Forum Discussion

rcload9's avatar
rcload9
Explorer
Oct 30, 2016

Can I tow a Jeep Grand Cherokee?

I have a new 40' 10" class A Newmar Ventana LE with the Freightliner XC 360 CUMMINS ISB 6.7 360HP w/800 LB.-FT. TORQUE. The max towing capacity is 5,000 pounds. I was originally planning to do a new Jeep Cherokee but I would prefer the Grand. The weight on the Grand Cherokee is about 4,800 pounds curb weight. With the tow bar and a few bicycles am I asking for trouble?

Thanks,
David
  • et2's avatar
    et2
    Explorer
    Nov 02, 2016
    dave17352 wrote:
    et2 wrote:
    dave17352 wrote:
    If it has 5000 pound limit and your vehicle is 5000 pds I would say go for it. I don't see a few hundred pounds either way being that big of a problem. Of course that JMHO



    Would you feel the same way sitting on a aircraft waiting for departure if you thought the pilot went a little over on the weight and balance calculations on a hot summers day?


    Well that's a silly comparison. Silly


    It is if you believe nothing about design limits.
  • OLYLEN's avatar
    OLYLEN
    Explorer
    Nov 01, 2016
    Very EZ for a hitch shop to bring the tow up a little, most of the time a couple weld beads makes a big difference. Now the tow bar itself I like a little more somewhere around 7500#. And you will need a braking system. I like the Ready Brute tow bar and braking system, about as simple as it gets plus you can get the adapter for about any base plate you choose.

    LEN
  • dave17352's avatar
    dave17352
    Explorer
    Nov 01, 2016
    et2 wrote:
    dave17352 wrote:
    If it has 5000 pound limit and your vehicle is 5000 pds I would say go for it. I don't see a few hundred pounds either way being that big of a problem. Of course that JMHO



    Would you feel the same way sitting on a aircraft waiting for departure if you thought the pilot went a little over on the weight and balance calculations on a hot summers day?


    Well that's a silly comparison. Silly
  • et2's avatar
    et2
    Explorer
    Oct 31, 2016
    dave17352 wrote:
    If it has 5000 pound limit and your vehicle is 5000 pds I would say go for it. I don't see a few hundred pounds either way being that big of a problem. Of course that JMHO



    Would you feel the same way sitting on a aircraft waiting for departure if you thought the pilot went a little over on the weight and balance calculations on a hot summers day?
  • kedanie's avatar
    kedanie
    Explorer II
    Oct 31, 2016
    We weighed ours and it was #5300 empty. Don't believe manufacturers specs! We towed ours behind a previous coach with a Cummins ISB 340 and had no real problems other than going up hills pretty slowly. Big difference with our current coach.

    Keith
  • gvisnic's avatar
    gvisnic
    Explorer
    Oct 31, 2016
    Another thing you can do is that since the jeep has a 25 gallon tank you can save 150# in weight by towing with only 1/4 tank of gas
  • dave17352's avatar
    dave17352
    Explorer
    Oct 31, 2016
    If it has 5000 pound limit and your vehicle is 5000 pds I would say go for it. I don't see a few hundred pounds either way being that big of a problem. Of course that JMHO
  • Two_Hands's avatar
    Two_Hands
    Explorer
    Oct 31, 2016
    I think you are too close to your limit. But I am certainly not a member of the weight police. I almost made the same mistake when I was shopping for a diesel pusher. I knew I wanted a Grand Cherokee dingy. I found a coach that I really liked but it only had the 5,000 pound towing capacity so I kept looking. Look at the Cherokee again or an Edge or Honda CRV.
  • et2's avatar
    et2
    Explorer
    Oct 30, 2016
    The hitch rating is 5000lbs ? Yes you could be very close or over depending on accessories and added weights or cargo.

    The fact you asked, means there's is some hope with your decision. Many people don't pay much attention. Some regret it later.

    Look at the door jam of whatever your considering and add whatever weight that might be added.
  • imgoin4it's avatar
    imgoin4it
    Explorer
    Oct 30, 2016
    I would weigh the grand to make sure it is at or less than 5000 lbs and if the grand has the transfer case you can put in neutral I'd go for it. Reason for weighing: listed weight is for basic equipment and options can increase total weight. Check the type transmission in the jeep: there is or was one that can be towed and one that cannot. Make sure which one you have.

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