Community Forums

CA Traveler · 10-07-2018, 05:10 PM

I want to use my 14 Grand Cheorokee Overland, 6 cylinder, weighs 5600 lb with a 6200 lb towing limit to flat tow a 3200 lb 04 CRV. The CRV is set up for towing including automatic auxiliary brake unit and lights and has been towed behind a motorhome and the same Roadmaster tow bar will be used. This is a onetime tow of 1600 miles from Phoenix to Seattle hence some grades.

It’s been years since I’ve towed with a car and never with the Jeep. I’ll hook up and make a local test run which will be my only recent experience.

Any suggestions on what to check, look for, anticipate etc?

F4Gary · 10-07-2018, 06:01 PM

You are well under your tow limit. I don't see a problem as long as your aux brake unit works. Even then, go for it.

TimLoon · 10-07-2018, 06:11 PM

I had to tow my CRV behind my 2016 Colorado, long bed, 6 cylinder. No issue with power or stopping but it was entirely different than pulling behind motorhome. The CRV had a lot of influence on my truck especially turning. I can tell you I was uncomfortable and I have been towing boats and campers for 43 years.

FIRE UP · 10-07-2018, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CA Traveler

I want to use my 14 Grand Cheorokee Overland, 6 cylinder, weighs 5600 lb with a 6200 lb towing limit to flat tow a 3200 lb 04 CRV. The CRV is set up for towing including automatic auxiliary brake unit and lights and has been towed behind a motorhome and the same Roadmaster tow bar will be used. This is a onetime tow of 1600 miles from Phoenix to Seattle hence some grades.

It’s been years since I’ve towed with a car and never with the Jeep. I’ll hook up and make a local test run which will be my only recent experience.

Any suggestions on what to check, look for, anticipate etc?

Wow,
You say your Grand weighs 5,600 lbs? Man, that's a lot compared to the printed weights of right at 4,800. But, I don't always believe the printed ones and get my vehicles actually weighed so I know for sure. Just seems quite high for a Grand.
Scott

CA Traveler · 10-07-2018, 11:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TimLoon

I had to tow my CRV behind my 2016 Colorado, long bed, 6 cylinder. No issue with power or stopping but it was entirely different than pulling behind motorhome. The CRV had a lot of influence on my truck especially turning. I can tell you I was uncomfortable and I have been towing boats and campers for 43 years.

Thanks for that input and I'll now do a earlier and longer test before committing to the actual trip.

CA Traveler · 10-08-2018, 12:11 AM

FIRE UP,

Weights for 14 JGC: Motor Home Mag 4632, FMCA 5200, their towing guides.

Brookings, OR weight station - front 2850, rear 2600 with 2 people and full fuel (25 gal) or 5450, no cargo. So 5150 w/o people.

Car is V6 and stock except for the base plate.

So with some cargo I guessed 5600 actual weight.

TimLoon · 10-08-2018, 04:19 AM

I realized after I responded to the thread that there is a saying that goes with my experience.
"The tail was wagging the dog"
I think most of what I was was feeling was due to me towing with a pickup and little weight in the bed. Your jeep may be a different experience.

tuffr2 · 10-08-2018, 05:16 AM

Wow, 1,600 miles one time tow. After the 1st 100 miles you will get use to the way it feels towing. This is probably a case of each vehicle having a lot of influence on the other.

Have you given any thought into renting a dolly or car hauler?

1,600 miles is a lot. Towing a trailer would feel better than towing 4 down IMHO.

CA Traveler · 10-08-2018, 06:55 AM

Tim,

You nailed my main concern. Trailer towing will add tongue weight to the car and very minimum side ways resistance.

Flat towing doesn't have tongue weight and turning involves turning the CRV tires and steering parts.

tuffr2,

The CRV is AWD and can't be dolly towed. I'll check into trailer towing with the additional weight. I would want a trailer with it's own brakes as the Jeep does not have any type of brake controller. Thanks for the reminder.