Towing R-Pod Trailer with 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk
Question:
I love love LOVE my Trail Hawk and was planning to use it for towing our newly acquired R-pod trailer out west. The problem is we took to NJ for a try-out trip and it didnt seem to do as well as I had hoped. Continually downshifting and in order to keep moving seemingly struggling to keep up with highway traffic at 60-65. The Jeep is a 2013 V6 it does not have a tow packageinch however the set-up in back is factory installed. I hate to just hit the road and have the transmission and or engine give us issues. This is a big trip for us we are both turning 65 and celebrating our 40th...any help you can give us would be greatly appreciated!
asked by: Kathy W
Expert Reply:
I'll start this off by saying that you should always consult your owner's manual when looking for exact specs in regards to your vehicle's capabilities and capacities, but from what I was able to determine from my research, the 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee with Trailhawk trim has a towing capacity of 5000-lbs (based on it being a V6 3.6L engine).
Without knowing the specific model of Forest River R-pod trailer you have, I can't tell you the precise weight of that but they generally have a dry weight of no more than 3000-lbs. These two numbers tell me that you're not over the towing capacity of your 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee, but since it doesn't have the towing package it does not have any enhancements to make your towing of a trailer easier on the vehicle.
A lot of the towing packages on Jeeps include a transmission cooler, among other enhancements, to help reduce the stress of towing on your vehicle. I recommend adding a transmission cooler like the Derale # D13611, which will help keep your transmission fluid cool while improving the performance and overall functioning of your transmission. These coolers easily install in one of three spots on your vehicle and can be installed in about an hour and should help with the long distances you're going to be towing your trailer.
If you aren't already using a weight distribution hitch, I would also recommend that, to help keep your trailer from swaying too much on this long trip. Generally any time a trailer weighs more than 50% of your tow vehicle, a weight distribution hitch is recommended to take the stress off of the rear axle of the tow vehicle and correct any issues with sway that might affect vehicle handling and stability. A weight distribution system like the Equal-i-zer # EQ37060ET, which is designed for trailers with a tongue weight between 200 and 600-lbs would likely be a good choice, but you'll want to determine the tongue weight of your trailer and then choose a system that your tongue weight sits in the middle of the weight range. Just for reference, with the Equal-i-zer systems you'll need the Thin Walled Socket # EQ70-00-4800 to install the hitch ball.
I've attached some information on how to choose the correct weight distribution hitch that you may want to have a look at, as well as some other helpful articles on weight distribution systems.
Products Referenced in This Question
Derale Series 9000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit w/ NPT Inlets - Class I -Extra Efficient
- Transmission Coolers
- Plate-Fin Cooler
- Car
- Standard Mount
- 11W x 3-7/8T x 1-1/4D Inch
- With 1/2 Inch NPT
- Derale
more information >
Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 6,000 lbs GTW, 600 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Surge Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 400 lbs
- 500 lbs
- Equal-i-zer
more information >
Thin Walled Socket for Equal-i-zer Hitches
- Accessories and Parts
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- Tools
- Socket
- Equal-i-zer
- Equal-i-zer
more information >
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