain 300-400# with the aforementioned items. Add in a set of tires, tools, track gear, etc. and you can figure another 300-400#. IMO, you can't tow an enclosed with a 3450# ACR with a Grand Cherokee. It's not just the tow rating, it's the truck's wheelbase. The trailer is going to move it all over the place on the highway or in any wind or with wind wash from semi trucks. Also depends on the geography. If it's hilly or flat. You can spend more money for an aluminum trailer, and it'll mitigate some of this. Or you can get a truck that'll tow enough.
While maybe not for you, I've had a 2500 Cummins for about 4 years. It'll tow anything and I don't even think about what I throw in the trailer during a track weekend.
S.

I am not sure about all your data, it sounds more like "you think", but, unequivocally a GC with the 5.7 and tow package has no issue at all. This is with a 3250 lb car and a 2400 lb trailer. I would estimate tools and misc add approx 300 lbs. In Oct I towed 500 miles one way and returned in 40 mph winds. In this case I had extra tires and livables, probably 600 lbs over the base trailer weight of 2400, It handled fine.

[Dman]

I've got the same problem with space and have to rent a storage unit just for the trailer! I have an all aluminum Nextrail open trailer with a dovetail. I tow it with a 2013 Ford Raptor and have no issues at all, although I an going to add a weight distribution hitch and antisway before my next track day.

Yep, I do too. I can't keep the trailer at my house, rules of the development, it'll need to be in a trailer storage facility, which isn't too far, and I'd keep my race car in it too vs having it stored with a crew rental I do, which costs for storage, transport, and the crewing on race days, which all adds up to a lot. I'm looking to recoup some expense by storing and transporting myself and just having to pay for my crew track-side. It's nowhere near a net-zero, but it cuts those costs while giving my then a trailer for the ACR and my own schedule to go where I want, when I want, and to do some of the smaller work on the car myself.

[Dman]

What about doing something like this, but with the lightest 16' aluminum you can buy? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ha0DiyERKdU
Here's another one- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MujbcaKO44

Not an option for me, but for my bike trackdays for my Ninja, and for long hauling my Harley for rides, I have on e of these that tucks nicely in the garage now for like 15 years.
https://youtu.be/aOh8ySY70f8

[Snorman]

This! When I ordered my Becker trailer I thought it was going to be around 2500 lbs since it was all aluminum and plan was to tow with our SUV. Well when we got it with every option it was 5000lbs, I was shocked, but all that stuff adds up, cabinets, batteries, roof deck etc
But the nice thing about the aluminum trailers is that the weight savings of the trailer is transferred to the GVWR. So if they're 1500# lighter, you can haul 1500# of more sh*t, lol.
S.

[Dave292]

I love my Featherlite 24". Had one unpleasant experience. Went offloading for the weekend and had the bright idea to sleep in it due to bear issues. Uninsulated aluminum is like sleeping in a fridge at 10,000' in the Rockies. Thank god for dog's that like to snuggle. Even the dog's were cold!!!

[Snorman]

I am not sure about all your data, it sounds more like "you think", but, unequivocally a GC with the 5.7 and tow package has no issue at all. This is with a 3250 lb car and a 2400 lb trailer. I would estimate tools and misc add approx 300 lbs. In Oct I towed 500 miles one way and returned in 40 mph winds. In this case I had extra tires and livables, probably 600 lbs over the base trailer weight of 2400, It handled fine.
My data is from 20+ years of 5 different trailers (2 steel open deck, 1 aluminum open deck, 1 United UXT bare, 1 fully finished Haulmark) and 8 different tow vehicles (from a MB GL450 to my 2500 Cummins and several in between) and yes, I've towed with a Cherokee.
S.

[Jack B]

My data is from 20+ years of 5 different trailers (2 steel open deck, 1 aluminum open deck, 1 United UXT bare, 1 fully finished Haulmark) and 8 different tow vehicles (from a MB GL450 to my 2500 Cummins and several in between) and yes, I've towed with a Cherokee.
S.

I guess we have to agree to disagree, but, I stand by my experience, the new 5.7 GC tows extremely well if you keep the weight in the 6500 lb range.

[nrs1]

I used to tow a 16' enclosed trailer, 1100 lb Formula car with my 2004 GC V8 HO w/towing package. Plenty of power and appeared to work just fine until a Semi went by me when I was going 70. That trailer pulled the rear end of the GC all over the place. I had to grab the trailer brakes quickly to stay on the road before the oscillations got too big. If I kept it at 65, it seemed much better, even with wind/semis. I soon dumped the GC and went to a 3/4T Duramax. And that was for a trailer/car weighing less than half as much as a street car package. I wouldn't even consider a small SUV for a full size car/trailer, but I'm sure people can/will do it all the time.

If you already have a 1/2T SUV, (GC is smaller/lighter than the typical 1/2T SUV), then go open Aluminum (expensive) trailer to keep the weight down and use a weight distribution hitch. If you are figuring out what to buy for a tow vehicle, go 3/4T diesel and never have to look back. Then you can get a larger enclosed trailer, 5000 lb axles and load it with anything you can think of. Won't have to worry about GCWR of your tow vehicle either (It can get real close (depends on make/model), depending on how you load your trailer and vehicle with a 1/2T)

[ViperGeorge]

I have towed with both a GC 5.7 and a GC SRT 6.4. Both towed my OPEN aluminum 20ft trailer without issue. An enclosed trailer might be more of a challenge in wind. The GC SRT could easily tow the trailer with my Viper to over 100mph. Wind didn't seem to bother it at all and I did not have an anti sway hitch.

[nrs1]

I think the enclosed trailer "sail" effect is huge with a short wheel base tow vehicle.

[ViperSRT]

Newer GC (2015 + I believe) and many others utilize electronic trailer sway control (using vehicle ESC system). Improves the feel of towing dramatically. It is a recent development thus why experiences differ so much. I tow a 20 ft featherlite with a Durango with no issues.

[Jack B]

I think you are right, it was either 15 or 16, they added the sway control into the esc.



Newer GC (2015 + I believe) and many others utilize electronic trailer sway control (using vehicle ESC system). Improves the feel of towing dramatically. It is a recent development thus why experiences differ so much. I tow a 20 ft featherlite with a Durango with no issues.

[Dave292]

What I am seeing in this thread is different experiences with different trailers, tow vehicles, GVW's, aluminum, steel, open deck, enclosed, Jeeps, trucks, tongue weights etc. I live in Colorado. If I'm going to Grand Junction or Denver, i'm trailering up and down 10-12000 foot mountains. How about apples to apples based on where you live and where you're going. Trust me, a JGC or similar vehicle towing over these Rockies with close to a max load will be a public safety hazard. My 3500 Dodge Ram 4X4 diesel with tow/ haul and exhaust brake is about right with a car in my enclosed trailer. I don't want to worry about getting to and from my destination safely. Might be a different story in Florida or Kansas where it's flat.

[ViperGeorge]

What I am seeing in this thread is different experiences with different trailers, tow vehicles, GVW's, aluminum, steel, open deck, enclosed, Jeeps, trucks, tongue weights etc. I live in Colorado. If I'm going to Grand Junction or Denver, i'm trailering up and down 10-12000 foot mountains. How about apples to apples based on where you live and where you're going. Trust me, a JGC or similar vehicle towing over these Rockies with close to a max load will be a public safety hazard. My 3500 Dodge Ram 4X4 diesel with tow/ haul and exhaust brake is about right with a car in my enclosed trailer. I don't want to worry about getting to and from my destination safely. Might be a different story in Florida or Kansas where it's flat.

Depends which Jeep GC your talking about. I live in Colorado too the SRT Jeep with the 6.4 and 475 HP will easily tow anything in my experience. Of course you need to have your brake controller adjusted properly.

By the way, why does your Avatar say you are in New Mexico? Do you ever join us in Colorado for events? We have an awesome club that does a lot!!

[Arizona Vipers]

I guess we have to agree to disagree, but, I stand by my experience, the new 5.7 GC tows extremely well if you keep the weight in the 6500 lb range.

I agree our GL550 with similar wheelbase was an incredible tow vehicle at around that 6500lbs mark.

[Dave292]

Depends which Jeep GC your talking about. I live in Colorado too the SRT Jeep with the 6.4 and 475 HP will easily tow anything in my experience. Of course you need to have your brake controller adjusted properly.

By the way, why does your Avatar say you are in New Mexico? Do you ever join us in Colorado for events? We have an awesome club that does a lot!!

I'm in Durango so the NM chapter is 3.5 hours away. Same problem I have with Porsche Club of America. Most activities are in Colorado Springs or the surrounding area which is 6 hours away. It means Wolf Creek or Red Mountain Pass so normally winter is out of the question in a Viper. Not this year however.