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Old 01-19-2017, 09:15 AM   #1
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2019 25' Flying Cloud
Kalamazoo , Michigan
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Jeep Grand Cherokee Tow Vehicle?

We've just bought a 2014 Bambi International 19' and need a TV. We'd like the smallest vehicle with adequate (not marginal) towing capacity, and are considering a 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited with a Group IV towing package. Any thoughts? Thanks!
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Old 01-19-2017, 09:32 AM   #2
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Several threads on this. I have a 2011 JGC 4X4 Overland w/5.7 Hemi. Currently pulling a 2006 23 Safari. Pulls fine below 3000 ft but seems to lose power quickly above that.
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Old 01-19-2017, 09:37 AM   #3
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Thanks for the reply, I should have also mentioned that we're definitely looking at the V6 engine.
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Old 01-19-2017, 10:23 AM   #4
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Jeep site shows the class IV tow package only available with the 5.7 V-8. Class III with the 3.6 V-6. V-6 Max tow capacity 6,200 lbs. Sounds like enough but I bet it is still only "marginal" especially on long or steep grades.
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Old 01-19-2017, 10:27 AM   #5
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I have no issues with my 2014 Durango 5.7V8 and 8 speed transmission towing either my 1979 Safari or 1954 29' Liner. Although both are probably lighter than your 2006 Safari. The new 8 speed transmission is fantastic, plenty of gear choices, even going through Rocky Mountain NP and Trail Ridge road.

Bill

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Originally Posted by AWCHIEF View Post
Several threads on this. I have a 2011 JGC 4X4 Overland w/5.7 Hemi. Currently pulling a 2006 23 Safari. Pulls fine below 3000 ft but seems to lose power quickly above that.
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Old 01-19-2017, 10:34 AM   #6
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I loved my Jeep Grand Cherokee with V-6. But I think it'd be underpowered towing in the mountains.
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Old 01-19-2017, 11:16 AM   #7
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Doesn't jeep make the cherokee with the eco diesel? That wouldn't hurt for power. I've got it in a RAM 1500 and it's great! Not sure what the emissions flap will mean to sales but in my mind it'll be a good one.
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Old 01-19-2017, 11:20 AM   #8
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I recently heard a news article stating that the epa was taking action against the jgc diesel engine for pollution.

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Old 01-19-2017, 11:22 AM   #9
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I think if I was in the market for a new JGC (which I am) I would go with the diesel. I know a couple of experienced folks that tow larger heavier trailers than mine and are very happy with their decision to go with the Jeep diesel. Really do not think the v6 gas has enough ump (so) to comfortable get the job done at altitude.
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Old 01-19-2017, 11:32 AM   #10
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JGC Diesel

We tow a 23D with the Jeep Eco-Diesel and have gone through all the major passes of Colorado with no problem whatsoever. Torque is fantastic and the mileage can't be beat. We averaged about 19MPG, which included a lot of mountain driving.
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Old 01-19-2017, 11:33 AM   #11
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We have been towing our 2002 19' Bambi with Jeep Grand Cherokees since the trailer was new. All have had V8s and our latest is a 2016 Jeep GC with the V8 and air suspension. All have towed the trailer with ease and the newest is clearly the best yet. More than adequate power, a transmission that always seems to have the right gear available, and the best mileage of any GC yet. Highway mileage while towing at about 65 mph is better than 14 mpg and when not towing about 23-24 mpg at speeds up to 75 mph. Short-distance, around-town driving is another story!

Tim
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Old 01-19-2017, 12:17 PM   #12
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We had a 2015 JGC withe the V6 when we owned a FC 23FB and I can tell you towing around the Blue Ridge Mountains here in Virginia it was underpowered. When you get on those winding up hill roads it was always screaming in 2nd gear. Additionally we had little pay load capacity is there was more than the wife and I on a ling trip.
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Old 01-19-2017, 01:59 PM   #13
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JGC Diesel

My JGC

2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit diesel
Max trailer Wt: 7200 lbs
Max tongue Wt: 720 lbs
Max frontal area: 55 sq ft
Weight distributing hitch reqd over 3500 lbs
8 speed transmission
Air ride suspension with auto-leveling.

Pulls my 6600 lb GVWR trailer just fine. Gets fantastic mileage. 33 city 26 combined 14-16 when towing. Best vehicle I've ever owned.

Go diesel. You'll never regret it. I sure don't.
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Old 01-19-2017, 02:11 PM   #14
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As much as I like my 2011 JGC I am getting a little tired of all the recalls and maintenance issues that are cropping up. Last week had to take it in to have sun visors and associated wiring replaced. Today received notification of the expected air bag recall. That makes 7 recalls in the last 18 months. Currently my tire pressure monitoring system has crapped out and they want $250 to fix it. Dash cover has come loose and buckled up, repair cost $1400. Bought a dash cover for $30. Out of sight mostly out of mind.
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Old 01-19-2017, 02:12 PM   #15
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Before buying, you might want to check out what Consumer Reports has found. The Jeep gets a lousy repair and reliability rating from owners and CR doesn't give it anything better for 2017. The Dodge Durango and a couple of Toyota models get much better ratings. With a factory tow package, all have enough power to get you anywhere you want to go with a Bambi.
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Old 01-19-2017, 05:20 PM   #16
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We have a 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7 L Hemi towing a 2011 20' Flying Cloud. There are 162,000 Miles on the Jeep and 50,000 miles on the Bambi. We have towed to Alaska and Newfoundland (twice) from New Mexico and have never had any problems with this combination. Some mountain passes in British Columbia and especially Colorado last summer slowed us down, but there has never been any question of overheating or having to turn back. The V-6 would not be sufficient in the mountains and marginal on long grades with the 19' Bambi. In my opinion, I would just go with the V-8 or the new diesel. I don't know the cost of the Diesel, but I think it is quite a premium. Our next vehicle will most likely be a Jeep Grand Cherokee due to the size to fit in our garage and driveability around town. We also drive the Jeep to Northern New Mexico in the winter on a regular basis and the 4 WD Quadra Trac II with electronic limited slip differential is GREAT in the snow.
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Old 01-19-2017, 05:53 PM   #17
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I had a Grand Cherokee Summit EcoDiesel and my mom has a Grand Cherokee Laredo V6. Both pulled a 3,500 pound trailer (non-airstream) with relative ease. The diesel got great gas mileage (28 highway not towing, 18 towing). It was a great vehicle as a daily driver. Towing with the V6 is a little bit strained but you can do it. You'll be going pretty slow up mountain passes, but you will be able to do it.

As for reliability, both have been very reliable without issues. If you look online, there will be plenty of people who say they've had problems. Keep in mind, Jeep sells a TON of these vehicles, and most people have no problems with them. Reliability of most vehicles is far better today than it was in the past. There's always a chance that you'll get a lemon no matter what vehicle you buy. The only car I've ever owned that left me stranded on the side of the road was a Honda Civic.

I would recommend the Jeep. If it were me, I'd get the diesel because it has more torque and tows with less strain than the V6. But I'm sure the V6 would be adequate.
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Old 01-19-2017, 07:17 PM   #18
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Just a note from a very happy 2015 JGC EcoDiesel owner: the recent EPA investigation into the FCA EcoDiesel engine emissions controls has resulted in the EPA withholding certification of the 2017 model year Jeep Grand Cherokee and RAM 1500 vehicles equipped with the EcoDiesel engine. The very few that were built are stored pending certification, which may never come. If you're looking for a new vehicle, you'll have to search for a 2016 leftover sitting on a dealer's lot...and that's likely to be a tough search. That said, if you find one, you should be able to negotiate a sweet deal, especially given the emissions issue.

If you're lucky enough to find one, you will love the Jeep with the EcoDiesel engine.

Jim
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Old 01-20-2017, 02:23 AM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by USAtraveler View Post
Before buying, you might want to check out what Consumer Reports has found. The Jeep gets a lousy repair and reliability rating from owners and CR doesn't give it anything better for 2017. The Dodge Durango and a couple of Toyota models get much better ratings. With a factory tow package, all have enough power to get you anywhere you want to go with a Bambi.
We have a fleet of these at work and everyone loves them. I towed a 19' with the V6 and it did great. Had the sun visor recall and no other issues. It has almost 300 horsepower, plenty for pulling a 3800 lb trailer. I used a WD hitch and carried 4 people a few times without issue. The trans temp stayed at 167F even on the hottest days.
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