Forum Discussion

DwnSth's avatar
DwnSth
Explorer
Jul 22, 2014

Jeep Grand Cherokee opinions

Wife is thinking about purchasing 2014 Grand Cherokee for work. She's leaning toward the overland since it seems to have everything 'needed'. One thing we have not settled on is the engine. She's fine with the base V6 but I was thinking we might use this vehicle in a pinch to tow our TT short distances. TT tongue wt loaded is 600 lbs. and overall trailer wt is just under 5000. Will the V6 do OK or should we opt for the V8?
Tow Vehicles
  • ib516's avatar
    ib516
    Explorer II
    Jul 22, 2014
    Based on what you are saying I say buy the V6. If you actually think about the 2-3 times per year you *might* tow with it vs the other 300+ times you will drive it with no load the V6 is the way to go.
  • APT's avatar
    APT
    Explorer
    Jul 22, 2014
    For towing all high walled RV, I highly recommend something with at least 300lb-ft of torque at your desired cruising speed. That means Hemi or Ecodiesel for the JGC.
  • Community Alumni's avatar
    Community Alumni
    Jul 22, 2014
    I just purchased a 2014 Grand Cherokee Limited 4X4 with the V6 and I pull a 21' TT with no problems. I have taken it up the So Cal mountains and had no problems going up to 6000 feet. The V6 Grand Cherokee is rated to tow 6200 pounds.

    Good luck!
  • Superduty123's avatar
    Superduty123
    Explorer
    Jul 22, 2014
    I own a 2012 overland with the 5.7 Hemi V8

    Drive it, you won't buy the V6. It is a total BLAST to drive.

    You only live once, let your grandkids drive the electric car :)
  • DwnSth's avatar
    DwnSth
    Explorer
    Jul 22, 2014
    Thought about the small diesel but it's just expensive an option for what this will be used for. In the ram I'd definitely be looking at that engine. Had a '96 V8 Laredo, great vehicle but only towed pop-up and boat. If it won't be used to tow TT we'll probably go with the 6. Bit better mileage and can still pull boat.
  • FishOnOne's avatar
    FishOnOne
    Nomad
    Jul 22, 2014
    robsouth wrote:
    Pulling a boat and pulling a TT is not a good comparison. I would not attempt to tow very much for very long with a GC. Just me I suppose.


    Agreed... Pulling a boat (18ft-22ft) with one of these vehicles even with the V6 is very realistic.
  • robsouth's avatar
    robsouth
    Explorer II
    Jul 22, 2014
    Pulling a boat and pulling a TT is not a good comparison. I would not attempt to tow very much for very long with a GC. Just me I suppose.
  • Bionic_Man's avatar
    Bionic_Man
    Explorer
    Jul 22, 2014
    What is the mileage difference between the two?

    Have you thought about the ecodiesel?

    I've pulled my boat many miles with a Hemi GC. It did great.
  • rexlion's avatar
    rexlion
    Explorer
    Jul 22, 2014
    If you really mean short distances, not often and not very fast, I think the V6 would do ok. Not in mountains, but you'd be able to go 55 mph or so in flatlands.

    For anything more often or farther distances or up long grades, I'd opt for one of the other engines. I came very close to ordering a Grand Cherokee this spring, but decided to wait another year (finances).
  • FishOnOne's avatar
    FishOnOne
    Nomad
    Jul 22, 2014
    DwnSth wrote:
    Wife is thinking about purchasing 2014 Grand Cherokee for work. She's leaning toward the overland since it seems to have everything 'needed'. One thing we have not settled on is the engine. She's fine with the base V6 but I was thinking we might use this vehicle in a pinch to tow our TT short distances. TT tongue wt loaded is 600 lbs. and overall trailer wt is just under 5000. Will the V6 do OK or should we opt for the V8?


    My wife is eyeballing the new Grand Cherokee's also and I would go with the V6 for her, but for 5000lbs towing in a pinch I'm not sure I'd go with a V6.

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