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Cherokee_1221's avatar
Cherokee_1221
Explorer
May 07, 2018

Jeep Grand Cherokee?

We are new to camping with a camper, not so much to trailering. My husband and I both grew up on farms and have trailered with trucks and tractors (I did horse trailers). We don't own a truck, but we do have a 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee trailhawk. The max tow weight is 6,200. Wheelbase is 114.8". We just purchased a 18ft travel trailer, dry weight of 3,200lbs and gvwr of I think 5,000. The length is not including the hitch. We do have a weight distribution hitch with sway control. I see all these things about Grand Cherokee not being able to tow travel trailers because of the short wheelbase. Is this correct? What are others experiences towing travel trailers of this size with a grand Cherokee? I obviously knew that a 30ft trailer was not a good setup. The sellers tried talking us into 23ft, I didn't even think that would be safe but thought a 18ft travel trailer would be. Now I'm second guessing it. Other opinions?
Tow Vehicles
  • MFL's avatar
    MFL
    Nomad II
    May 07, 2018
    While there are always better choices for TVs, yes longer WB is usually best, I don't see why your Jeep would not work for you. You are wise to stay with the smaller trailer. Even though your truck is rated to tow 6,200, that may not be for a high walled RV trailer.

    Jerry
  • Cherokee_1221's avatar
    Cherokee_1221
    Explorer
    May 07, 2018
    Thank you Jerry. Ideally I want to stay under 4,500 lbs so we don't plan on trailering with full tanks and will try to pack lighter. We've taken it out twice and it was very short distance, mostly just to get used to it. It seemed to handle ok. I witnessed a sway accident once and I'm scared to death of it, not something you'll ever forget.
  • valhalla360's avatar
    valhalla360
    Navigator
    May 07, 2018
    Should be fine. Yes longer is better but if you check all the ratings and they are within (most likely given what you've told us) it should be fine.
  • jfkmk's avatar
    jfkmk
    Explorer
    May 07, 2018
    I towed a small trailer with a swb SUV for 6 years. While it didnt tow nearly as well as our new lwb F150, it did fine towing all over the east coast.

    Take it slow, enjoy the ride, and you'll be fine.
  • falconbrother's avatar
    falconbrother
    Explorer II
    May 07, 2018
    The guy that lives across the street from me pulls his 26 foot TT with a Jeep Grand Cherokee, V-8. He claims that it does fine. I think it's a matter of subjective opinion. He has towed that trailer all over half the USA with the Jeep.
  • mrad's avatar
    mrad
    Explorer II
    May 07, 2018
    I agree. I think you will be okay, just make sure you ave a good WD hitch. Hensley or pro-pride would be the best but are $2500-$3000. From my understanding, they almost make the combo act as one unit. at, minimum, get and equalizer brand.
  • Cherokee_1221's avatar
    Cherokee_1221
    Explorer
    May 08, 2018
    falconbrother wrote:
    The guy that lives across the street from me pulls his 26 foot TT with a Jeep Grand Cherokee, V-8. He claims that it does fine. I think it's a matter of subjective opinion. He has towed that trailer all over half the USA with the Jeep.


    Eeesh. That would be scary! Thanks for all opinions.
  • Perrysburg_Dodg's avatar
    Perrysburg_Dodg
    Explorer
    May 08, 2018
    Your RV is well with in your GC towing abilities as would a 26' trailer. I wouldn't go much bigger then 26' myself with a GC.

    Don
  • APT's avatar
    APT
    Explorer
    May 08, 2018
    Make sure you have a heavy duty/high capacity transmission cooler. Keep the engine around 2500-3000rpm when cruising by locking out the higher transmission gears and expect 5000rpm accelerating and up hills. The Jeep will handle that trailer well.

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