James_A wrote:
Hello,
First time buyer here and doing the research. I have a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7L Hemi V8 4x4. Here are the vehicle specs:
Towing Capacity: 7200
Tongue: 740
GCWR: 13100
Curb: 5150
Payload: 1660
Here's where I am now working the numbers. I am using the Jayco 26BH as a placeholder for the weights.
Jeep Curb (inclusive of fuel) @ 5150 + Jeep Payload (me, wife, kids, 300lbs misc) 800 + Jayco 26BH @ 4505 + Jayco tongue @ 445 + Trailer Misc load @ 1000 (includes bikes, water, misc etc) = 11200 lbs which is under the 13100 GCWR.
The trailer at 4505 plus 1000 misc = 5505 which is 75% of the towing capacity of 7200 which seems to be a good rule of thumb.
So basically a 4500lb to 5000lb trailer seems to be doable so far in my research. Can someone please double check my math to make sure I'm correct and I'm not missing something critical?
So now that I have the weights somewhat sorted, I am starting to look online at the models that fall in that class. The Jayco 26BH is a contender as I have 3 kids but I realize this trailer is going to feel small when we are all in it together.
I would greatly appreciate any other suggestions folks might have so I can get some data together before attending the next RV show. I can do the math but realize there are many realities of spending long weekends as family in a small camper that you guys have learned over the years. Are slide outs even an option for me? BH models definitely seem like the best option so those are of particular interest.
Thanks so much in advance.
I'm not sure I understand how you are coming up with the numbers. You are listing tongue and payload as if they are two different numbers. You have to subtract from the payload the tongue weight of your trailer. What you have left is available payload for occupants and cargo inside the tow vehicle. Or, you could subtract from the payload your occupants and cargo and what is remaining is available for a trailer tongue weight.
I've looked at the Jeep website at
http://www.jeep.com/en/jeep_capabilities/towing/#GrandCherokee1Tab* and couldn't find a Grand Cherokee listed with a payload of 1660lbs. In reality, 1660lbs of payload available on a midsize SUV would be fantastic! But I don't think it exists. The most I see listed is 1350lbs on a 2WD model. Also, the payload and towing ratings are assuming that your Grand Cherokee model is equipped with the trailer tow group.
Here is how I would look at the actual numbers.
Assuming (never a good thing - get on a scale and get weighed) :
1350lbs of payload capacity
1350lbs - 800lbs (you, your wife and kids + 300lbs misc) = 550lbs remaining.
(You mentioned the 26BH weighing 4500lbs, if that is dry expect it weight much more. You mentioned adding 1000lbs of gear to the trailer. So, 5500lbs is what you're expecting the trailer to weight. I would typically base my tongue weight calculations on the GTWR instead to see if I'm safe. Presuming the GTWR is 6000lbs you could expect to have a tongue weight of anywhere between 10-13% of the total trailer weight to be safe. 10-13% of 6000lbs would be 600-780lbs.
550lbs remaining payload capacity - 600lbs of tongue weight = -50lbs of capacity. You're over the limit.
It is very close and this is assuming you have a 2012 Grand Cherokee 2WD. These payload figures that I am basing this off of is the Jeep.com website. You can find your actual payload capacity by weighing your Jeep and subtracting that weight from the GVWR for that Jeep which should be listed on the driver door jam on a nice little sticker. It might even have the math done for you and give you a payload capacity. Typically, I never take the manufacturers word for it because they tend to be off and sometimes off substantially.
I am not saying it can't be done or shouldn't be done. Like mentioned above you will want a weight distribution hitch as well as a good trailer sway system with a short wheelbase tow vehicle like the Grand Cherokee. You will not have any problems pulling the load with the HEMI the issue will be safety. You have a 26' wind catcher applying pressure to the rear axle of a short wheelbase vehicle. The force applied can be huge and enough to get you into a bad situation with a swaying trailer really quickly.
Best of luck to you! BTW, I also own a Grand Cherokee except it's with the 3.6L Pentastar - awesome vehicle!
