Community Forums

Thorchini · 01-08-2017, 04:16 PM

I tow a Wrangler now, but thinking about getting a 2017 Grand Cherokee, and plan to flat tow it. The base plate is available, what concerns me is the type of 4x4 system they use. The lower end Laredo doesn't have any control levers or dash switches over the 4x4 system, where as some of the Limited models actually have the controls on the console so I can choose a transfer case position. I assume I need that option in order to flat tow, correct?

Thorchini · 01-08-2017, 04:22 PM

I think the system I am referring to is the Quadra Trac-l 4x4 system. It's fully automatic. I assume I need the Quadra-Drive ll system or the Quadra-Trac ll system so I can control the neutral transfer case position??

D Moffitt · 01-08-2017, 08:01 PM

You are correct. In order to flat-tow the Grand Cherokee, you will need to have either Quadra-Trac II or Quadra-Drive II. The GC Laredo 4WD comes standard with Quadra-Trac I, which is not compatible with flat towing. However, if you order the optional All Weather Trail Rated Package on the Laredo, it will include Quadra-Trac II and thus will be flat-towable. I believe the other GC 4WD models (Limited, Summit, Overland & Trailhawk) come standard with either Quadra-Trac II or Quadra-Drive II and can be flat-towed.
I have a 2016 GC Limited 4WD with the optional Ecodiesel engine and Off-Road Adventure II package. It's easy to hook up, gets great fuel economy, is comfortable and very capable of handling the back roads I enjoy taking. I set mine up with a BlueOx baseplate, Air Force One braking system and a BlueOx Avail tow bar. It works well for me.
Hope this helps. When I first considered a GC I was a bit overwhelmed by all the possible driveline combinations.

SuperGewl · 01-09-2017, 05:06 AM

Double check the Owners Manual, you might get a surprise with what is required to flat tow on the 2017's.

D Moffitt · 01-09-2017, 07:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SuperGewl

Double check the Owners Manual, you might get a surprise with what is required to flat tow on the 2017's.

Just checked pages 198 & 199 of the 2017 GC Owners Manual dealing with recreational towing behind a motorhome-- no surprises and no different than for my 2016! It validates what the OP and I stated.

However, I would caution the OP about the weight of the GC, which is considerably more than the Wrangler. It may be too heavy to tow behind a gas coach, if that is what he still owns.

Thorchini · 01-09-2017, 10:42 AM

Thanks for the info, I bought the Limited with Quadra Drive II, should be good to go. I still have the 2015 Wrangler Unlimited Sahara, so now I have an option to tow either. 1st world problems.

I like being in a Grand Cherokee again, my last one was a new 1998 Limited that I paid full sticker on, close to 37K! Back in 1998, that was an expensive ride. More than my BMW 7 series of the same year. Sweet Jesus!

D Moffitt · 01-09-2017, 03:14 PM

Good for you! Looks like you now have a great choice of tow vehicles. Prior to my GC I had a 2dr Wrangler. Its was nice, but my bones were a little too old to handle the rough ride and non-supportive seats. With the GC I've found I can do everything I used to do in my Wrangler in much more comfort.

One of the other issues that occasionally comes up regarding the 2017 GC is the electric power steering, which was actually a change in 2016 (mine has electric PS.) This is because the smaller Cherokees have had electric PS since their redesign a few years back and can sometimes exhibit what is referred to as the "death wobble" when being flat-towed. FCA has since come up with a fix for the regular Cherokees. However, FCA has also stated that this is not a problem for the GC, and, indeed, after many miles of towing mine and reading the reports of others, I can attest to their statement. It tows great.

Congratulations on your new GC! Hope you enjoy it as much as I've enjoyed mine.

bpmcclure · 01-29-2017, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by D Moffitt

Good for you! Looks like you now have a great choice of tow vehicles. Prior to my GC I had a 2dr Wrangler. Its was nice, but my bones were a little too old to handle the rough ride and non-supportive seats. With the GC I've found I can do everything I used to do in my Wrangler in much more comfort.

One of the other issues that occasionally comes up regarding the 2017 GC is the electric power steering, which was actually a change in 2016 (mine has electric PS.) This is because the smaller Cherokees have had electric PS since their redesign a few years back and can sometimes exhibit what is referred to as the "death wobble" when being flat-towed. FCA has since come up with a fix for the regular Cherokees. However, FCA has also stated that this is not a problem for the GC, and, indeed, after many miles of towing mine and reading the reports of others, I can attest to their statement. It tows great.

Congratulations on your new GC! Hope you enjoy it as much as I've enjoyed mine.

David,

So glad I found your post, as I just bought a 2017 GC Trailhawk and have been trying to find an answer about the wobble issue I had seen posted concerning Cherokees elsewhere. Looks like I am good to go. Bruce