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[bigsteve1911]

Hi all - I've found a decent Jeep forum at last!

First post, and I have searched through the posts as best I can so hopefully someone can help.

I am towing a caravan with a 2003 Cherokee, and I can't help but think that the arse of the van is really high (ie nose down).

Is this a common thing with Jeeps/cherokees, and does anyone know of a way of lifting the towball a couple of inches?

Thanks in advance.

Steve

[Bubba]

does the jeep it self seem to be dragging its ass on the floor or is the problem simply the hitch seems low

[The Smiths]

Think most of us have the opposite problem

[bigsteve1911]

Thanks for the replies - no, the jeep is fine, it doesn't even seem to dip when i put the van on the MTPML is 1334kg for the van, which I believe the jeep is more than capable of pulling, and there's nothing of any serious weight in the gas locker or front of the van either - in fact we haven't changed anything since I got the jeep in June last year, and previously I had a Mondeo, on which the hitch was perfectly level..

It seems the hitch is too low at the back of the jeep, but can't find anything that will help me raise it a couple of inches - in fact most of the info I can find is that the problem for 4 x 4's is hitches being too high!

We've had trouble a couple of times with the jockey wheel on the van being so low (even when fully wound up) that it catches on speed bumps.

cheers

[Mike Pavelin]

What type of hitch does it have? How about a photo?

[Tank]

Maybe one of these is the answer if there is enough room under the bumper to be able to physically have the ball at a higher position,i have used one before but to lower my ball for towing a trailer

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Adjustable-Height ... 240%3A1318

[bigsteve1911]

What type of hitch does it have? How about a photo?

Not sure of the type - I can TRY post a photo (newbie!)  It was fitted by Towbar Express, the mobile towbar fitters.

[neilhull]

Hi this has to be rear springs  . I tow a compass shadow 4 birth with my 1997 cherokee . the spring on mine ar u/s (fitting new ones today) .When i put the van on i can not get my hand between the wheel arch .

[JamesH]

Hi this has to be rear springs  . I tow a compass shadow 4 birth with my 1997 cherokee . the spring on mine ar u/s (fitting new ones today) .When i put the van on i can not get my hand between the wheel arch .

Newer Cherokee has coil sprung rear and doesn't have the major sagging problems as the earlier leaf sprung XJ Cherokee.

[neilhull]

Hi this has to be rear springs  . I tow a compass shadow 4 birth with my 1997 cherokee . the spring on mine ar u/s (fitting new ones today) .When i put the van on i can not get my hand between the wheel arch .

Newer Cherokee has coil sprung rear and doesn't have the major sagging problems as the earlier leaf sprung XJ Cherokee.

 #-o  #-o  

[Mel B]

Is your tow bar fixed or a detachable?

I tug our Ace Award Firestar with no problem, detachable brink system, 04 model (cheers lighthouse) Cherokee Sport (KJ/Liberty), i'll dig out clicky snaps tomorra.

[Bubba]

not wishing to hijack but how much do you guys pay to park up a van per night

[ZJ Brad]

not wishing to hijack but how much do you guys pay to park up a van per night

depends where you go really. We have paid any where from a tenner to 40 quid (bank holidays etc.) about 15 to 20 quid for a suitable pitch with electric is the norm though. Deffo cheaper then staying in a motel.

[Mel B]

not wishing to hijack but how much do you guys pay to park up a van per night

It can vary, small field called a CL, no more than 5 vans, a fiver a night.

Large Club site ie: Caravan Club, depending on season, from a tenner upwards.

Commercial site ie: Haven, as much as they can get.

Costs can vary a bit, per person per night, some charge extra if you put an awning up, take dogs and kids.
But in the end it can work out cheaper than Hotel or B&B, plus if you don't like the site, you can hitch up and clear of to another one.

You could always just park in a field for nowt, and when land owner wants to know wos going on, you reply
 "Wood ya loike somm cheep Tarmak on dat sur."

[neilhull]

not wishing to hijack but how much do you guys pay to park up a van per night

It can vary, small field called a CL, no more than 5 vans, a fiver a night.

Large Club site ie: Caravan Club, depending on season, from a tenner upwards.

Commercial site ie: Haven, as much as they can get.

Costs can vary a bit, per person per night, some charge extra if you put an awning up, take dogs and kids.
But in the end it can work out cheaper than Hotel or B&B, plus if you don't like the site, you can hitch up and clear of to another one.

You could always just park in a field for nowt, and when land owner wants to know wos going on, you reply
 "Wood ya loike somm cheep Tarmak on dat sur."  ROFL  ROFL  ROFL  ROFL  

[Mike Pavelin]

Still haven't seen yours but if you look at the spare tyre on the tailgate you'll see that the tow ball can only be so high before you can't open the tailgate anymore.

[Mel B]

Still haven't seen yours but if you look at the spare tyre on the tailgate you'll see that the tow ball can only be so high before you can't open the tailgate anymore.

Hows this, and yes i can open tailgate.