Hi we are about to purchase our first TT and will need a new TV also. We are looking at the Jeep Grand Cherokee, but can't decide on which engine or drivetrain, its between the diesel and the V8 hemi. looking here:http://www.jeep.com/en/jeep_capabilities/towing/#GrandCherokee2Tab*shows the payload and towing capability of the V8 and diesel and 2WD vs 4WD. here is a summary:engine drive towing payloadv8 2wd 7400 1170 4wd 7200 1290 diesel 2wd 7400 1160 4wd 7200 1270The diesel comes with a 3.45 axle ratio and the V8 is 3.09. v8 is 360hp, 390lb ft torquediesel is 240hp 420 torqueThe TT we are looking at is the Winnebago 2101FBS which has a dry weight listed as 3840, but it looks like actual ones are closer to 4000 lbs.The payload in the TV will be 2 adults and a dog and maybe 50 pounds of stuff, so about 500 lbs. Which combination of engine and 2/4wd is going to be our best bet for towing? We plan on traveling west through the mountains at some point. We will also be using the vehicle every day for commuting.If the 4wd option had the same payload capacity then I would not even consider it, as 4wd is going to be more maintenance in the long run.The diesel costs more up front, but may pay for itself over time in gas mileage.

Looks like they will all do the job. If it is also a daily driver I would look close at the V6 and diesel. To me, a 2wd Jeep is an oxymoron and resale could be a problem. Might make a great TV though.

I have a 2014 Jeep GC Limited 4X4 with the V6 engine and tow a 2014 Flagstaff Micro Lite 21DS travel trailer with a 3,939 dry weight and a 4,900 lb. GVWR. The V6 Grand Cherokee can tow 6,200 lbs.

I confess to being a diesel fanboy. The V8 and the diesel Grand Cherokee have stats close enough, either will do fine. The V8 will probably be faster, but nobody cares about that as a tow vehicle.I would go 4wd rather than 2wd for one major reason: towing stability. I've a Jeep diesel that allows one to drive either 2wd or AWD, and have found that towing in AWD gives better directional stability, which is helpful when you are passing or being passed by an 18 wheeler.

The turbocharged diesel really pays off in the mountains where the air is thinner and gassers start to struggle with heavy loads. For what it's worth, our ecodiesel averaged 30 MPG on a road trip (not towing, of course) from Oregon to New Orleans and back. The 8-speed tranny in the new models makes a big difference as our 2008 CRD would only get around 25 MPG on similar routes. That's not bad for a 4x4 that has an EPA estimate of 28 MPG on the highway

thank you everyone, very helpful.One more questions, does the wheel size or tires matter (18" or 20") as far as towing goes?

which jeep grand cherokee is best | Good Sam Community

13 Replies

Hammerhead
Explorer
Oct 02, 2014
My overland with the ecodiesel engine has 1,050 lbs listed as the cargo carrying capacity on the sticker. The Jeep web site says I should have a max payload of 1,170 with 4x4. I would think my payload should be less than the gassers since the diesel engine is heavier and I doubt they use any different suspension components.
dnhx
Explorer
Oct 02, 2014
after looking at a few Grand cherokees on the lot, I noticed everyone one of them had the maximum payload as 1050 lbs - this was on the sticker in the door jam. No one at the dealer could answer my question about it. Here is what i got back from someone at Chrsyler:

"Ultimately, it appears that no matter which model, trim, engine or driveline that you order on a Jeep Grand Cherokee, you are going to get a Max Payload of 1,050 lbs as stated on the door plate. That is the figure you must abide by for vehicle loading as whatever figure that is stamped on the door plate is the rule."

What??

this is in conflict of the specifications link that Chrysler sent me the day before :
http://chryslermedia.iconicweb.com/mediasite/specs/2014_JP_Grand_Cherokee_SP.pdf

1050 does not leave much for the trailer after 2 people a dog and the hitch. 500 - 550 lbs at best. 12% of trailer weight on the tongue means only a 4170 fully loaded trailer.

Does anyone have a different number stamped in their vehicle?
APT
Explorer
Sep 30, 2014
Limited, Overland, Summit. I have one build to my own desires right around $50k MSRP. Or a Limited 4WD with only the Ecodiesel starts at $44k.
Paul_Clancy
Explorer
Sep 30, 2014
I thought the diesel was only in the overland and summit? Meaning big $$$
APT
Explorer
Sep 30, 2014
Verify as equipped payloads per the tire and loading sticker on the driver's door as you shop.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4WD Diesel is my choice. The Hemi would be faster and sound better, but the diesel would drive at least as well every day and use about 30% less fuel. That means longer tank ranges. I really like my 650+ miles per tank in my DD.
Paul_Clancy
Explorer
Sep 30, 2014
Diesel Awd for me.
Bionic_Man
Explorer
Sep 30, 2014
I believe that the Hemi will be the first up the hill, but the diesel will get there as well.

The diesel will without question get significantly better MPG, towing and empty.

I would probably go with the diesel.
NC_Hauler
Explorer
Sep 29, 2014
dnhx wrote:
thank you everyone, very helpful.

One more questions, does the wheel size or tires matter (18" or 20") as far as towing goes?

No....won't affect already set RAWR, GVWR and GCWR....20" may cause adjustments with TT hitch, but don't even think that would be an issue.

I'd go with the diesel just for the fact, empty, it should get the very best mpg, may even get the best when towing....4X4 would be preferable in my opinion:)
dnhx
Explorer
Sep 29, 2014
thank you everyone, very helpful.

One more questions, does the wheel size or tires matter (18" or 20") as far as towing goes?
Hammerhead
Explorer
Sep 29, 2014
The turbocharged diesel really pays off in the mountains where the air is thinner and gassers start to struggle with heavy loads.

For what it's worth, our ecodiesel averaged 30 MPG on a road trip (not towing, of course) from Oregon to New Orleans and back. The 8-speed tranny in the new models makes a big difference as our 2008 CRD would only get around 25 MPG on similar routes. That's not bad for a 4x4 that has an EPA estimate of 28 MPG on the highway