Does anyone know what the limiting factor is for using the SRT8 to tow with? So far as I can tell, the dual exhaust exits in the center of the bumper, limiting the amount of room for a Class III or Class IV hitch. If that is the weak link, does it seem feasible that you could have some custom turn down tips installed which would free up room for a respectably sized hitch.

The reason I ask this question is I need my SUV to be able to tow my 5000 lb boat. If I cannot find a way to do this, a Trailblazer SS (unfortunately) may be in my future...

Any thoughts/

Does anyone know what the limiting factor is for using the SRT8 to tow with? So far as I can tell, the dual exhaust exits in the center of the bumper, limiting the amount of room for a Class III or Class IV hitch. If that is the weak link, does it seem feasible that you could have some custom turn down tips installed which would free up room for a respectably sized hitch.

The reason I ask this question is I need my SUV to be able to tow my 5000 lb boat. If I cannot find a way to do this, a Trailblazer SS (unfortunately) may be in my future...

Any thoughts/

There are several different options to reroute the exhaust. Out the side, through facia, etc. BUT....The factory specs for towing limit it to 3500lbs.
According to SRT engineers in their chats, that was all they tested it to, and that is where it remains today. Also might be tied to the specific transmission in the vehicle, but this is a guess.

one of the most common misconceptions about towing capacity is that the towable weight is tied soley to vehicle power. if you think about it, you can move a 5000 lb boat and trailer around a level garage with your hands...when it comes time to stop it, you run into problems. your vehicle is much the same. the major factor in determining towable weight is the vehicle's ablity to stop said weight.

i have gone throught the major components and here is my rationale:

-engine: more than enough power
-transmission: it is built to handle the power of the engine
-engine/tranny tune: i think i read that the SRT8 does not have a tow mode for its tranny? if this is the case, you may witness wandering between gears when towing. this would be bad because it would make the tranny run hotter.
-transfer case, axles, etc.: built to handle the power of the engine
-brakes: not sure the size od the discs, but i would imagine they are big. maybe they run a softer compound wich would be detrimental to longevity, espcially if towing.

by looking at jeeps website, it appears that the srt8 has the same towing capacity of all models, exculding the limited. if we can figure out what the limited has that the srt8 doesnt, then it would be easy to figure out...

I'd really like to know if anybody has pinned exactly why the tow rating is so low and exactly what to do to the GCSRT8 to, say, double the rating with confidence.

I saw somebody claim that they read statements from SRT engineers that said that the low rating is in part because they simply didn't test it any higher.

I saw some people say the transmission won't take it. Maybe this is true, maybe not. People like Level 10 and RPMTransmissions or some sort of aftermarket trans builder should be able to strengthen the thing.

I saw some people say the exhaust needs to be re-routed so an adequate hitch can be installed.

Obviously it's not from lack of power. Other SUVs with nearly 100hp less have tow ratings near 8000lbs. Plus, we have supercharger options.

I doubt it's the brakes. I saw tests with the 60-0 and 80-0 braking compared with other similar weight SUVs with very close braking times, yet the other SUVs have ratings more towards 7000-8000lbs.

What about the suspension? Is it because of the sportier suspension setup?

ALL speculation. LET'S PIN THE FIX! Maybe this thread got so little discussion because of the title. I don't know. Just figured I'd bump it since it is already exactly on my topic of choice.

I already searched "towing capacity" on the forum. I see some Hitch threads etc. But, no really confident solutions to be sure that the GCSRT8 can tow more than 3500lbs.

I recall reading that it's the "Park" pin in the transmission.

Not only does the jeep have to be able to pull the weight (no problem) and stop the weight (ditto), it has to be able to hold all of that weight on the steepest friggin' hill you can find.

Granted, it would take an idiot to park high above San Francisco with 5,000 lbs pushing on the back end and the front wheels pointed straight towards the Bay, but idiots win law suits.

I think the Park pin, that little gizmo that jams the tranny in place, isn't strong enough to hold more than 3500 lbs of trailer weight.

I recall reading that it's the "Park" pin in the transmission.

Not only does the jeep have to be able to pull the weight (no problem) and stop the weight (ditto), it has to be able to hold all of that weight on the steepest friggin' hill you can find.

Granted, it would take an idiot to park high above San Francisco with 5,000 lbs pushing on the back end and the front wheels pointed straight towards the Bay, but idiots win law suits.

I think the Park pin, that little gizmo that jams the tranny in place, isn't strong enough to hold more than 3500 lbs of trailer weight.

Logical theory. Interesting theory. Likely curable. Source of information? Any confirmation?

Logical theory. Interesting theory. Likely curable. Source of information? Any confirmation?

I thought it was deep into one of the SRT Engineer chat sessions.

I'd say an ounce of common sense (i.e. don't park on the side of a mountain), or a suitable sized wheel chock, would cure the practical side of the problem.

If it ever rolls away and hurts somebody though, you'd be on your own liability wise.

I thought it was deep into one of the SRT Engineer chat sessions.

I'd say an ounce of common sense (i.e. don't park on the side of a mountain), or a suitable sized wheel chock, would cure the practical side of the problem.

If it ever rolls away and hurts somebody though, you'd be on your own liability wise.

I'm not familiar with those chat sessions. Are there any archives?

Your posts may or may not bring the idea of closure to this discussion and I hope that isn't the case because this may not be the biggest or only limiting factor.

Just wish we could get some confirmed, tested info. But I do realize that will be a bit of a challenge to come by.

I recall reading that it's the "Park" pin in the transmission.

Not only does the jeep have to be able to pull the weight (no problem) and stop the weight (ditto), it has to be able to hold all of that weight on the steepest friggin' hill you can find.

Granted, it would take an idiot to park high above San Francisco with 5,000 lbs pushing on the back end and the front wheels pointed straight towards the Bay, but idiots win law suits.

I think the Park pin, that little gizmo that jams the tranny in place, isn't strong enough to hold more than 3500 lbs of trailer weight.

That's my understanding - the tranny parking gear is not sufficiently robust and they don't want an unattended vehicle breaking loose. But as an experienced tow guy, you should always use the parking break to hold the weight and then put it in park. But following this procedure isn't bulletproof from the manufacturer's perspective (I think). In my opinion, I wouldn't press your luck with safety or your vehicle. Maybe the SS is the way to go (OMG did I just say that)

That's my understanding - the tranny parking gear is not sufficiently robust and they don't want an unattended vehicle breaking loose. But as an experienced tow guy, you should always use the parking break to hold the weight and then put it in park. But following this procedure isn't bulletproof from the manufacturer's perspective (I think). In my opinion, I wouldn't press your luck with safety or your vehicle. Maybe the SS is the way to go (OMG did I just say that)

I'm concerned with this all as well. That's why I'd rather know the towing issue to the SRT8 and actually do what needs to be done to rectify it.

Alternatively, there are more luxury buys out there to do the job that I am considering, but it just seems like a waste of money compared to the value that the GCSRT8 presents (along with cost effective mod-ability and diverse capability and presence), and I'd like to stay as close to an American purchase as possible for the principle of things.

I'm not familiar with those chat sessions. Are there any archives? .
http://www.cherokeesrt8.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=&f=16

That's my understanding - the tranny parking gear is not sufficiently robust and they don't want an unattended vehicle breaking loose. But as an experienced tow guy, you should always use the parking break to hold the weight and then put it in park. But following this procedure isn't bulletproof from the manufacturer's perspective (I think). In my opinion, I wouldn't press your luck with safety or your vehicle. Maybe the SS is the way to go (OMG did I just say that)

I promise I wont say anything

Heat. You're going to cook anything in the cargo area with a heavy load. I took a long trip to TN with 3 people in the truck and 3500#'s including trailer. Over 19 hrs each way, you will cook anybody who decided to lay back and watch a movie while underway.

You will not have trouble staying at speed or wandering between gears in the trans. Just look for 8-10mpg on the highway and 4-6 in town and you'll be fine if the runs are short.

If you have to pull on the highway for long distances....I'd think about another vehicle.