Jeep Grand Cherokee DIESEL as towcar

[Coloradobus]

We are looking at a 2007, 'new", Jeep Grand Cherokee DIESEL 3.0 liter 4X4 as a towcar replacement of our extended cab Duramax 3/4 t Chevy 4X4. We need the car to do double duty, as a tow car and to be towed behind our S.O.B motorhome.
The chevy is a great towcar, but being towed behind the coach in California makes us way to long for their 65 ft combined length law. Combined, we are over 72 ft long. We specifically tow the Disco in Ca now which makes us length legal, but are wanting a car to do both jobs, well.
So, the Jeep has become a likely candidate.

I don't want to get rid of a perfectly good truck for a marginal tow vehicle. The Jeep has a 109.5 wheelbase, and a former towcar was a Land Rover Disco with a 100 inch wheelbase. Rover was OK< but the Chevy is much much better. We would be using the same hitch arrangement we have now on the Jeep, which is Reese Dual cam and Friction plate sway bar. I know , I know why so much sway control??,. We occasionally tow with a 69 caddy and the coil springs mandate all the sway control
Any input would be great.

[crispyboy]

As long as you stay within the weight/length requirements of the GC you should have a decent tow vehicle. Nothing is going to equal the previous combo - realize this from the start and you should be fine. You may also have to be more aware of the items you bring with you when tow. A GC is just not going to hold as much stuff as a pickup.

[Coloradobus]

Crispyboy,

Thanks for your input. The Jeep GC diesel has tow capacity of 7200 lb worth of trailer capability. None of our airstreams comes close to that. Other than 3 dogs and essentials like wheel chocks, genset, etc, the Chevy truck is mostly empty. It sort is our country cadillac. So carrying estra goodies is not a problem. I am just concerned the wheel base is too short and will be a problem....but maybe not.

[Coloradobus]

anyone else have a comment or criticism?

[Road Ruler]

Originally Posted by Coloradobus

anyone else have a comment or criticism?

This link may help.. Trailer Life Magazine Open Roads Forum: Towing with our 2006 Jeep Liberty CRD (turbodiesel)

Page 6 and 7 at that link have some positive comments about Jeep towing capabilities. I think you will find that a quality towing experience is all about selective connection hardware and detail in the setup.

[AlbertF]

Massive torque for a 3 litre engine! I think it will be an extremely good tow car from a power perspective. Also, Cherokees seem to be pretty good in the stability department. I think it's a very reasonable choice given your modestly sized trailers.

[Westfalia]

Chris and Jim, for what you want to do, I think you have hit upon the perfect TOAD/Tow Vehicle setup. I'd pull the trigger!

[Westfalia]

Oh, I also see that self leveling HID lamps are available for the Jeep. If you do a lot of night towing, GET THIS OPTIONS. Self leveling HID's and towing are a sweet setup.

Edit: I also see that there is an optional trailer sway control options, which if it is the same Bosch setup on the newer VW Touareg, is supposed to better modulate the tow vehicles brake if it senses the trailer pushing you into a sway condidtion.

Also, you can get the Backup camera option. VERY recommended for trailer hookup and make for no guess hookups everytime.

[TDITD]

I am in the same boat with my jeep. I was told to keep the trailer under 25'

[mustang]

Colorado I was wondering if you did it? and how did it tow your trailer

[TDITD]

I am still looking for an A/S