2005 Jeep Cherokee OR 2010 Ford Explorer to tow boat cross country?

I need help choosing my next vehicle. I will be moving from VA to CO in a month, which means that I will be towing my 18ft Bowrider that whole way. Currently I'm looking at a 2005 Jeep Cherokee Laredo with 116,000 miles priced at 8500, and also a 2010 Ford Explorer with 113,000 miles for 7500. Which would be the wiser more reliable choice? Any other vehicles I should be considering in that price range?

Any vehicle with an engine capacity of over 2 litre will do it

Keep your present vehicle and sell the boat and buy another one that's more practical for use in Colorado when you get there. That's if you're not moving to SW Colorado where you'll have access (if you call 100+ miles "access") to decent water for that type of boat.

I wouldn't touch either of those vehicles. Find a 2006-2010 Nissan Frontier King Cab 4wd. You'll probably NEVER need repairs if you do basic maintenance. I've had two, put over 200,000 on each with zero problems, and they can tow like nobody's business. If you sell the boat you can afford one.

Jeep