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Old 03-13-2015, 05:46 PM   #1
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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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Old 03-13-2015, 09:37 PM   #2
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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.
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Old 03-13-2015, 10:01 PM   #3
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I agree with bikendan, my 446 lb dry hitch weight quickly turned into 700 lb
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Old 03-14-2015, 09:44 AM   #4
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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.
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Old 03-14-2015, 09:55 AM   #5
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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.

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Old 03-14-2015, 07:56 PM   #6
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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!!!


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Old 03-15-2015, 09:57 AM   #7
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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!!!


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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!
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Old 03-15-2015, 10:03 AM   #8
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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.


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Old 03-15-2015, 10:27 AM   #9
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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.
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Old 03-15-2015, 10:53 AM   #10
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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.


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Old 03-15-2015, 01:52 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TT233S View Post
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!
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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Old 03-15-2015, 04:39 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by r3and2 View Post
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.

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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Old 03-15-2015, 04:40 PM   #13
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Thank you all for the helpful replies. I think the Touareg is worth looking at.
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Old 03-15-2015, 09:40 PM   #14
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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.
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Old 03-16-2015, 06:50 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by urocav2001 View Post
Add weight of battery, 40 lbs of propane and that doesn't include the weight which is in the back of the jeep.


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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.
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Old 03-16-2015, 08:21 AM   #16
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Originally Posted by bikendan View Post
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.
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.
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Old 03-16-2015, 08:44 AM   #17
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[QUOTE=DDC;807191]
Quote:
Originally Posted by WestCoastRV'er View Post
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.

@ 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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Old 03-16-2015, 01:11 PM   #18
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[QUOTE=WestCoastRV'er;807409]
Quote:
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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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.
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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Old 03-16-2015, 02:57 PM   #19
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[QUOTE=bikendan;807708]
Quote:
Originally Posted by WestCoastRV'er View Post

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.

It is only a suggestion. In my opinion, these are the safest way to tow a trailer.

.
.
.
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Old 03-16-2015, 03:38 PM   #20
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in your case, towing a 30'+ TT with a short wheelbase SUV, i think you made the right choice.
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