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Garfish · 12-31-2018, 06:01 PM

Looking to upgrade TV for new Sport 22 from Highlander Ltd AWD. It has been great with previous 16 and it tows the 22 fine with WD but lease is up and like more power for Sierra Nevadas and don’t want to lose payload or cargo. Truck ruled out due to garage and us as daily drive so large SUV under $50K new

Durango RT AWD has Hemi with 360 HP and 390 torque, 7200 tow. GVWR 7100 but that is from online that also gives 1412 to 1924 payload, so looking for Durango drivers to give real number and tow experience with this baby

GC is mostly the same vehicle I understand and would get Limited, 5.7 Hemi as well, with tow and 4X4 just like the Durango. CG looks like 1380 payload although I have seen post say it is less. Cargo is definitely less than Highlander or Durango butHP and torque should be about the same.

Like the look of the CG as well as resale so could handle the smaller cargo over Durango. Real payload between the two is important so any help appreciated

PKI · 12-31-2018, 07:17 PM

Look again. The Durango did have a longer wheelbase. That is good and bad. You need to test drive to determine best for you.

Andrew T · 12-31-2018, 07:43 PM

The Durango is a more stable tow vehicle than the GC but the Jeep is a better off road vehicle.

Countryboy59 · 01-01-2019, 08:34 AM

I towed a 19’ with a GC, it was fine. Only shortcomings were the mirrors (needed extensions and were barely adequate even with them) and the pentastar six was light on power. Do yourself a favor, get the Hemi.

AirstreamJim · 01-01-2019, 09:43 AM

Every current generation Jeep Grand Cherokee I’ve seen comes stickered with a max payload of 1,050 lbs., regardless of what the actual vehicle weight vs. GVWR is. That’s likely not a big problem with your Sport 22, unless you like to load up your TV with a lot of gear. I don’t know what the Durango’s max payload is.

The JGC pulled my 25FB beautifully but the payload was way over 1,050 when loaded up for camping, so we upgraded to a bigger TV.

I’d love to tell you to get the EcoDiesel engine in the Jeep but my experience with catastrophic engine failure at 25K miles, and reading similar stories of so many others, makes it impossible for me to recommend the engine. Too bad, because when it works it’s a wonderful drive train for towing and the fuel economy is fantastic.

Jim

Aprilrivet · 01-01-2019, 10:19 AM

Our TV is a '16 Durango V6 (290 hp - 260 pd/ft ) with the 8 spd transmission for our '96 25' AS. Tow rating @ 6200 #. This will no doubt illicit numerous responses to the age old TV debates.
We purchased the Durango vs the GC because we felt it was roomier and less expensive. Over the past 24 mo's we've towed approx 30,000 km (20,000 mi) throughout the eastern / southern US as well as across Canada to Oregon and back. We've virtually encountered all terrains without any issues whatsoever. Ours is equipped with paddle shifters and only once did we have to drop it to 3rd gear near Yellowstone. The hitch work was done in Canada at Can Am RV which is an important element to the whole towing package.
Your choices with the equipped Hemi's will obviously be more than adequate but quite frankly unnecessary. This is our go to vehicle so the gas mileage is important (although with current pricing it's not that big of a deal...for now !!)
Good luck as both vehicles are great !

Mike1997 · 01-01-2019, 12:45 PM

I had a 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee with diesel engine that was made by the Germans at Damler Chrysler. It was fantastic up till the engine developed an oil leak that got into the coolant system. No one would touch it at 137k miles. It would tow anything.....but I used it behind my diesel Airstream.
Hope they can improve those engines....would enjoy having another.

brick1 · 01-01-2019, 02:16 PM

Check the payload, as you are already doing. That is where many vehicles come up short. Remember to add the weight of all occupants and gear, as well as hitch weight. Check out the new Expedition, as well.
brick

RobH41 · 01-01-2019, 03:10 PM

We just bought a new Durango GT Blacktop RWD with the v-6 (295 hp) and the factory installed tow package...which did take some searching to find one with that tow package. We plan to tow our smaller Argosy Minuet 6-meter with it when I'm done with the restoration of that little Argosy. Our 2016 FC 25' FB we tow with a GMC 2500 Duramax diesel. I like to have a bit of overkill in my TVs, as I've found that marginal rated towing "capacity" is just that..."marginal". Give yourself some breathing room in your choice of TV and you won't regret it!

TouringDan · 01-01-2019, 03:17 PM

I have not owned either, but I believe both are good TV. I like the Durango interior more but that is personal preference.I would go for the Durango because the wheel base is longer and it has more room. Now the Durango resale doesn’t look as good as the GC, so I would go after a Durango low mileage 16 or 17 model. I would also go for the 2wd model as the payload is probably higher and the highway mileage is 3 mpg better for the 6 cylinder.

Good luck, Dan

Wayne&Sam · 01-01-2019, 04:46 PM

I've towed our 25' FC with our Durango Citadel Hemi (with tow package) for five seasons, New York to Oregon, BC, Quebec and a lot in between. We have no regrets and it's also a great daily driver.

Our FC weighs 6600lbs, loaded for travel. I've weighed it with everything in the car as well and everything was within limits.

frone · 01-01-2019, 06:05 PM

I am in the Aprilrivet camp and offer my recent experience. Bought a 25 ft in Oct and towed it home and a couple short trips with a Chevy Silverado 1500. Got assistance from CanAm and had my 2015 MB ML 350 factory hitch strengthened. Towed 800 miles today down I-95 and it towed like a dream. I had the MB for a few months before the airstream and like it. As a CPO vehicle, similar to Durango, it was $32K out the door. It was a sweet ride today and I have plans for many more.

Wayne&Sam · 01-01-2019, 06:26 PM

I towed my 20’ with a ML. I had two of them and loved them. That’s why I went to the Durango when I wanted something larger. It was designed when Mercedes owner Chrysler and is the same platform.

Sam George · 01-01-2019, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Garfish

Looking to upgrade TV for new Sport 22 from Highlander Ltd AWD. It has been great with previous 16 and it tows the 22 fine with WD but lease is up and like more power for Sierra Nevadas and don’t want to lose payload or cargo. Truck ruled out due to garage and us as daily drive so large SUV under $50K new

Durango RT AWD has Hemi with 360 HP and 390 torque, 7200 tow. GVWR 7100 but that is from online that also gives 1412 to 1924 payload, so looking for Durango drivers to give real number and tow experience with this baby

GC is mostly the same vehicle I understand and would get Limited, 5.7 Hemi as well, with tow and 4X4 just like the Durango. CG looks like 1380 payload although I have seen post say it is less. Cargo is definitely less than Highlander or Durango butHP and torque should be about the same.

Like the look of the CG as well as resale so could handle the smaller cargo over Durango. Real payload between the two is important so any help appreciated

Another large SUV under $50K new is a Tahoe 4WD. The 5.3-Liter EcoTec3 V8 Aluminum block with direct injection delivers 355 hp @ 5600 rpm with 383 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4100 rpm. Has 6-speed transmission. The Max Trailering Package includes Auxilliary transmission cooling, Trailer brake controller and the Towing capacity is 8400 lbs. Good luck with your purchase.

redhat200 · 01-02-2019, 10:00 AM

2014 Dodge Durango Citadel Hemi . Luxury and the ability to pull our first Airstream a 2016 22 foot Bambi. When we added our second dog we knew we needed a more space. Now we’re pulling it with the 2018 25 International serenity. The Dodge Durango has a pool and capacity of 7300. Pulls like a dream. 14 miles to the gallon isn’t bad also. Congratulations on joining the Airstream community. Now join one of thevclubs in your area . Greatest group of people. Let the adventure begin. Also if you need any tweaking to customize it for yourself. In our 25 we had ultimate Airstream make it our airstream dream. They are in Oregon. Not sure where you’re located. But if you’re coming through their area I wouldn’t hesitate to have them do any customization. They also will give you an Airstream to continue your travel while they’re doing your work. Check them out on their website. And if you’re wondering no I don’t work for them. But they did customize our Airstream into our Airstream dream. Congratulations again. Hope to see you down the road.

Andrew T · 01-02-2019, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sam George

Another large SUV under $50K new is a Tahoe 4WD. The 5.3-Liter EcoTec3 V8 Aluminum block with direct injection delivers 355 hp @ 5600 rpm with 383 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4100 rpm. Has 6-speed transmission. The Max Trailering Package includes Auxilliary transmission cooling, Trailer brake controller and the Towing capacity is 8400 lbs. Good luck with your purchase.

The Tahoe doesn’t actually handle or perform as well as the Durango. Unfortunately the Tahoe wheelbase is shorter with the same overhang, taller centre of gravity, live axle rear suspension instead of independent suspension and 6 vs 8 gears though you would think the 10 speed should arrive soon.

Larger interior though.

Andy

Garfish · 01-02-2019, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrew T

The Tahoe doesn’t actually handle or perform as well as the Durango. Unfortunately the Tahoe wheelbase is shorter with the same overhang, taller centre of gravity, live axle rear suspension instead of independent suspension and 6 vs 8 gears though you would think the 10 speed should arrive soon.

Larger interior though.

Andy

Thanks, Andy

Garfish · 01-06-2019, 06:09 PM

Found a great GL 450 to replace my Highlander. Hitch receiver 2 inches lower so assume I just adjust the Husky. Asked dealer if this means new tv and TT to them to adjust or is it something I can do. Advice?