Can a Jeep Grand Cherokee Pull a Boat?
You may be wondering if a Jeep Grand Cherokee can tow a boat if you are in the market for a new vehicle or if you are simply daydreaming about your ideal vehicle.
Can a Jeep Grand Cherokee pull a boat? The answer is yes! Towing capacity of the Jeep Grand Cherokee is 7,200 pounds, which is more than enough to carry a small boat. There are, however, a few things to remember before you hook up your boat and head out on the open road.
The knowledge of your Jeep’s capabilities could save your life and the lives of your loved ones. Your Jeep’s engine and transmission may be severely damaged if you tried to tow a boat that was too big for it. But you can keep your Jeep running smoothly by learning a few simple tricks. In this article, we’ll discuss the specifics of using a Jeep Grand Cherokee to tow a boat.
What is the towing capacity of a Jeep Grand Cherokee?
The size of the engine and the kind of transmission in a Jeep Grand Cherokee are the two primary factors that affect the vehicle’s towing capacity.
The towing capability of a vehicle with a V6 engine and an automatic transmission is 6,200 pounds, whereas the towing capacity of a vehicle with a V8 engine and an automatic transmission is 7,400 pounds. Towing capacity of 5,000 pounds is available with the V6 engine and manual transmission combination.
What Types of Boats Can a Jeep Grand Cherokee Tow?
Assuming you have the appropriate towing package for your Jeep Grand Cherokee, it will be able to pull boats that weigh up to 7,200 pounds if you have one. This pertains to boats that are no longer than 26 feet in length. The following is a list of the various kinds of boats that a Jeep Grand Cherokee is capable of towing:
Jon Boat
Jon boats are the simplest and most common type of fishing boat for usage on lakes and ponds. This boat has a flat bottom and multiple benches inside for passengers to sit on, making it look and feel like a stereotypical rowboat.
Specific makes and models within your car’s towing capacity are listed below:
- Lowe L1436 – 185 pounds
- Alumacraft 16 Foot Jon Boat – 320 pounds
- Tracker Grizzly 1860 – 794 pounds
Skiff Boat
Skiff boats, like Jon boats, are built for use in shallow water. A typical skiff boat features a square stern and a pointed bow. While smaller models are designed for a single occupant, the larger ones may accommodate a whole family.
Several specific Skiff boat models a Jeep Grand Cherokee can tow include:
- Sundance K16 Skiff – 680 pounds
- Carolina Skiff 198 DLV – 1,660 pounds
- Carolina Skiff 218 DLV – 1,773 pounds
Bass Boat
When it comes to freshwater fishing, nothing beats the convenience and portability of a bass boat. This boat style is typically powered by an engine and has seating for one or two people in the form of chairs.
To fish for bass, you’ll need a bass boat, which is a smaller, freshwater-specific fishing vessel. One or two people can sit on chairs on the deck of this sort of boat, which is propelled by a motor.
There are three different types of bass boats that your Jeep Grand Cherokee can pull:
- Tracker Boats Pro Team 195 TXW – 1,302 pounds
- Charger 210 Elite – 1,900 pounds
- Ranger Boats 1880MS – 2,290 pounds
Cuddy Cabin Boat
A cuddy cabin boat is one that has a tiny cabin built inside the boat for storage, sleeping, or any other practical function. This boat style offers many of the advantages of bowriders and cruisers, but with far greater portability.
Jeep Grand Cherokee can tow these cuddy cabin boats:
- Stingray 225CR Cuddy Cabin – 3,539 pounds
- Rinker 26QX Cuddy Cabin – 4,910 pounds
Pontoon Boat
The pontoon boat is widely considered the ideal vessel for gatherings of all kinds. Sometimes up to 10 people can fit on the deck thanks to the increased space and additional seating. A pontoon boat is versatile enough to serve as a lounge, fishing shack, or water tube.
Certain models of pontoon boats, such as those listed below, are capable of being towed by your Jeep Grand Cherokee.
- Yamaha 115hp – 400 pounds
- Avalon Eagle 16′ – 1,350 pounds
- Suntracker Regency 254XP3 27′ – 3,300 pounds
Wakeboard Boat
Both a wakeboard boat and a ski boat serve the same purpose. To maximise the fun of wakeboarding, tubing, and waterskiing, this sort of boat generates the perfect wake. They normally travel at a high rate of speed and in a relatively smooth fashion.
There are a wide variety of wakeboard boats that can be towed by a Jeep Grand Cherokee.
- Correct Craft Ski Nautique – 2,945 pounds
- Super Air Nautique 230 – 4,650 pounds
- Supra SE 2019 – 6,150 pounds
Catamaran Boat
Catamaran boats are distinct from other vessels due to their numerous hulls. This sailboat, which can be used for a wide variety of tasks, is exceptionally stable and comfortable for long periods at sea.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee can pull a catamaran boat that weighs up to 6,200 pounds, like the Glacier Bay 2665, which weighs that much.
Bay Boat
Bay boats are typically used for fishing in shallow water; however, if you choose a model that is more durable, you could use it for fishing in deeper water as well. Because of their adaptability and the abundance of fishing-related amenities on board, people frequently consider these boats to be the ideal vessel for fishing.
Conclusion
So, can you pull a boat with a Jeep Grand Cherokee? Short answer: yes, it can. But there are some things you should think about before you try to do that. Make sure the boat is properly tied down and that the Grand Cherokee has enough power to safely pull it. With the right planning, your Jeep Grand Cherokee will be able to get you and your boat where you need to go.
Frequently Asked questions
Is a Jeep Grand Cherokee good for towing?
The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee can tow up to 7,200 lbs. with the right configuration. At the least, it can still tow 3,500 lbs. The available 6.4L V8 engine is equipped to handle towing more weight than your average SUV can with its 707 horsepower and 645 pound-feet of torque.
Can I pull a boat with a Jeep Cherokee?
A Jeep Grand Cherokee has a maximum towing capacity of 7,200 pounds, allowing it to tow small fishing boats (1,800 lbs) and most ski-boats (3,500 lbs). It would not be suitable for speed boats that way around 8,000 lbs. Boats come in all different sizes and designs, but what truly matters is the weight of the boat.
What happens if you exceed towing capacity?
Max towing capacity should not be taken lightly. Exceeding what your vehicle is designed to tow can strain your engine and transmission, accelerate brake wear, damage your tires and even warp your chassis. This could in turn trigger catastrophic failure while driving and could lead to property damage or serious injury.
Can towing a boat damage the transmission?
If the fluid levels are inadequate, towing will overwork the components and cause serious damage.
