Jeep Grand Cherokee

[Wayne&Sam]

I tow our 25' FC rear twin with a Durango Hemi. Works just fine.

Fully loaded with full tanks and all supplies and gear, our FC weighs about 6600lbs. I put it with the fully loaded Durango (full tank, two people, two dogs, two bikes and stuff) on scales and all axles were within limits.

Plus it's a great daily driver.

[jonathansimo]

Originally Posted by Wayne&Sam

I tow our 25' FC rear twin with a Durango Hemi. Works just fine.

Fully loaded with full tanks and all supplies and gear, our FC weighs about 6600lbs. I put it with the fully loaded Durango (full tank, two people, two dogs, two bikes and stuff) on scales and all axles were within limits.

Plus it's a great daily driver.

Thanks for the real world weights. Super helpful while I plan.

My wife and I drove a durango today, and thinking strongly that's the way we'll be going.

[andreasduess]

Originally Posted by jonathansimo

Thanks for the real world weights. Super helpful while I plan.

My wife and I drove a durango today, and thinking strongly that's the way we'll be going.

We love ours. I was concerned moving to a large SUV, but the Durango is at its heart closer to a European SUV than a truck with a passenger cabin stuck to it - which is often the case with domestic full size SUVs.

Unlike the Expeditions and Suburbans I test drove, it is capable of running in a straight line at speed and takes a corner without crazy understeer - it has the same 50/50 weight distribution that BWM constantly brags about.

This review in the New York Times is from 2011, but still pretty valid with the new models: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/04/au...skin.html?_r=0

[wkerfoot]

If you decide on the Durango, I am certain that you will be pleased.

Bill

Originally Posted by jonathansimo

Thanks for the real world weights. Super helpful while I plan.

My wife and I drove a durango today, and thinking strongly that's the way we'll be going.

[jonathansimo]

Thanks again everyone.

Hopefully last question circline back on the 4x4 vs. 4x2 discussion. There seem to be some pretty good deals on very gently used 4x2s but I'm not seeing many used 4x4s. Any concerns with going with a 4x2? I'll hopefully be camping in some national parks and boondocking, but I imagine not to far from roads.

Anyway- would appreciate thoughts on this one.

[wkerfoot]

You probably won't see many used 4X4s where you live. You will have to look where there is snow. I went with AWD, more just because rather than a specific need. You probably won't need 4WD in any national or state park, but you might if you boondock in rainy weather.

Bill

Originally Posted by jonathansimo

Thanks again everyone.

Hopefully last question circline back on the 4x4 vs. 4x2 discussion. There seem to be some pretty good deals on very gently used 4x2s but I'm not seeing many used 4x4s. Any concerns with going with a 4x2? I'll hopefully be camping in some national parks and boondocking, but I imagine not to far from roads.

Anyway- would appreciate thoughts on this one.

[dkottum]

We have 4x4 but rarely use it, and could have avoided even that if we have not backed into wet or muddy sites with a little drop towards the back. You would do fine if you look over the site before backing in. If going into remote boon docking sites, 4x4 would be a good thing to have.

Personally I always want it in a tow vehicle.

[andreasduess]

I went with the 4x4 option because we had a couple of occasions with the van where we "just" made it into a wet vampsite, or up a grassy hill, with the Honda. Wet, or even just damp, grass, as harmless as it looks, is a real killer and to be avoided wherever possible.

The rear wheel drive of the Durango will help, with the trailer weight supporting traction. For as long as it is dry, I don't think you'd need 4WD.

But the main reason I got it was because of our Canadian winters. It just makes for better driving in the snow.