Can a 2016 Jeep Cherokee Tow a 2,000 Lb Trailer  

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Yes, you can tow a 1,800 lb trailer with your 2016 Jeep Cherokee as it has a towing capacity of 2,000 lbs. However, in order to be sure the vehicle is not overloaded with cargo and passengers as well you need to weigh the loaded vehicle (passengers + cargo) and add that to the total weight of the trailer. So long as this figure does not exceed the gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of your vehicle which should be listed on the driver door jamb then you will be good to go. I would think you should be fine with light cargo and only one passenger especially since you are 200 lbs under the towing capacity as well. Basically, your trailer, passengers, and cargo needs to be under the GCWR, not the towing capacity which I think it what you are asking.

If you are looking to set your Cherokee up for towing then you will need a trailer hitch, wiring harness, and ball mount/hitch ball if you do not already have them. Also, if the trailer is over 1,000 lbs then the owner's manual recommends it have brakes so that is something you will need to plan for as well.

For a trailer hitch, I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver part # C13172 because once installed only the receiver tube opening will be shown. This may take a bit more work to install than some of the other options but it will provide the most aesthetically pleasing appearance. Then for a wiring harness I recommend the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness part # 118605 because it is plug and play so no splicing is required. We have also found this brand to be the most reliable. For a ball mount/hitch ball, the etrailer.com Ball Mount Kit part # 989900 should have everything you need but in order to be sure you will want to use the attached help article to make sure either of the included ball mounts has the correct amount of rise/drop.

If your trailer has brakes then you are also going to need a 7-way trailer connector and a brake controller. For this, I really like the 7-Way RV Upgrade Kit for Trailer Brake Controller Installation part # ETBC7L with the Curt Echo Mobile Trailer Brake Controller part # C51180. The Curt Echo lets you control the trailer brakes with your mobile phone eliminating the need for an in-cab controller and the install kit has everything you need for the 7-way/brake controller.

I have attached install videos for you as well.

expert reply by: Conner L

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