If you’re searching for a versatile SUV, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is an excellent choice. The Grand Cherokee was introduced in 1993 and remains popular today. But what is the towing capacity of a 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
The 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee has a maximum towing capacity of 6,500 pounds.
The 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee tow capacity can vary based on a few different factors such as engine size, drivetrain, trim level, and others which we’ll cover in this guide.
How Much Can The 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee Tow?
The 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee has a max towing capacity of 6,500 pounds.
The 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee tow capacity is affected by other factors like engine type, drivetrain, the weight of cargo and passengers, and whether your vehicle has a towing package equipped or not.
We’ll cover all these different factors and specify each of the related towing capacities in this guide.
You can always reach out to your local Jeep dealership for details to confirm how much your Grand Cherokee can tow.
You can also read our guide on what makes a vehicle towing capacity to learn all the aspects that go into it.
1999 Grand Cherokee Towing Capacity By Trim Level
Trim Level | Engine | Drivetrain | Towing Capacity (lbs) |
Laredo | 4.0L I-6 | 4WD | 5,000 pounds |
Laredo | 4.7L V8 | 4WD | 6,500 pounds |
Limited | 4.0L I-6 | 4WD | 5,000 pounds |
Limited | 4.7L V8 | 4WD | 6,500 pounds |
There are many trim levels for the 1999 Grand Cherokee. Some engines and features are not available on certain configurations, so they can each have different max towing limits.
Here’s the max tow capacity broken down for each package on the 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee:
1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee Towing Capacity by Trim Level
- The 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo max towing capacity is 6,500 pounds.
- The 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited max towing capacity is 6,500 pounds.
Towing Capacity By Engine Size & Drivetrain
1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee Engine Towing Specs
There are two engine options for the 1999 Grand Cherokee:
4.0L Power Tech I-6: this engine has 195 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque, and has a max tow capacity of 5,000 pounds.
- 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0L I6 Engine towing capacity: 5,000 pounds.
4.7L Power Tech V8: This engine produces 265 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 6,500 pounds.
- 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.7L V8 engine towing capacity: 6,500 pounds.
1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee Drivetrain Towing Specs
The 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee comes standard with 4-wheel drive.
1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4WD Towing Capacity: 6,500 pounds
Note that these are the max towing limits for each 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee configuration, and that without the towing package, both engines were limited to a 2,000 lbs towing capacity.
Your Jeep Grand Cherokee may have a lower towing capacity based on the drivetrain, axle ratio, and if your vehicle has a towing package installed.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Tow Package Info
Does The Jeep Grand Cherokee Have A Tow Package?
Jeep offers a Trailer Tow Group package on the 1999 Grand Cherokee:
Trailer Tow Group
The Trailer Tow Group package includes the following:
- Class III Trailer Hitch: Provided a secure connection point for trailers.
- 7-Pin Trailer Wiring Harness: Allowed for proper electrical connections for trailer lights and brakes.
- Transmission Cooler: Helped manage the increased heat generated during towing, protecting the transmission.
- Additional Mechanical Cooling Fan (for Inline-6 models): Improved engine cooling under heavy towing loads.
- 3.73:1 Final Drive Ratio (for Inline-6 models): Provided better torque for towing heavy loads.
- Heavy-Duty Engine Cooling: Included features such as a larger radiator and additional fans to keep the engine cool under load.
- Upgraded Suspension: Often included stiffer springs and shocks to better handle the weight of a trailer.
These features collectively ensure the vehicle can handle the additional stress of towing larger loads safely and efficiently. The heavy-duty engine cooling and rear load leveling suspension are particularly crucial for maintaining vehicle performance and stability while towing.
Can You Install A Trailer Hitch On a Jeep Grand Cherokee?
If you plan on towing anything with your Jeep Grand Cherokee, you’ll need a tow hitch and wiring harness.
Depending on what you’re towing, you’re going to need a ball mount (aka a trailer ball hitch) so you can attach items for towing.
Make sure to get the right trailer ball size that matches your hitch and trailer.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Tow Hitch
Trailer hitches come in different hitch classes, which are rated for different vehicle sizes and weight limits.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee can use a Class 3 or Class 4 hitch.
Here’s a great option for a Class III 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee trailer hitch:
- Heavy Duty Trailer Hitch Receiver Only Fit for 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L 3-Row
- Bolt on original holes,no drilling required.Package include all necessary hardware and instructions.
- With Weight Distribution Hitch Up To 7,500 lbs.Made of strong manganese steel construction.Black powder coated resists rust, adding rugged style
Here’s a great ball mount option so you can hook up different types of trailers for towing with your Grand Cherokee:
- Fits 2" square receiver tube opening
- 6000 pound capacity
- Steel black powdercoated high quality draw bar with 2 inch drop and .75 inch rise and features a shank measuring 9 inches in length, 1 inch in diameter
- 2" Chrome Hitch Ball with Pin and Clip included
- Allows for turning clearance and helps to adjust trailer level
1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailer Hitch Installation
Always follow the manufacturer’s directions and use proper safety precautions.
Here’s a great video walkthrough on a Jeep Grand Cherokee trailer hitch installation:
1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailer Hitch Installation Cost
If you’re considering having a tow hitch added to your Grand Cherokee, expect to pay between $100 and $200 to have a tow package professionally installed (excluding the cost of the tow hitch and wiring harness).
If you’re handy and looking to save money, you can install the trailer hitch and wiring harness yourself.
Does My 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee Have A Tow Hitch?
You can start by looking under the rear bumper of your Grand Cherokee to see if you notice a trailer hitch or trailer ball.
That will give you a good indication of if you have a tow hitch already installed on your Grand Cherokee.
Another way to research this is by checking the paperwork that came with your vehicle or taking it to a local dealer to see what’s installed.
Make sure to have your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) handy if you call the dealer so they can look up the exact specs and whether or not your Grand Cherokee has any towing packages or features installed on it.
1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee Payload Capacity
The maximum payload capacity of the 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee is 1,150 pounds.
This means that the 1999 Grand Cherokee can carry up to 1,150 pounds worth of passenger and cargo weight in the vehicle, which makes it great for road trips and hauling heavier items.
Note that the max payload capacity of your 1999 Grand Cherokee will vary based on factors like the engine type, drivetrain, trim level, and whether or not a towing package that includes other features like an engine oil cooler or transmission oil cooler is installed.
1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee Max Payload Capacity: 1,150 pounds
You can always contact your local dealership for extra details if you’re unsure of your vehicle’s payload capability.
1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee Towing Capacity Vs Competitors
The 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee has a maximum tow rating of 6,500 pounds, which makes it capable of medium-duty towing.
The 1999 Grand Cherokee’s tow capability is similar to its main competitors which are the 1999 Ford Explorer and the 1999 Chevy Tahoe.
Here are some similar vehicles to the 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee and their towing capacities below:
1999 Ford Explorer: 8,300 pounds
1999 Chevy Tahoe: 7,000 pounds
1999 Cadillac Escalade: 8,300 pounds
Data Accuracy
We’ve gathered all data represented here from the official 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee Owner’s Manual on Jeep’s site and have checked all data thoroughly for accuracy.
Having said that, we still recommend you refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual yourself before towing with a 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee.