Hitch rating/tow question

Question

Trying to zero in on toad purchase. We are looking at the 2014 Jeep GC with Quadra-Trac II 4x4. Want to make sure my Class C can safely tow. Details as follows:

2003 31' Four Winds E-450
20000# GCWR
13300# loaded weight from local CAT scale. (14050# GVWR)
4850# Jeep weight

I can't find the rating of the hitch. Looked in coach Owner's manual and it didn't list rating. The chassis OM was a little confusing, and I didn't see it on RVIA label.

With bikes / kayaks / cooler on Jeep I expect it to be slightly over 5k#, and want to make sure hitch is ok.

Thanks for the help!

Update:

Found hitch rating. Sticker hidden by mud flap. 3500# w/500# tongue weight.

That rules out JGC, and also the backup plan. We are trying to combine daily driver with toad. My job has requirements on type of vehicle, price etc. JGC fit bill nicely. Outback manual would as well. (Current is Outback CVT, don't want stick for the # of miles I drive daily.)

Any suggestions on 4dr daily driver that fits the bill? Can my hitch be upgraded? Alternative is selling beater truck and maybe replacing it with used Wrangler.

robatthelake · Answer

There are still lots of Suzuki based Trackers around that may suit Your needs.

rk911 · Answer

JJPP17 wrote:Trying to zero in on toad purchase. We are looking at the 2014 Jeep GC with Quadra-Trac II 4x4.  Want to make sure my Class C can safely tow. Details as follows:2003 31' Four Winds E-45020000# GCWR13300# loaded weight from local CAT scale. (14050# GVWR)4850# Jeep weightI can't find the rating of the hitch.  Looked in coach Owner's manual and it didn't list rating.  The chassis OM was a little confusing, and I didn't see it on RVIA label.With bikes / kayaks / cooler on Jeep I expect it to be slightly over 5k#, and want to make sure hitch is ok.  Thanks for the help!Update:Found hitch rating.  Sticker hidden by mud flap.  3500# w/500# tongue weight.That rules out JGC, and also the backup plan.  We are trying to combine daily driver with toad.  My job has requirements on type of vehicle, price etc.  JGC fit bill nicely. Outback manual would as well.  (Current is Outback CVT, don't want stick for the # of miles I drive daily.)Any suggestions on 4dr daily driver that fits the bill?  Can my hitch be upgraded?  Alternative is selling beater truck and maybe replacing it with used Wrangler.glad you got your MH weighed but you really should get separate axle weights.  it is possible for a MH to weigh less than the GVWR but have one axle weigh more than it's GAWR.  i'm living proof that it can happen.the maximum amount of weight you can safely tow will be the lesser of the following:- the GCWR minus the actual weight of the MH as it is loaded for travel (food, fuel, water, LP, clothing, supplies, pets, people and misc. stuff); OR- the weight rating of the MH hitch (Class II 3500-lbs, Class III 5000-lbs, Class IV 10,000-lbs); OR- the weight rating of your towbar4850 seems high for a GC.  did you also have that weighed or is that possibly the GVWR of the GC?  good luck.

j-d · Answer

Our 2003 Jayco 31' is probably a little lighter than the Four Winds, but on the same E450. We went from a 1988 Japanese minitruck to a 2009 version which is now more midsize. Towed weight went from 2500# to 3500# and we can definitely feel it. Downshifts more and has to work harder in general. And that's only in Flat Florida. Yes, 5000# max tow rating is common on Class C's with Ford chassis. But I gotta say from my experience you'd be happier with a toad around 3000#.

EDIT: Curb Weight for 2014 Grand Cherokee was listed 4545# on Edmunds. I'd trust that options might drive that number higher.

jjpp17 · Answer

Weights per axle:4220 - Steer Axle8860 - Drive AxleI drove the 6spd Outback and really liked it.  Same weight as CR-V awd.  With fuel and cargo will be right at limit of hitch.  3500#I do like the wrangler a lot, but it is 3760# per dinghy guide and would put me over rating.  Also not the most practical for daily driver for my job.  Are the older wranglers lighter?

rk911 · Answer

JJPP17 wrote:Weights per axle:4220 - Steer Axle8860 - Drive AxleI drove the 6spd Outback and really liked it.  Same weight as CR-V awd.  With fuel and cargo will be right at limit of hitch.  3500#I do like the wrangler a lot, but it is 3760# per dinghy guide and would put me over rating.  Also not the most practical for daily driver for my job.  Are the older wranglers lighter?our '03 wrangler 2d (auto) is roughly 3400-lbs.

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