Looking at new trailer worried about my tow vehicle

[jlgail4309]

2018 Dutchmen Kodiak Ultra - Lite 255BHSL 5091 dry weight 1300 pounds for cargo weight. 28.9 feet long. 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel. 7200 max tow weight.

[SailorSam20500]

What is the cargo capacity of the jeep? Should be listed on a sticker inside the drivers door. That is more likely to be your limiting factor.

[HangDiver]

Originally Posted by SailorSam20500

What is the cargo capacity of the jeep? Should be listed on a sticker inside the drivers door. That is more likely to be your limiting factor.

Specs says 1430lbs.

[jlgail4309]

Would airbags help anything. I do have a Hensley Cub for sway control. But it heavy too. Just wanting some more room and heated underbelly.

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by HangDiver

Specs says 1430lbs.

How do you know the payload capacity of the OP's Jeep?

[asquared]

i think your wheelbase is going to be too short for a trailer that size. it will give you a white knuckle ride. i also think you will be tight on towing capacity once loaded and very likely over payload of that jeep. you are right to be worried. You will need to look at smaller trailers or a new TV. Sorry.

[clarkbre]

Originally Posted by asquared

i think your wheelbase is going to be too short for a trailer that size. it will give you a white knuckle ride. i also think you will be tight on towing capacity once loaded and very likely over payload of that jeep. you are right to be worried. You will need to look at smaller trailers or a new TV. Sorry.

Agreed. From my experience pulling a similar size/weight trailer with an F150 on a 145" wheelbase, I wouldn't want any less truck or more trailer. Think of the tail wagging the dog.

[jlgail4309]

I'm towing with a Hensley no sway hitch. But it also add weight to the rear of the Jeep . I have never had sway with this hitch. But thats why Im asking I check cargo on the Jeep after work. I was hoping the hitch would make up for the short wheel base.

[stevegotl]

Up until this past September I was pulling a 2017 Coachmen Freedom Express 246RKS, dry weight about 4,900 lbs, with a 2014 Grand Cherokee with a 7200 tow capacity but it was not nice. Like someone here said, "like the tail wagging the dog". In September I bought a new RAM 1500 with the Hemi and a tow capacity of 10,200 lbs. and on our first trip with it, it was a dream compared to the GC. I am so glad to have made the switch.

[HangDiver]

Originally Posted by bikendan

How do you know the payload capacity of the OP's Jeep?

I don't. I said the specs show 1400 +. But to be more accurate what I should have said is that the max payload specifications reach upward of 1430 depending on how its equiped.

I looked very hard at a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel as a replacement for my wifes '05 CRV but decided against it due to the fact that I would have to take it 2-hours away to be worked on if something major where to go wrong with it.

The OPs vehicle type powertrain, dimensions and capacities: 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4x4 CRD - First Look Road Test - Truck Trend

[MT Biker]

I am also in the camp of way to big of a trailer for the size of the Jeep. Not saying it won’t tow it, I just wouldn’t want to be driving it!

[slottere]

Originally Posted by jlgail4309

2018 Dutchmen Kodiak Ultra - Lite 255BHSL 5091 dry weight 1300 pounds for cargo weight. 28.9 feet long. 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel. 7200 max tow weight.

I pull a 2016 Coachmen Apex 249RBS (UVW 4,730 lbs, 28'3"" L) with a 2015 Grand Cherokee Ltd 4x4 (towing cap 6200 lbs.) I have traveled over 10K in 18 months with this towing combo (including through the Smoky Mtns. - three times!)

I have not found the Jeep's shorter wheelbase to be a problem. Using a Reese 10K WDH w/ anti-sway bar I have had no "white knuckle" issues (except for some nasty crosswinds in FL on I-10 last year when all the RV rigs on the road were moving around a bit!). In fact, it actually pulls/maneuvers better than my last TV (a 2009 Nissan Frontier Long Bed Crew Cab with a terribly wide turn radius!).

With that said, I travel pretty light with just DW & a small dog. I don't put much in the Jeep except a couple zero-gravity chairs in back. I carry an average load of provisions (+/- 600 lbs.) in the TT & rarely travel with more than 1/4 tank of FW. My BW & GW tanks are always (virtually) empty when I'm on the road.

Hope this helps & good luck with your decision!

Happy camping!
Richard

[jlgail4309]

I believe 1400 is the max load capacity. The hitch weight is 560 dry weight . That leaves 840 pounds .

[DouglasReid]

Originally Posted by jlgail4309

I'm towing with a Hensley no sway hitch. But it also add weight to the rear of the Jeep . I have never had sway with this hitch. But thats why Im asking I check cargo on the Jeep after work. I was hoping the hitch would make up for the short wheel base.

If the weight of the trailer is less than the towing capacity, AND the tongue weight is less than the allowed tongue weight of the tow vehicle you will not be wrong in towing the new TT.

If those two conditions are met, AND you have a Trailer Brake Controller in the Jeep, I would consider taking a trip before deciding to purchase a new tow vehicle.

PS. I had NO idea Jeep ever put a diesel engine in a GC.

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by jlgail4309

I believe 1400 is the max load capacity. The hitch weight is 560 dry weight . That leaves 840 pounds .

well, WDH will weigh around 100lbs., two batteries will be around 70lbs. and propane around 40lbs.
that's 210lbs. making it 630. add passengers, cargo and water and you'll be close to using up the balance for the 630lbs. payload left over.

[jlgail4309]

I would definitely be at the top of my towing capacity. Well have to think about that a little while. The smaller for plan's with the bunks just dont add that much more room. Wanting to do some winter camping at our favorite spots. Well might have to upgrade to a 3/4 ton diesel. Then can look at more floor plans.

[rjshiflet]

Originally Posted by jlgail4309

I would definitely be at the top of my towing capacity. Well have to think about that a little while. The smaller for plan's with the bunks just dont add that much more room. Wanting to do some winter camping at our favorite spots. Well might have to upgrade to a 3/4 ton diesel. Then can look at more floor plans.

I think that would be a very wise consideration. We towed a 27' Dutchmen TT with a Ford Expedition and three years and on the Interstate when a big rig would pass us, it was white knuckles every time. Seemed like we were getting pulled into the truck.

We then switched to our first fifth wheel, bought a 3/4 ton diesel and never looked back.

[DouglasReid]

Originally Posted by jlgail4309

I would definitely be at the top of my towing capacity. Well have to think about that a little while. The smaller for plan's with the bunks just dont add that much more room. Wanting to do some winter camping at our favorite spots. Well might have to upgrade to a 3/4 ton diesel. Then can look at more floor plans.

3/4 ton and diesel will CERTAINLY increase your floorplan options!

Im NOT going to start a one make over another, just tell you to do your research and figure out what you want...........then look for the very best deal for you. Any of today's diesels will easily run for 500,000 miles if maintained correctly. You do not have to buy new if price is an issue. I simply cannot stand to pay more than I have to, even though I can afford to.

Chevy and GMC Duramax Forum
PowerStrokeNation : Ford Powerstroke Diesel Forum
Dodge Cummins Diesel Forum

Research in those forums for information on each different make. The good and bad of each will be addressed in those forums by people who really know the individual vehicles. It should help you decide which you like best. The appropriate one will also help tremendously with maintaining your ultimate choice

[Restcure]

Originally Posted by DouglasReid

If the weight of the trailer is less than the towing capacity, AND the tongue weight is less than the allowed tongue weight of the tow vehicle you will not be wrong in towing the new TT.

If those two conditions are met, AND you have a Trailer Brake Controller in the Jeep, I would consider taking a trip before deciding to purchase a new tow vehicle.

Given the fact that the OP has a Hensley Hitch, I would agree... though we still don't have his actual payload number.

PS. I had NO idea Jeep ever put a diesel engine in a GC.

Yep, 2007-2009 in North America. It was DaimlerChrysler at the time and the engine was the 3.0L Mercedes Benz CRD OM642 V6. It's my understanding that Daimler-Benz AG declined to continue providing engines after Chrysler was sold to Cerberus Capital Management.

[jlgail4309]

I 'm weighing it out. Really wanting a bunk house for my 2 6 year old girls. I think if we packed light . Maybe put some airbags on the Jeep. But how long will the transmission hold up to that kind of weight. We are going to look at a smaller trailer this weekend. With out the bunks. The girls would have to sleep on the u shape table. Mamma gets her bedroom she wants. We will see. Thanks for all the help.