Sunriver Doug

[Sunriver Doug]

I have a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the V6 VVT engine annd factory tow package with Class 4 hitch. Looking at purchasing either a Rockwood 2304 or 2304S trailer. The 2304S is heavier but the Rockwood dealer says I won't have any issues with the 2304S. I just have to make sure I don't get carried away loainding up with cargo. Would like feedback from those with similar Jeep model and or trailer model.

[Herk7769]

Dealers lie to make a sale.
To get a bigger commission; they can lie a lot.

Your's may be as pure as driven snow, however.

[Herk7769]

I assume you have 4WD in the Jeep. If so, your max tow rating according the 2012 Trailer Life book of tow ratings is 5000 pounds with just a full tank of gas in the Jeep and a 150 pound driver.

Every pound over that comes off your max tow rating. Add 30 pounds of beer gut (not that you have one), a svelt wife (130 pounds or so), a few kids and a dog. your available camper weight drops by that amount.

Rockwood 2304S Travel Trailer by Forest River, The Original RVWholesalers. New RV's & Parts Sales, Wholesale Dealer

The "brochure weight" of the camper is 4467 pounds. That does not include goodies like propane or batteries or air conditioner or even a smoke detector.

The UVW or "yellow sticker" weight will be the "as built" weight and it will run 1 to 2 hundred pounds heavier depending on how the camper was ordered by you or the dealership.

The gross trailer weight ("typical weight after all your gear is in it) is about 1000 pounds heavier. It's max gross weight (according to Rockwood 2304S Travel Trailer by Forest River, The Original RVWholesalers. New RV's & Parts Sales, Wholesale Dealer is 6639 pounds.

This is well above your Jeep's max tow rating.

Another thing you should look at is tongue weight which MUST be between 10 and 15% of the camper's weight for safe towing and handling. What effect will that have on your Jeep's max gross weight?

[Herk7769]

When you show up at the dealer complaining about the 3 miles per gallon you are getting, the salesman will point you down the street where you can trade your jeep for a vehicle that can tow YOUR camper.