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wfcentral · 07-23-2016, 06:39 PM

okay - so our original plan was to get a Jeep Grand Cherokee because my wife has always driven SUVs (Honda CRV) and likes them. Jeep Grand Cherokee has a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds according to Google OR 7,400 according to Jeep (year not specified). We were trying to find lightweight trailers.

We ended up falling in love with (and putting $500 retainer on) a 2016 KZ Vision 22BHS-MB
New Travel Trailers for Sale in Texas and Oklahoma | Mcclain's RV Superstores
Dry Weight 4,530 / Payload 1,070 / GVWR: 5,600

We had looked at a Used Jeep Grand Cherokee that morning.
2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7 HEMI Laredo edition
45,000 miles
Price $25,000
CarFax shows one minor accident on front left corner???
Scores 91 out of 100
FULLY LOADED - all features + sunroof.

We were a little worried about getting to close to the limits of the Jeep... so, we asked if they had any trucks in our price range.

They showed us a 2014 RAM 1500 4WD Quad Cab Tradesman with 21,000 miles for $26,000 (2014 Ram 1500 for sale in Henrietta - 1C6RR7FT3ES281835 - Four Stars Auto Ranch)
CarFax shows no accidents - score of 96 out of 100

= QUESTIONS =
Would we be over doing it trying to pull this trailer with a Jeep Grand Cherokee?

UPDATE INFO
okay just went to Dodge site and put in VIN for Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup we are looking at...
Max payload = 1,495
Max Towing = 8,650

TXiceman · 07-23-2016, 08:07 PM

I would go with the Ram truck properly equipped. It has a heavier drive train and longer wheel base.

Ken

RGene7001 · 07-24-2016, 12:12 AM

If you really want to pull this trailer with Jeep it will work, but setup is cricial. If done right, it will do the job as good as pickup or even better and be more enjoyable both as a tow vehicle and as a daily driver. Short wheelbase is ok if the rear overhang, or the distance from the rear axle to the hitch ball is short as well. Unfortunately, height adjustable hitches add quite a few more inches and it does not help your cause. The other big thing is the strength of the hitch receiver, it should be able to handle weight distribution forces, factory hitch is a must. I believe Jeep receiver is stronger and and rated for higher load that what I had on my ML, so reinforcement may be not necessary.
Good luck

Dtwallace · 07-24-2016, 12:21 AM

The Ram would be my choice, it has stiffer side wall wheels that are much more stable than that of the jeep. That alone makes the setup much easier, less time consuming and safer.

DTW

roteague · 07-25-2016, 07:43 AM

My previous vehicle was a 2012 Grand Cherokee and now I have a 2015 RAM 1500. The RAM rides much better, although isn't as good in corners as the Jeep. I prefer the RAM over the Jeep.

coldfusion · 07-25-2016, 08:47 PM

Ram

2500HD · 07-31-2016, 05:05 PM

Get the truck if your serious about towing.

RSchleder · 07-31-2016, 05:17 PM

The Ram will be a much better choice for the trailer your looking at!

wfcentral · 08-01-2016, 06:04 AM

UPDATE: we got the truck (RAM 1500 w/tow package + HEMI)

We got the Trailer this past weekend and drove 120 miles home with it. The truck had no problem pulling it (yes, it was empty). The only thing we noticed was the fwd/back motion when we were on roads that were not level... not very much rocking... but, for people who have never towed a trailer it was a weird feeling. It disappears when we get on smooth and level highway.

(yes, I know if we get a BIGGER TRUCK this would go away because the truck would be heavier and the trailer would not be able to move it as much - this is our FIRST RV SETUP and it was what we could afford)

Also, we got 9.4 mpg towing the trailer if anyone is interested.

coldfusion · 08-01-2016, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wfcentral

UPDATE: we got the truck (RAM 1500 w/tow package + HEMI)

We got the Trailer this past weekend and drove 120 miles home with it. The truck had no problem pulling it (yes, it was empty). The only thing we noticed was the fwd/back motion when we were on roads that were not level... not very much rocking... but, for people who have never towed a trailer it was a weird feeling. It disappears when we get on smooth and level highway.

(yes, I know if we get a BIGGER TRUCK this would go away because the truck would be heavier and the trailer would not be able to move it as much - this is our FIRST RV SETUP and it was what we could afford)

Also, we got 9.4 mpg towing the trailer if anyone is interested.

I have the same truck and I added airbags which pretty well eliminated any rocking and bouncing while towing

wfcentral · 08-02-2016, 06:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coldfusion

I have the same truck and I added airbags which pretty well eliminated any rocking and bouncing while towing

which airbags did you get? the cheaper $99 version or the $150+ version?

coldfusion · 08-02-2016, 08:57 AM

[QUOTE=wfcentral;3189995]which airbags did you get? the cheaper $99 version or the $150+

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001O...W9L&ref=plSrch

tizeye · 08-24-2016, 07:59 PM

Just saw your post and good choice on the Ram. While I am looking new, was concerned when you stated used on the Grand Cherokee. The reason is, and it boggles my mind, while 4x4 new includes the tow package as standard, while 4x2 doesn't and has to be included as an option on factory builds which I see on few of the V6 models. I am looking at the diesel models and locally (Florida) most 4x2 don't include the tow package with the other upgraded components. When shopping used, people need to be aware that an aftermarket hitch is inferior to factory build as it lacks the other components - HD alternator, HD cooling, etc.