Grand Cherokee ZJ WJ v8 Tow pkg Experience

[SouthForkAS]

Any real world experience with Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ or WJ? V8 with tow package, they are rated at 7000# with 500# tongue weight.
I prefer solid axles and with a little research, one can find excellent examples for a very good price.
I was a mechanic (retired) so have some advantage regarding maintenance costs and judging a used vehicle.
It seems to work out on paper- but the big question is,
HOW BIG CAN I GO? WHICH USED MODEL WOULD BE BEST COMBO?
thx for your input

[Ruscal]

The 500 lb tongue weight is the kicker. That would be 10% of 5000 lb gross trailer. My 19' Bambi is in that ballpark.
Russ

[AWCHIEF]

My 2011 JGC with 5.7 Hemi 4X4 and factory tow package is rated for 720 lbs and a GTW of 7200 lbs per my owners manual. The 3.6 6 cyl is rated for 500lbs and 5000 lbs.

[Tim A.]

We have towed our 19' Bambi with four different Jeep Grand Cherokees, one with solid axles front and rear, one with independent front suspension and a solid rear axle, and two with fully independent air suspension. All have had V8 gas engines. Clearly the best for all aspects of towing is our present 2016 Grand Cherokee.

There was a time when I thought the solid axles should be better, but our vehicles with independent suspension have taught me differently.

Tim

[Isuzusweet]

Originally Posted by Tim A.

We have towed our 19' Bambi with four different Jeep Grand Cherokees, one with solid axles front and rear, one with independent front suspension and a solid rear axle, and two with fully independent air suspension. All have had V8 gas engines. Clearly the best for all aspects of towing is our present 2016 Grand Cherokee.

There was a time when I thought the solid axles should be better, but our vehicles with independent suspension have taught me differently.

Tim

I would completely agree with you as IRS systems have the ability to absorb shocks and changes in topography without transfering that change or shock to the hitch.

Cheers
Tony

[Countryboy59]

I towed our 19' with a 2011 Overland V6. It was excellent but I would have preferred the Hemi V8. I don't trust the small diesels yet so I passed on those versions when shopping. I'm sure the solid axle versions would be OK also, but there's a world of difference between the newer (Mercedes) versions and the older ones. It also made a very luxurious commuter vehicle. When I went to trade it in on an F350 the dealer skipped showing me the lower optioned versions of the truck and said "after driving this you just wouldn't be happy with them".

I would tow up to a 23' with the newer V8 GC.

[Barretta2]

I tow my 23' FC with my 2012 JGC V-8 Hemi with tow pkg and WD/anti-sway bars. Hardly know my baby is behind me going cross-country....except when climbing long/steep grades. Short and steep, no problem, but long/steep and at altitude, I kick back, fall in line with flashers on behind the semis and enjoy the scenery. No question about, I will get another JGC when this one ages out. (Not sure whether to switch to diesel, though....)

[AWCHIEF]

I discovered this past summer that above 3000 ft the Hemi starts to lose power quickly. At 5000 ft it felt like a tired 4 cylinder.

[Tim A.]

Originally Posted by Barretta2

I tow my 23' FC with my 2012 JGC V-8 Hemi with tow pkg and WD/anti-sway bars. Hardly know my baby is behind me going cross-country....except when climbing long/steep grades. Short and steep, no problem, but long/steep and at altitude, I kick back, fall in line with flashers on behind the semis and enjoy the scenery.

Originally Posted by AWCHIEF

I discovered this past summer that above 3000 ft the Hemi starts to lose power quickly. At 5000 ft it felt like a tired 4 cylinder.

Interesting because such lackluster performance is not anything we have experienced with any of our Jeep GCs, three of which had/have Hemis. With each successive version of that engine, towing and driving mileage have improved and we have not encountered an interstate grade we could not drive up at 60 mph (don't always do that). The 8-speed transmission in our 2016 provides a better match between gear and power so that uphills are even easier.

Our towing includes Donner Pass in California, passes on Interstate 80 in Nevada, and high-altitude and mountain driving in Idaho and Montana.

Tim

[Bborzell]

We live at 2200 feet in the Sierra foothills. Our 2014 JGC Overland V6 has never suffered for power going over Donner Pass. It is rated for 620 lbs and 6200. It has the 8 speed transmission which increases both hitch and gross weight capability.

[Wayne&Sam]

I tow a 25' FC with a Dodge Durango Hemi. That's a Jeep GC with a third row seat. It tows well and have had no problems with mountain passes out west.