Towing Issues: towing with Trailblazers/Cherokees, jeep grand cherokee, dodge ram 1500

Question
Hello! I am looking for a vehicle that can do it all. Not easy. Can you tell me if a Chev Trailblazer (engine 4.2) and a Jeep Grand Cherokee (engine 5.7)are suitable to haul a two horse trailer. It is McBride steel trailer so much heavier. I was told to be concerned about stability. I know the trucks will pull this trailer but I am concerned about horses moving inside them and how it will affect suvs with a shorter wheelbase. I pull with a Dodge Ram 1500 and it is okay. I don't want to buy something worse. I don't haul in the winter at all and I use only occasionally. Thanks so much.

Answer
As you know, the more wheelbase, the more stable a tow vehicle.  That is why the Suburban has been such a success.

The Trailblazer has a 113" wheelbase and maximum tow capacity of 6600 pounds.  It should do the job.  But there are all kinds of two horse trailers.  If you get one with a dressing room, that can add a lot of weight.  If you just have a basic two-horse with no extra room, it could be just fine.  Also depends on what type of horse. If you are hauling Belgians then you should look for something bigger.  If ponys, then the Trailblazer will do just fine.

My son has a long wheelbase Trailblazer, but those are no longer available.  His 4.2 6 cyl engine has more power than the 350 V8 in my first Suburban.  But when it comes to towing, a V8 is going to be much better.  The Chevy 5.3 will get mileage close to that of the 4.2 and it will tow a lot more.

For a while we had a Tahoe (not much bigger than a Trailblazer) and when we went from the Suburban to that, I really could not tell the difference.

I will also preach my standard "get a load equalizing hitch" advice.  This device will make any towing job easier and safer.  They don't cost that much and take maybe an extra two minutes to hook up.  If you have never used one, the first time you have a semi go by and feel how much more stable it is, and the fact that you will have your headlights aimed right....well that is worth the cost.

If you don't live in the mountains and don't haul very often, and the horses and trailer won't top 6000 pounds, then either of the vehicles you mention should do fine.

Don