U-Haul doesn't rate a 1979 Cherokee to tow a 2004 Grand Cherokee

[rmorit01]

Just spoke with a U-Haul representative and found out that there system doesn't allow a 1979 FULLSIZE Cherokee to tow a 2004 Grand Cherokee on an autotransport trailer.

Identifies that the weight of the Cherokee is less than 3500lbs -- I am thinking there database is messed up and is using the small cherokee and not a full size.

Hopefully a call from the rep straightens them out - has anyone run into the same problem?

Bob

[serehill]

LOL

Isn't going to happen.

[babywag]

Just spoke with a U-Haul representative and found out that there system doesn't allow a 1979 FULLSIZE Cherokee to tow a 2004 Grand Cherokee on an autotransport trailer.

Identifies that the weight of the Cherokee is less than 3500lbs -- I am thinking there database is messed up and is using the small cherokee and not a full size.

Hopefully a call from the rep straightens them out - has anyone run into the same problem?

Bob

Been that way forever...
Pretty sure towing a 3500lb vehicle + trailer far exceeds the GVWR of the Cherokee.
This is why they won't do it.

Lie to them and just do it, or borrow/use a better tow vehicle.
I've towed vehicles with an SJ many times, it'll get the job done, but it sucks.
Especially when people cut you off and slam on their brakes because you're going too slow.

[FSJunkie]

Better believe that Grand Cherokee weighs at least 4000 pounds. The ZJ's weighed that much, and I can only imagine the WJ being heavier.

U-Haul car trailers are heavy and hard to tow because of their long tongue. At least they have inertia brakes.

You'll easily have 6000 pounds back there. I only have access to 1973 specs, but a 360 4V Wagoneer with the automatic or 4 speed, an equalizer hitch, highest numerical axle ratio, and every heavy duty option in the book was rated at 6500 pounds maximum.

It'll do it, but it won't like it one bit.

[rmorit01]

I guess that is the case -- they quoted out for me what the rental of one of their trucks and trailers is and to do a round trip -- I wouldn't save any money as compared to having a local towing service haul the vehicle the 180 miles I need it to go.

[aerocorey]

Just tell 'em you're hauling a Honda Del Sol or something and do what you gotta do. Increase your following distance, keep it slow, and watch out for a--holes.

[goldhammer]

Load up the 79 and run it over the scales and get a weight slip. You will probably be close to 5K with full tank and a bunch or stuff in it.....Show them the slip.

[CROCKETTBOONE]

Get a Premium membership in AAA. They will give you a tow of 200 miles in the first year. I used my membership to move my J10 this year.

[jpcoutts]

I recently towed my J20 on Uhaul trailer with my GMC 2500 diesel and it was a heavy load. The tongue weight of the empty trailer was enough to compress the rear springs on my truck and the trailer alone felt heavy while towing on flat ground. Uhaul has three sizes of auto transport trailers and I was using the biggest. I was glad to be towing with the 2500. I'm not sure I would be comfortable towing that much of a load very far with A Cherokee. I wouldn't list any thing other than correct info for the tow vehicle and the load on the trailer, if there were to be a problem of some kind it would all be on you. I believe you ought to be able to find a hauler that would do the job for not much more, if any, than the cost of the trailer rental.

[Jeepguy77]

I agree with jpcoutts, you want to be careful with telling them the wrong info. If something happens it opens a huge can of worms.

[mdill]

So how many free 200 mile AAA tows can I get per day ? (I need 7 or 8 to get one I have an eye on home )

Get a Premium membership in AAA. They will give you a tow of 200 miles in the first year. I used my membership to move my J10 this year.

[fulsizjeep]

Done that, been there... with FSJs



It is slow going even with a 401 so take your time.

[Gurinski]

can you use the 04 to tow the 79?

[Heavy_Metal_Thunder_81]

Worked for Uhaul for 3 years, here's some inside info...

A 2004 WJ has an advertised curb weight of 3790-3880lbs depending on the engine you have. The Uhaul AT (Auto Transport) weights every bit of 2500 pounds itself. That's 6380lbs combined weight if you have the V8 WJ. Now, Uhaul's rule for towing is the advertised curb weight of the tow vehicle must meet or exceed 80% the combined weight of the trailer and cargo. Do the math. 80% of 6380 is 5104lbs. A 79 W/T Cherokee has a Curb weight of only 4515lbs. So, in short, you're not going to be able to rent a Uhaul AT for your purposes if they know what you're towing. I usually just tell them I'm towing a Tyota Corolla or somthing of similar size and do what I gotta do and be done with it. Just take it slow, these FSJs DO NOT like towing anything that is heavier than them with their short wheelbase.

[J20_505]

Get a Premium membership in AAA. They will give you a tow of 200 miles in the first year. I used my membership to move my J10 this year.

I agree with CROCKETTBOONE I've used my AAA membership to tow 3 parts vehicles in the last year...first tow was 9 miles, last two were about 46 miles each. The $ you save on towing is worth the membership by itself. Just my $0.02