Towing Issues: Tow a car behind Jeep to CA, jeep cherokee sport, jeep cherokee

Question
Hello Don,

I am very grateful to find this site!  I tried looking through your past questions for my answer, but between my impatience and well, impatience, I did not find what I was looking for.  

I will be moving to San Francisco from Minnesota in a month and I have a friend that is doing the exact thing, on the same weekend.  Naturally, we think it would be ideal if we could ride in the same vehicle and prevent boredom.  Which comes to my question:

Is it possible to tow a 1998 Sebring Convertible (2 door) with my 1996 Jeep Cherokee Sport (6 cylinder)?  It looks as though the Jeep can tow 5000# and the Sebring is 3500#, but I am sure there are hidden variables.  What tools would I need and what questions should I ask?  What alternatives do you recommend (professionally and personally)?  What tandem issues must I consider (laws?)?

In essence - I don't even know where to begin.  Thank you for you help in advance!!!!

Answer
You are right, the Jeep sport AWD 4dr (the version that should have the lowest tow capacity) does have a 5000 pound capacity.

The Sebring weighs almost 3400 pounds, and the Jeep amazingly weighs less at about 3100 pounds.

I don't like tow combinations where the load outweighs the tow vehicle.  And if you put the Sebring on a trailer, then the difference is even more, as most trailers will weight 1000+ pounds some versions close to 2000 pounds.

You could flat tow on all four wheels, or put the Sebring on a dolly, that would reduce the difference.

Of even more concern is the mountains you will have to go over on your trip.  I have made that trip and it is glorious (mostly on I-80) and you will enjoy it but not if you have problems.

Flat towing you don't really have any brakes on the towed vehicle.  THat is why I like using a trailer.  A dolly can have brakes, so that would be the choice I would make in this case to keep weight down, but make it safer.

I also would suggest, that you just consider driving both vehicles.  In tow, the jeep will get about 1/2 the usual gas mileage, and it will get less than the Sebring by a lot in any case.  to prevent boredom, take along FRS radio's and stop often at the many tourist sites that you will go past.  Don't forget to stop at the Bonneville Salt Flats!  Fun to go drive on the fastest salt in the world.

I am not sure about laws on flat towing but I think most states allow it assuming you have proper licenses, lights etc.  I am just not a fan of flat towing or dolly towing.  

My advice is drive both cars, stop often, don't make the days too long, an extra day or two will make the trip a real vacation instead of "work" if you can possibly take the time.

Don