2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Compatibility with 5000 lb Travel Trailer
Question:
I am looking for guidance. I own a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 2WD, 3.6L 6 cyl. My wife and I are looking to buy a new travel trailer. I know that the Jeep can accommodate up to 6200 pounds and a tongue weight of 620 pounds. I am curious about pulling a travel trailer specifically. I know that the sales people at RV dealers are not reliable in terms of giving good advice about proper tow vehicle requirements. We were looking at a travel trailer TT that weighs about 5000 pounds dry weight and a tongue weight around 500 pounds dry weight. We do not have kids but do travel with 4 dogs. I say this in that we travel fairly light. Of course we have the normal items needed to go camping - two bikes, camp stove and other misc camping equipment screen tent enclosure, camp chairs - we estimate that we have about 400 to 500 total pounds of gear. We are currently pulling / using a 3000 pound dry weight TT. We travel with one propane tank mounted near the hitch, the spare tire is in the back of the trailer. The dogs weigh approximately combined 100 pounds. When traveling, we have the dogs in the tow vehicle and us, thats it...everything else is in the trailer again about 500 pounds total. I was on a keystone rv blog and they all say not to attempt pulling a 5000 pound dry weight TT with any SUV, let alone a Jeep Grand Cherokee. They talked about hitch distribution systems add 100 pounds to the hitch weight, and the propane weight, the weight of the items in the front storage compartment located in the front of the trailer etc....I completely understand all of that and dont disagree. I want to be safe and certainly dont want to put myself or anyone else in danger...this is why I need to get a true and straightinch answer. How much TT weight can I safely pull with a Grand Cherokee? This is based on the premise that I would use every safety / weight distribution system available. I am just confused that the manufacturer states 6200 pounds but all the bloggers are saying that any SUV is nothing more than a glorified people mover and that no SUV should be towing a TT. Any insight is greatly appreciated!
asked by: Craig S
Helpful Expert Reply:
Your 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee is rated to tow 6,200 lbs as you stated. Your owners manual will state your trailer tongue weight should be approximately 10% of your total trailer weight. Most trailers are 10-15% tongue weight. You will want to make sure your trailer hitch is rated for a capacity over 500 lbs. Many times they require a weight distribution system for that weight, but not in all cases. I definitely recommend using a weight distribution system for a trailer that size, and yes, you can tow it.
For your weight distribution system, I recommend the Strait-Line Weight Distribution System w Sway Control # RP66083. Not only will this help control sway by working to actually prevent it, but it will also add 105 lbs to your system as you stated. This is included in the total tongue weight that will include any cargo behind the rear axle of your vehicle as well as the loaded tongue weight of your trailer. You will need a hitch ball like # A-90 for a 2 inch or # 19286 for a 2-5/16 inch option.
You will be on the heavier end but still within your range of towing for your vehicle. If you will be towing in hills or mountains, I recommend adding a transmission cooler like # D13503 to help your transmission not work so hard. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Products Referenced in This Question
2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-3/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 12,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2-5/16 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-3/4 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 12000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- Draw-Tite
more information >
2" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 10,000
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-5/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 10000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- CURT
more information >
Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit w/Barb Inlets - Class III - Efficient
- Transmission Coolers
- Plate-Fin Cooler
- Mid-Size Truck
- SUV
- Van
- Standard Mount
- 11W x 8-3/4T x 7/8D Inch
- With 11/32 Inch Hose Barb Inlets
- Derale
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Strait-Line Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion Bar - 8,000 lbs GTW, 800 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 500 lbs
- 600 lbs
- 700 lbs
- Reese
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Transmission Cooler
- Shop: Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit w/Barb Inlets - Class III - Efficient
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Shop: etrailer Tongue Weight Scale for Campers and Utility Trailers - 2,000-lb Capacity
- Shop: Replacement Suction Cup Mount for Furrion Vision S 4.3" Monitors
- Shop: Towing Mirrors
- Article: Which Sway Control Hitch is Right For Your Trailer?
- Video: Trailer Brake Controller Installation - 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Shop: Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Shop: K-Source Snap & Zap Custom Towing Mirrors - Snap On - Driver and Passenger Side
- Shop: K-Source Universal Dual Lens Towing Mirrors - Clip On - Pair
- Q&A: Does Vehicle with Auto Level Suspension Need to Level Before Install of Weight Distribution
- Video: Fantastic Vent RV Vents and Fans - Roof Vent - FV803350 Review
- Video: Review of Reese Weight Distribution - WD Only - RE44FR
- Search Results: bug deflector
- Q&A: Is it Possible to Use Too High Rated of a Weight Distribution System
- Q&A: Could 1,000 lb Tongue Weight Equalizer System be Used on 5k Trailer
- Shop: Strait-Line Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion Bar - 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW
- Q&A: Normal Wear and Tear on an Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Head
- Q&A: Is a Weight Distribution System Needed For a 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee With 3500lb Trailer.
- Shop: Bug Shield
- Q&A: Recommended Brake Controller and Installation Location for 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Search Results: trailer brake controller
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Video: Choosing the Right Brake Controller
- Search Results: brake controller
- Article: Determining Trailer Tongue Weight
- Video: Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller Review RED24FR
on Weight Distribution Hitch
