Matching TT to a V6 Jeep Grand Cherokee

gemsworld wrote:
I have the same TV and a slightly larger TT.

I recently originated the following thread: Can the weight police check these numbers for me?

LOL - I just read through the linked thread - some people need to relax a little, it was a fun read though..

keymastr wrote:
---Both will work for you just keep in mind that those were dry weights and usually you want to start with gross weight and work backwards. Since both of them have about 2500 pounds of cargo capacity their gross weights are about 6000 pounds, not that you probably would ever have that much but that is what they are rated for.---

IMO, you can ignore the trailers GVWR, unless you actually plan to load it to that weight. Most people do not.

To estimate how much your loaded trailer is likely to weigh, you can start with the factory-delivered weight from the yellow sticker --
or you can use the manufacturer's brochure/website empty weight and add about 200-300# to get an estimate of "dry weight".

Then add your best estimate of how much cargo and liquids you will carry in the trailer.
For a 19' or 21' trailer, an added weight of 1000-1500# might be reasonable.
Use the lower weight if you do not travel with full fresh or waste water tanks.
Use the larger value if you plan to travel with full waste water tanks.

---Trailers are typically a couple hundred pounds heavier from the factory than their dry weight, maybe more if you add A/C. Then fill the water, propane dishes and cooking stuff, bedding etc. and you probably will weigh closer to 5000 pounds.---

I agree -- so why do you start by telling them to begin with the trailer's GVWR and "work backwards"?
You came to a reasonable estimate by starting with the "dry weight" and working forward.

If the trailer's loaded weight is, say, 5000# and the tongue weight percentage is 13%, the loaded TW will be about 650# versus the "Max trailer tongue weight" of 620#.

Ron

I have the same TV and a slightly larger TT.

I recently originated the following thread: Can the weight police check these numbers for me?

Chances are good that the longer model could be too heavy on the hitch once you load up the trailer. Especially if the fresh water tank is up front (I don't know if it is). LP, battery, water and gear add more than one would expect to the hitch weight. But check on the actual hitch weight allowable with the Grand Cherokee. Because I thought they all get the same class IV receiver regardless of engine choice, and if so, your allowable hitch weight may be more even though the tow rating is still only 6200. You will need a WD hitch, of course.

Your door jamb has a sticker that states the max occupants and cargo weight for your specific vehicle. Tounge wt counts against this but there are only 2 of you so you shoild be ok. The second trailer is getting close to your max tounge wt so be careful what you ad to the front of the tt.
Most importantly be sure your hitch is set up by someone who knows what their doing. This may or may not be the dealer.

Have fun.

If that was my TV I would be looking for a pop up but if you are happy with it... You see all kinds of crazy things out there and you set up is probably better than many.

Wow, those are good looking little trailers. Both will work for you just keep in mind that those were dry weights and usually you want to start with gross weight and work backwards. Since both of them have about 2500 pounds of cargo capacity their gross weights are about 6000 pounds, not that you probably would ever have that much but that is what they are rated for. I really liked the Shadow cruiser and I think you will come to appreciate the extra room and the dinette sleeper for guests, should you have them. It also carries a more realistic fresh water tank and had more storage, which is always tight.

Just be aware of those gross weights and be sure not to pile it full of rocks you find or what have you and you will be fine. Trailers are typically a couple hundred pounds heavier from the factory than their dry weight, maybe more if you add A/C. Then fill the water, propane dishes and cooking stuff, bedding etc. and you probably will weigh closer to 5000 pounds. Doable with your rig but that will probably be all you will want to haul. If you went all the way to the full gross weight,(remember the rocks?), you would not find it fun and would run out of tounge weight.