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03-13-2015, 05:46 PM
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#1
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Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 2
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233s/Grand Cherokee Diesel
Hello,
I'm new to RVs and towing but really interested in a hybrid camper. The 233s is what I really like. This will require an upgraded tow vehicle as our '11 Odyssey will clearly not cut it.
My question is, is the Diesel Grand Cherokee adequate as a tow vehicle for the 233s? I have a hard time comprehending all of the weight data, but what I know is that the Cherokee is rated to tow 7200 pounds. The GVWR of the 233s is 6602 and the hitch weight is 602 (not sure if the GVWR includes the hitch weight).
We are a family of four. Not large people and our kids are 7 and 5.
Will the Diesel Grand Cherokee cut it?
Thank you all for your help and advice.
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03-13-2015, 09:37 PM
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#2
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Site Team
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Goodyear, Arizona
Posts: 33,554
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it's more about payload capacity than towing capacity, when discussing a SUV as a tow vehicle.
most have much lower payload capacities, than a comparable 1/2 ton truck.
that 602 "dry" number could be closer to 750, when loaded for camping.
__________________
Dan-Retired California Firefighter/EMT
Shawn-Musician/Entrepreneur/Wine Expert
and Zoe the Wonder Dog(R.I.P.)
2016 PrimeTime TracerAIR 255, pushing a 2014 Ford F150 SCREW XTR 4x4 3.5 Ecoboost w/Max Tow Package
4pt Equal-i-zer WDH and 1828lbs of payload capacity
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03-13-2015, 10:01 PM
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#3
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hamster
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Bellingham, WA.
Posts: 39
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I agree with bikendan, my 446 lb dry hitch weight quickly turned into 700 lb
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03-14-2015, 09:44 AM
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#4
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Take The Road Less Travld
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Cincinnati
Posts: 595
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We tow our 2013 233s with a 99 dodge durango as you see pictured below. It is rated at 6500lbs max towing capacity and I can feel it back there when pulling it. I have gone as far as Michigan from Ohio, but usually stay close. I can only compare this 17 year old truck to your question, I don't know what a healthy SUV with 7200lbs towing capacity will do. Going up hills is really the kicker, everything else is fine. The durango also has around a 1200lbs payload. the hitch being about 50, the trailer tongue being about 700 and three young boys gets that pretty close to max. After years of towing experience in the durango, we are looking to get a supercab f150 or 1500 dodge with a much higher towing capacity and payload. I hope to make it thought the Appalachian Mountains soon.
We towed a HW276 for 7 seasons at 3500lbs minimum lbs rating and now the 233s at 4500 minimum rating (6500max) for going on our 3rd season. It will do it, we camp around 10 times a year with most being within 50-100 miles of home. It will work in my unprofessional opinion, but think about how much traveling and where you will be towing before making a final decision.
__________________
"Take The Road Less Traveled"
2020 Cherokee 294BH
2021 Chevy Silverado 2500HD 6.6 Duramax Diesel
I've been an RVer since 2007, Lifetime Camper
Gotta love the Outdoors, Disconnect and Enjoy Nature!
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03-14-2015, 09:55 AM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Texas Hill Country
Posts: 269
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I would look around over at the Jeep forum a little bit.
If you can get it and hook up for a test run I would do that.
I love my wife CG the are not the least expensive SUV s out there.
Salt
__________________
2014 Silverback 29RE, 2014 Ram 2500 CC 4x4 Hemi 6.4 auto w/ airbags, B&W Companion. Saltwater boats and rum like any good pirate.
Lose the 2nd and the rest will follow.
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03-14-2015, 07:56 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 583
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233s/Grand Cherokee Diesel
I researched this exact vehicle, I can tell you the u tube review they were pulling a ski boat at I think about 5000 lbs which has way less wind resistance than a travel trailer, there was only three of them in the vehicle and they stated in the review the trailer was dog waging all around. I was going to buy this Eco diesel and pull our 233s but not enough payload for a 233s which tongue weight is close to 700. There is 4 people and two labs so this will not work. I think it would be borderline empty with one person in it. I'm looking into durangos now.. If they put a Eco diesel in them that would be awesome!!!
Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums
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03-15-2015, 09:57 AM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 158
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Quote:
Originally Posted by urocav2001
I researched this exact vehicle, I can tell you the u tube review they were pulling a ski boat at I think about 5000 lbs which has way less wind resistance than a travel trailer, there was only three of them in the vehicle and they stated in the review the trailer was dog waging all around. I was going to buy this Eco diesel and pull our 233s but not enough payload for a 233s which tongue weight is close to 700. There is 4 people and two labs so this will not work. I think it would be borderline empty with one person in it. I'm looking into durangos now.. If they put a Eco diesel in them that would be awesome!!!
Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums
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I was told the tongue weight was 602, the spec on forest river web site says 602, how did you come up with close to 700? Does a WDH add to this, you say 700 to play it safe? Just wondering, thanks!
__________________
2016 Rockwood ROO 233S
2013 Ford F150 3.5 ECO SCREW
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03-15-2015, 10:03 AM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 583
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Add weight of battery, 40 lbs of propane and that doesn't include the weight which is in the back of the jeep.
Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums
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03-15-2015, 10:27 AM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Komoka Ontario
Posts: 2,680
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I tow a 2012 Surveyor 264 with a VW Touareg TDI which is a direct competitor to the Grand Cherokee, mine is heavier than what you are looking at and also longer, I do use a Hensley though, it tows great and the power is nothing short of awesome the fuel consumption is also very good.
__________________
"Well that didn't go as expected"
2015 Chev 2500HD Highcountry Duramax
Cedar Creek Silverback 33IK
Donald&Casey cairn terrier
Rest in Peace Mary my darling wife.
Scottish by birth Canadian by time.
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03-15-2015, 10:53 AM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 583
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I believe the payload capacity of the Touareg is higher than a Cherokee. It's also a lower and wider vehicle which makes it a bit more stable. There's a lot more tire on the ground too.
Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums
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03-15-2015, 01:52 PM
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#11
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Site Team
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Goodyear, Arizona
Posts: 33,554
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TT233S
I was told the tongue weight was 602, the spec on forest river web site says 602, how did you come up with close to 700? Does a WDH add to this, you say 700 to play it safe? Just wondering, thanks!
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you're making the newbie mistake of using fictional "dry" weight numbers.
NO trailer or hitch weighs its "dry" number in the real world.
as urocav stated, that hitch number doesn't include the weights of battery, propane, water and the cargo loaded into the trailer.
it's very easy for that fictional 602 number to jump up to 750lbs., when loaded for camping.
__________________
Dan-Retired California Firefighter/EMT
Shawn-Musician/Entrepreneur/Wine Expert
and Zoe the Wonder Dog(R.I.P.)
2016 PrimeTime TracerAIR 255, pushing a 2014 Ford F150 SCREW XTR 4x4 3.5 Ecoboost w/Max Tow Package
4pt Equal-i-zer WDH and 1828lbs of payload capacity
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03-15-2015, 04:39 PM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Canada
Posts: 223
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Quote:
Originally Posted by r3and2
Hello,
I'm new to RVs and towing but really interested in a hybrid camper. The 233s is what I really like. This will require an upgraded tow vehicle as our '11 Odyssey will clearly not cut it.
My question is, is the Diesel Grand Cherokee adequate as a tow vehicle for the 233s? I have a hard time comprehending all of the weight data, but what I know is that the Cherokee is rated to tow 7200 pounds. The GVWR of the 233s is 6602 and the hitch weight is 602 (not sure if the GVWR includes the hitch weight).
We are a family of four. Not large people and our kids are 7 and 5.
Will the Diesel Grand Cherokee cut it?
Thank you all for your help and advice.
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My GC Diesel is rated for 7400lbs. The trailer weight is just over 5800lbs (dry) and when fully loaded with full propane, water tanks (when boondocking) and all the supplies it is very close to max weight. Your starting point is 800lbs above ours, I'm not sure it would be a good idea. Dry weight is without water, propane or batteries. Its really easy to add 1000lbs. Once a year I go thru my trailer and make sure I don't have unnecessary items packed away.
I moved my batteries inside under the bench seats located above the wheels. This helps with the hitch weight.
If you decide to go forward, be sure you get a good sway system, either ProPride or Hensley. I would not tow a trailer without my ProPride.
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.
__________________
2011 2902ss Rockwood Ultralight
2008 Grand Cherokee 3.0L Diesel (255 hp @ 2900 rpm / 430 lb-ft @ 1,400-2,800 rpm)
3P ProPride Hitch
RV Mods
Wandering RV Life
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03-15-2015, 04:40 PM
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#13
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Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 2
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Thank you all for the helpful replies. I think the Touareg is worth looking at.
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03-15-2015, 09:40 PM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Komoka Ontario
Posts: 2,680
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[QUOTE=WestCoastRV'er;806906]My GC Diesel is rated for 7400lbs. The trailer weight is just over 5800lbs (dry) and when fully loaded with full propane, water tanks (when boondocking) and all the supplies it is very close to max weight. Your starting point is 800lbs above ours, I'm not sure it would be a good idea. Dry weight is without water, propane or batteries. Its really easy to add 1000lbs. Once a year I go thru my trailer and make sure I don't have unnecessary items packed away.
I moved my batteries inside under the bench seats located above the wheels. This helps with the hitch weight.
If you decide to go forward, be sure you get a good sway system, either ProPride or Hensley. I would not tow a trailer without my ProPride. Quote.
.The dry weight of the 233s is 4512lbs and tongue of 602lbs with a Gross Vehicle weight of 6602lbs, well within the ability of your Grand Cherokee.
__________________
"Well that didn't go as expected"
2015 Chev 2500HD Highcountry Duramax
Cedar Creek Silverback 33IK
Donald&Casey cairn terrier
Rest in Peace Mary my darling wife.
Scottish by birth Canadian by time.
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03-16-2015, 06:50 AM
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#15
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Oshawa, ON
Posts: 978
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Quote:
Originally Posted by urocav2001
Add weight of battery, 40 lbs of propane and that doesn't include the weight which is in the back of the jeep.
Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums
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Also, if you're hauling fresh water in your tank, most are located in front of the axles......adding tongue weight.
__________________
Dave, Southern,ON
2017 GMC SLT HD All Terrain Crew Cab (6' 6" Box) 2012 Roo 23SS
E2 Trunnion WDH (1,000 lb / 10,000 lb)
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03-16-2015, 08:21 AM
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#16
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Take The Road Less Travld
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Cincinnati
Posts: 595
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bikendan
you're making the newbie mistake of using fictional "dry" weight numbers.
NO trailer or hitch weighs its "dry" number in the real world.
as urocav stated, that hitch number doesn't include the weights of battery, propane, water and the cargo loaded into the trailer.
it's very easy for that fictional 602 number to jump up to 750lbs., when loaded for camping.
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Don't forget the weight of the hitch. Mine is 50 lbs due to it being a sway hitch as well.
My wife wants the Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland which is 7200 tow rating and 1150 lbs payload. So..... 700 for the trailer, only leaving 400lbs of stuff, including people in the trailer. I don't think I would be any better off with it then I am currently with the durango.
Personally I am looking at the Dodge 1500 which has around 10k towing capacity and almost 1600-1800 payload depending if its a crewcab or standard chassis.
__________________
"Take The Road Less Traveled"
2020 Cherokee 294BH
2021 Chevy Silverado 2500HD 6.6 Duramax Diesel
I've been an RVer since 2007, Lifetime Camper
Gotta love the Outdoors, Disconnect and Enjoy Nature!
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03-16-2015, 08:44 AM
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#17
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Canada
Posts: 223
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[QUOTE=DDC;807191]
Quote:
Originally Posted by WestCoastRV'er
My GC Diesel is rated for 7400lbs. The trailer weight is just over 5800lbs (dry) and when fully loaded with full propane, water tanks (when boondocking) and all the supplies it is very close to max weight. Your starting point is 800lbs above ours, I'm not sure it would be a good idea. Dry weight is without water, propane or batteries. Its really easy to add 1000lbs. Once a year I go thru my trailer and make sure I don't have unnecessary items packed away.
I moved my batteries inside under the bench seats located above the wheels. This helps with the hitch weight.
If you decide to go forward, be sure you get a good sway system, either ProPride or Hensley. I would not tow a trailer without my ProPride. Quote.
.The dry weight of the 233s is 4512lbs and tongue of 602lbs with a Gross Vehicle weight of 6602lbs, well within the ability of your Grand Cherokee.
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@ only 4512 dry weight the GC can easily tow it. Still need either ProPride or Hensley Arrow. Safety is #1, don't let the price scare you away.
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__________________
2011 2902ss Rockwood Ultralight
2008 Grand Cherokee 3.0L Diesel (255 hp @ 2900 rpm / 430 lb-ft @ 1,400-2,800 rpm)
3P ProPride Hitch
RV Mods
Wandering RV Life
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03-16-2015, 01:11 PM
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#18
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Site Team
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Goodyear, Arizona
Posts: 33,554
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[QUOTE=WestCoastRV'er;807409]
Quote:
Originally Posted by DDC
@ only 4512 dry weight the GC can easily tow it. Still need either ProPride or Hensley Arrow. Safety is #1, don't let the price scare you away.
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Saying the OP "NEEDS" a ProPride or Hensley, is not true.
other time-tested sway integrated WDH's, like the Equal-i-zer, will do a good job too, at a much lower cost.
Especially for a trailer like the 233S.
but if you have the money and desire to have the top of the line, then go for one of those two.
__________________
Dan-Retired California Firefighter/EMT
Shawn-Musician/Entrepreneur/Wine Expert
and Zoe the Wonder Dog(R.I.P.)
2016 PrimeTime TracerAIR 255, pushing a 2014 Ford F150 SCREW XTR 4x4 3.5 Ecoboost w/Max Tow Package
4pt Equal-i-zer WDH and 1828lbs of payload capacity
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03-16-2015, 02:57 PM
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#19
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Canada
Posts: 223
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[QUOTE=bikendan;807708]
Quote:
Originally Posted by WestCoastRV'er
Saying the OP "NEEDS" a ProPride or Hensley, is not true.
other time-tested sway integrated WDH's, like the Equal-i-zer, will do a good job too, at a much lower cost.
Especially for a trailer like the 233S.
but if you have the money and desire to have the top of the line, then go for one of those two.
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It is only a suggestion. In my opinion, these are the safest way to tow a trailer.
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__________________
2011 2902ss Rockwood Ultralight
2008 Grand Cherokee 3.0L Diesel (255 hp @ 2900 rpm / 430 lb-ft @ 1,400-2,800 rpm)
3P ProPride Hitch
RV Mods
Wandering RV Life
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03-16-2015, 03:38 PM
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#20
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Site Team
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Goodyear, Arizona
Posts: 33,554
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in your case, towing a 30'+ TT with a short wheelbase SUV, i think you made the right choice.
__________________
Dan-Retired California Firefighter/EMT
Shawn-Musician/Entrepreneur/Wine Expert
and Zoe the Wonder Dog(R.I.P.)
2016 PrimeTime TracerAIR 255, pushing a 2014 Ford F150 SCREW XTR 4x4 3.5 Ecoboost w/Max Tow Package
4pt Equal-i-zer WDH and 1828lbs of payload capacity
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