The majority of SUVs are capable of towing some type of load, but the exact towing capacity of your vehicle is something you need to know before hitting the road. Towing capacity is not standard—even vehicles that look similar may not be able to carry the same load. Size, engine power, and transmission are a few of the factors that determine just how much your vehicle can haul.

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will show you everything you need to know about your Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk’s towing abilities, including the maximum towing capacity and how to get the most out of it. Plus, we'll give you some tips that could lower your

Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk insurance costs

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How much can a Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk tow?

Maximum towing capacity: 2,000 pounds

Engine: 3.2-liter V6 (271 hp)

Acting as the dedicated off-road model of the company’s flagship Cherokee, the Jeep Trailhawk offers drivers upgraded four-wheel drive,

all-terrain tires

, and an advanced off-road suspension system. These features, among others, make the Trailhawk one of the top-rated vehicles in its class for off-roading.

The Trailhawk was built for exploring off the beaten path, however, and its towing capacity doesn’t quite match those offered by its more powerful cousins. Nevertheless, it can tow up to 2,000 pounds, which is still quite impressive for a vehicle of its size. This is made possible by its spunky V6 engine and four-wheel drive capabilities, which are standard on all Trailhawks.

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Trailer hitches for the Jeep Trailhawk

Purchasing a new Trailhawk at the Jeep dealership gives you the option of adding the Trailer-Tow Group III package. You’ll get a 4- and 7-pin wiring harness, a Class III tow hitch receiver, and a trailer-tow wiring harness. These options won’t increase your towing capacity, but they will make towing with your Trailhawk much more efficient.

For a used Trailhawk, you’ll have to make sure that you get a tow hitch that specifically fits your car’s body type. The

CURT 13395 Class 3

, rated at 4,500 pounds, is a great option. You can also purchase a model custom-fitted for the Trailhawk from

their website

MORE:

How to install a tow bar

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How to calculate the towing capacity you need

Curious as to what exactly you can tow with your Jeep Trailhawk? The first thing you should keep in mind is that the weight of the load you intend to haul needs to be lower than your vehicle’s maximum towing capacity. A Trailhawk can tow a max of 2,000 pounds, so don’t try to squeeze on an extra hundred pounds or two.

Exact weights may vary, but here’s what you can safely tow with a Trailhawk (remember that they are only offered in four-wheel drive):

A small teardrop trailer (1,500 lbs.)

A motorcycle with trailer (1,200 lbs.)

A small boat with trailer (1,800 lbs.)

Two jet-skis with trailer (1,350 lbs.)

Four kayaks with trailer (350 lbs.)

You might not be able to tow an RV with it, but your Trailhawk should be more than capable of hauling whatever you need for a fun camping weekend or trip to the lake. Remember to always check the weight of your trailer and hitch when it’s fully loaded.

You’ll also have to factor in any additional weight, including (but not limited to) passengers, gas, life jackets, food, etc. If the boat you want to tow weighs 1,900 pounds by itself, you won’t be able to tow the boat and the trailer on a 2,000 pound capacity.

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How to increase towing capacity

Here are a few tips that could help you marginally increase your Trailhawk’s towing capacity

Use a weight-distribution hitch to reduce sway and strain on the suspension

Accommodate heavier loads by upgrading your

brake pads

and rotors

Install a bigger

radiator

to improve your engine’s cooling capacity

Upgrade to stronger axles such as RV axles

Remember, though, that some aftermarket parts or upgrades can actually decrease your towing capacity. Installing bigger rims, for example, can further strain the engine and lower your max towing capacity.

Whatever upgrades you choose to make, it is important to realize that they will not drastically increase the towing capabilities of your Trailhawk. For very large loads like full-sized campers or livestock trailers, a bigger, full-size SUV would suit your needs better.

Consider something like the

Ford Expedition

, which has a maximum towing capacity of 9,300 pounds. You could even look at the Cherokee Trailhawk’s bigger brother, the

Grand Cherokee Trailhawk

, which offers bigger engine packages that increase the towing capacity to 7,200 pounds.

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How to find affordable car insurance

Regardless of what you plan on towing, you’ll need a good

car insurance

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Is the Jeep Trailhawk good for towing?

Yes, but only smaller loads. The Jeep Trailhawk was designed specifically with off-road adventures in mind. It is certainly capable of towing smaller objects like single motorcycle or small boat trailers, but isn’t equipped to handle anything above 2,000 pounds.

Can you put a trailer hitch on a Jeep Trailhawk?

Yes. Jeep dealerships offer a special towing package for the Trailhawk, but it’s also fairly easy to find an aftermarket trailer hitch compatible with it.

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