Towing with a Grand Cherokee

[rusty ol ranger]

Ok all biases and mall crawler jokes aside.

I really need a decent DD.

Ive been looking at 2015ish Grand Cherokees.

My only hang up is how do you think one would do towing my 18ft trailer with a couple quads on it?

Trailer is 84 inches wide, but its an open equipment trailer. Weighs just under 2500lbs empty. Figure 1600lbs in quads...so 4100 or so going down the road.

The V6 is rated at 6000 and the 5.7 at 7200 with a tow package. Im not worried about power so much (espicially since im leaning V8) and most threads i read online are concerning towing campers with them which is a different ball game then what im gonna be doing.

I would of course get the tow package and install a brake controller.

I tow heavier things but im keeping my F250 for that stuff. The jeep forums dont seem to worried when i asked but i know how jeep guys can be.

Plus its not a 25+ year old ford, has unibody and IRS and is way out of my comfort zone.

 

[Northidahotrailblazer]

Id buy a half ton and get the same mileage as that grand cherokee probably and you have a truck. Not that you already have a truck, but id rather have a newer pickup. My wifes 3.5 ecoboost in her F150 with her driving it, it almost gets 20 mpg at times. I like to pull things without the worry of should I not do this..... You have a 18ft trailer behind a SUV....

But idk, I would never buy a jeep.... lol just not my style, I have to deal with my wifes chevy pickup that came with her. It atleast has a cummins in it to make it cool. rest of the truck is junk. lol

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Id buy a half ton and get the same mileage as that grand cherokee probably and you have a truck. Not that you already have a truck, but id rather have a newer pickup. My wifes 3.5 ecoboost in her F150 with her driving it, it almost gets 20 mpg at times. I like to pull things without the worry of should I not do this..... You have a 18ft trailer behind a SUV....

But idk, I would never buy a jeep.... lol just not my style, I have to deal with my wifes chevy pickup that came with her. It atleast has a cummins in it to make it cool. rest of the truck is junk. lol

Im the same way about not wondering...but...i can get a nice low mileage GC for alot less then an EB 150 espicially with lower miles.

If it wont tow it ill just continue using the 250 to do it since its only a few times a year. Im 95% sure it wouldnt be any issue for it but like i said...out of my comfort zone.

I was originally gonna buy a 5.0 150...but i use my truck to much to ding and scratch up a nice one.

 

[Northidahotrailblazer]

Its hard to beat a 5.0 f150. I wish ours was but the EB hasn't gave use problems. its been a good truck.

You can always try and go from there, you just might have to play with weight distribution and go from there. Ive seen people do some interesting stuff but if you have your weight distribution right it will probably be fine.

 

[Snoranger]

I like to stay at or below 2/3 rated tow capacity on my DD so I don’t beat it up too bad. Sounds like the V6 version is right about there. I wouldn’t worry about that.

I would worry about the fact that Jeeps are well known for electrical problems and electrical repairs aren’t your strong point.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

I would worry about the fact that Jeeps are well known for electrical problems and electrical repairs aren’t your strong point.

Only one way to learn. Lol.

 

[2011Supercab]

Only one way to learn. Lol.

Except most of Jeeps electrical problems are the TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module), aka Body Control Module

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Except most of Jeeps electrical problems are the TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module), aka Body Control Module

Expensive im guessing?

 

[Blmpkn]

Expensive im guessing?

Dirtman was trying to figure out some Cherokees electrical gremlins with its tipm awhile back and was getting downright defeated. Might be able to find the thread.

 

[Roert42]

You should note that if you spend too much time driving a FIAT you will find yourself drink a lot of lattes and wearing clothing that is too tight.

It's an Italian thing.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Just went and drove a 2011 with the 5.7...yeah.....screw the V6

 

[superj]

my sister in law has a grand cherokee, i think its a 15 or 16. anyways, the info screen deal went out so you can't see anything having to do with the radio or phones. her is a v6 and they don't tow but it hasn't been trouble free. engine wise, its always run but interior stuff has been quitting. mainly the info control center screen but i think the seats have been acting up and seat heaters

 

[Snoranger]

You should get one of these:

 

[Shran]

My buddy had a Grand Cherokee that was around that model year. Total piece of crap. If you want something that will nickel and dime you to death... buy a late model Fiat.

Older ones were better but not the ones with the 4.7 V8. Typical Chrysler, they make something awesome and then replace it with something terrible.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Expensive im guessing?

Think computer attached to a fuse box.

I don't think I have sold one for a Jeep yet, a couple for rams is it.

Big issue IMO with either engine is maintenance. Both are good for eating camshafts if not maintained correctly, 3.6 likes engine oil coolers too.

Oil cooler isn't a big deal to do, cams... your results may vary.

They don't seem like too bad of a car to me otherwise.