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3HappyHicks's avatar
3HappyHicks
Explorer
Mar 28, 2019

Jeep GC and TT Towing Assistance

Hi all I'm new to this forum and the travel trailer thing. We just bought a Winnebago Micro Minnie with a weight of 3010 and I have a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee V6-Pentastar 290hp 3.6L engine. I bought a WDH/sway bar so I believe my tongue weight can be 350-400lbs based on the trailer weight, but with the WDH hitch does that increase my tongue weight allowance? I also bought the extra trailer brake controller for the inside of my jeep.
My jeep has a GVWR of 6500lbs, GAWR FRONT: 3200lbs and GAWR REAR 3700lbs. From what I have found my payload is 1240.


My question is basically this- we are traveling from CO to Moab in a couple weeks and I want to make sure my setup is good to go. I feel like it is adequate and if I take my time and go slow I should be able to manage this. Thoughts, recommendations, suggestions welcome.

Please and thank you in advance.

69 Replies

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  • 3HappyHicks's avatar
    3HappyHicks
    Explorer
    Mar 28, 2019
    2rad4u- ok so if I were going to upgrade my Jeep to another GC- what would you recommend the specs I go for? Or would you say bag a Jeep altogether and go with a different TV.
  • 2Rad4U's avatar
    2Rad4U
    Explorer III
    Mar 28, 2019
    3HappyHicks wrote:
    2rad4u what exactly do you mean when you say- it’s not going to be fun? I’m just trying to gain understanding and knowledge. TIA.


    The GC is a great car, but it's not a great tow vehicle and that's a lot of weight to hang off the rear bumper. IMO, too much.

    I expect towing with that combo will be a white knuckle experience.

    Yes, it probably can be done, but not within my personal safety parameters.
  • Jebby14's avatar
    Jebby14
    Explorer
    Mar 28, 2019
    pay attention to payload. if you are loaded out around 4500 lbs you are looking at around 600 lbs tongue weight. add 100 lbs of hitch and you have 540 lbs left. not sure how big your family is but a few people and the stuff that goes with them plus some coolers and gadgets and what not adds up fast. deffinitly doable just pay attention. also watch your temps (trans and engine) since that 6er is going to be working hard. get used to your break controller too.
  • 3HappyHicks's avatar
    3HappyHicks
    Explorer
    Mar 28, 2019
    2rad4u what exactly do you mean when you say- it’s not going to be fun? I’m just trying to gain understanding and knowledge. TIA.
  • 2Rad4U's avatar
    2Rad4U
    Explorer III
    Mar 28, 2019
    5000 tow capacity

    3010 will be more like 4000 when loaded

    It's not going to be fun

    " feel like it is adequate and if I take my time and go slow I should be able to manage this."

    You've already decided.
  • MitchF150's avatar
    MitchF150
    Explorer III
    Mar 28, 2019
    The WD hitch only increases the tongue weight rating of the hitch itself.. Meaning, you should see 2 ratings for the tongue weight of your hitch.

    The lower one will be if you just plop a trailer on the hitch and go.. Usually around #500 or so for a basic class 3 hitch. But, it could also be up to #1000 tongue weight with the WD hitch applied.

    But, if you are asking if a WD hitch "reduces" your trailers actual "tongue weight", then no...

    If your TW is X amount, that's what it is..

    Your "payload" should be listed on the "yellow" sticker on your drivers side door.

    But, in the end, sounds like you have the trailer, and you have what you want to tow it with, so there you go..

    Hitch it up, take it for a spin around the block and go from there..

    You either hate it or are good with it..

    Can't really tell you any more at this point. ;)

    Good luck!

    Mitch

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