Suitability of 2008 Jeep Compass for Towing Trailer Weighing 1800 Lbs

Expert Reply:

If the weights you have given me are correct, you should be able to tow the trailer. Keep in mind that you are less than 200 lbs away from your towing capacity. Any extra gear on that trailer could place you over the towing capacity of your Compass which could possibly cause damage to the hitch or the vehicle. Since you are so close to the towing capacity of the vehicle, a transmission cooler would be a wise investment. I would recommend the Derale Dyno-Cool Tube-Fin Transmission Cooler, part # D12906. As far as the hitch goes, I would recommend the Hidden Hitch Class II Receiver Hitch, part # 90156. This hitch itself has a 3500 pound capacity, but you will still be limited by the 2000 pound capacity of your vehicle. You will also need the T-1 Vehicle Wiring Harness, part # 118428 which will tap into the vehicle lighting circuits and provide a trailer connector. To be safe, I would advise confirming the exact weight of the trailer as you would typically have it loaded. You can do this on a truck scale.

expert reply by: Mike L