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Nathanbates114's avatar
Nathanbates114
Explorer
Aug 30, 2021

Jeep Grand Cherokee W/Towing Package IV

Hey everyone,
My wife and I are looking into buying our first travel trailer. Just looking for some advice as we have a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the stock IV towing package. It includes Road Leveling Suspension, HD Cooling and has a maximum towing capacity of 6200 pounds. We are looking into a 2021 or 2022 Grand Design Transcend Xplor 221RB with a dry weight of 5,389 pounds. It would be just us 2 traveling and we would make sure that the cargo weight inside the Jeep and inside the trailer is under the limit as we plan on towing it dry. As long as we get a brake controller and a nice weight distribution hitch, we should be good even if it's pushing around 6000 pounds? It would be for traveling nursing for my wife, so we would only be driving to and from her job every 3-6 months a year. Just wanted some advice before we make a big purchase and regret it later. Our Jeep also has a mopar million mile warranty and the dealer stated that the engine would still be covered as long as we don't go over the maximum weight. Thanks!
  • Michelle_S's avatar
    Michelle_S
    Explorer III
    Aug 30, 2021
    Be aware that many units leave the Factory well above those brochure dry weights. So you could end up with a unit a few hundred pounds heavier, then once you add batteries, propane, pots, pans, dishes and other day to day items could easily go over your max towing capacity.
  • Grit_dog's avatar
    Grit_dog
    Navigator
    Aug 30, 2021
    Welcome>
    Some considerations:
    Edit: Seems I was mistaken, and you do or may have the V6.

    I wouldn't recommend towing a trailer that size with that vehicle.

    Except maybe flatlands, low altitude and good weather.
    If it had the diesel or any of the Hemis, I'd still only want to tow in in good weather (not too windy).
  • valhalla360's avatar
    valhalla360
    Navigator
    Aug 30, 2021
    You are being wildly optimistic. Not saying you can't keep it under 6k, just not realistic out in the real world.

    Look for a trailer with a 6000lb GVWR (not empty weight). Keep in mind battery, water & propane aren't part of the empty weight. That can easily eat up 300-400lb, you only have 200lb of gear, food & clothes in the trailer if you want to stay under 6k with you proposed trailer...and as mentioned, they often come from the factory over the empty weight.

    PS: what is the payload sticker on the door jamb say? a trailer at 6000lb, you should have around 800lb on the hitch plus whatever the family weighs plus any bolt on items like running boards plus whatever gear is in the back. Did a quick check and depending on the specifics, you may have as little as 1200lb payload...check your door jamb for the specifics of your truck.
  • Sandia_Man's avatar
    Sandia_Man
    Explorer II
    Aug 30, 2021
    Weight is but one factor, length of nearly 27' is something to consider with the wheelbase of your tow vehicle. It is your call and being that you are only towing it every few months, might be doable for a few tows before it is apparent a heftier tow vehicle is required. You could pack light if you were doing weekends, but for fulltime living it will make it all that more difficult to keep weight down.

    Something that can become an issue down the road is overall space is tight, you might consider a bigger TT sooner than later, particularly if you eventually end up getting a stouter tow vehicle. It would serve you better to get it right, many new players in this lifestyle will purchase several RVs in 5 years, which dealers love to say the least. Grand Design makes a good RV and customer service is known to resolve issues quickly.
  • mm047's avatar
    mm047
    Explorer
    Aug 30, 2021
    I have the same Jeep as you, and while I tow my '16 Flagstaff with it a lot, I would never consider a TT as heavy or as long as you are looking at. I come in at just over 5,000# loaded for boondocking, and am only 21 1/2' long. Lighter weight if I am sure I'll be in a campground over night.
    You only have 114" wheelbase, tow capacity of 6200# with the V6. The V8 gives you 7200# towing, but is still too short.
    Look for a smaller trailer or a truck to pull the bigger one with.
  • dodge_guy's avatar
    dodge_guy
    Explorer II
    Aug 30, 2021
    Take the dry weight and 1200lbs to that. That will give you a realistic ready to travel weight. This will get you as close as possible without being able to actually weigh the trailer.
  • wanderingaimles's avatar
    wanderingaimles
    Explorer
    Aug 30, 2021
    That trailer is starting out at 5400, now add
    100 for the WDH
    50 for a single battery
    70 for 2 20 lb propane tanks
    Your over 5600 before putting anything in the unit.
    If you really want a trailer around that size, maybe one like this would work Coachmen Nano
    loaded weight of 6000, empty under 4000, and still has decent living space.
    I too have a Jeep GC, this is the one I was considering.
  • Nathanbates114's avatar
    Nathanbates114
    Explorer
    Aug 30, 2021
    Wanderingaimlessly!
    Thank you for sending me the info on the Apex! I feel like my wife and I have been looking at all the super light travel trailers and we hadn't seen that one! It's a perfect size and just about everything we've been trying to find in a small TT. I think that's the one unless you have anymore recommendations? We like the layout and we need the bedoom somewhat away from everything (or a door that closes) because my wife works nights and I don't want to wake her. Thanks again

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