Community Forums

myancey254 · 03-10-2015, 04:45 PM

I have a 2014 JGC diesel with the transfer case that can be flat-towed. It has a curb weight of 5700 lbs. I want to use it as a toad behind a DP. My question is: What DP motorhomes should I be considering that can safely and reasonably tow this when both are typically loaded. Please refrain form telling me, as others have, that I could buy it, load and weigh it, then I'd know if I could tow the JGC. At this point I'm just looking for a list of DPs to consider or a rule of thumb such as a GCWR of at least 8800 lbs and at least xxx hp. I know I'll need one with a 10,000 lbs hitch.

I appreciate your advice and experience.

Mike

**CLIFFTALL** · 03-10-2015, 04:49 PM

I think the list of DP that can't handle your requirements would be quite small. I don't think you'll have much if any difficulty .

REB16 · 03-10-2015, 04:57 PM

I have 43ft with 425hp don't even know it's back there

stepside454 · 03-10-2015, 04:57 PM

Exactly

MandG-Fun · 03-10-2015, 05:21 PM

I just took delivery on a JGC diesel and will be flat towing it with my 34' with Cummins 350. I don't anticipate any issues, just take my time over the 11,000' mountain passes.

vsheetz · 03-10-2015, 05:23 PM

Most all DP coaches will get the job done. If concerned for performance go for a coach with larger engine.

We tow a ~5000 lb. jeep with a large gasser coach. It gets the job done.

PDR John · 03-10-2015, 05:39 PM

We use a Newmar Dutch Star to pull our Grand Cherokee around.

Pigman1 · 03-10-2015, 05:49 PM

I pull(ed) our Silverado with a weight of around 7800-8000 lb (loaded) with a 2008 40' Allegro Bus (400 HP) and a 2013 43' Allegro Bus (450 HP) without any problems. On 8 or 9% grades going to Alaska it will get down to 3rd gear, but there was never a thought that it wouldn't pull it. Both Buses have/had 10,000lb Curt hitches and 10,000 lb tow bars. The base plates on the truck were reinforced with extra welding and plates due to poor design, but the DP has no issues in either flavor.

Disregarding placard weight limits for a minute, as long as a pull vehicle has the ability to drop to a lower gear and maintain engine RPM, you can pull it. You get into trouble with higher speeds, exceeding brake limits and impacts such as pot holes. I once put 18,000 lb of gravel in a 3/4 ton pickup and drove it on the hills in Albuquerque. I didn't go the speed limit, I didn't take it to Alaska, and I only did it once. Good idea? NO. Did I do it more than once? NO. Illegal? Definitely YES. But did it hurt the truck?. Don't think so as I put an additional 75,000 miles on the pickup before I sold it.

If you insist on cruising up steep hills at or above the speed limit and descending at the same speeds, you probably need to say you shouldn't pull the heavy toad. If you're content to keep the DP's temps, and RPM's in normal limits and to slow down going up and down hills, you'll have few problems. If you elect to go that way, closely inspect the DP frame, hitch, tow bar, base plate and both vehicles' brakes frequently and enjoy.

myancey254 · 03-11-2015, 08:16 AM

Thanks you all for the quick responses

Cousin Ed · 03-11-2015, 10:14 AM

I bet the 5700 is the gross max weight of the GC, not the weight. Take the Jeep to a scale; I think it's under 5000.

Mr_D · 03-11-2015, 10:24 AM

We towed a GC for several years with our '02 Dutch Star. It had a 6,000# hitch and the Jeep was under 5,000#'s. Never a problem.
The Magna we now have has a 15,000# tow rating and a 650 Cummins ISX. Don't even feel the Honda Ody behind it. The Jeep and Honda weigh about the same although the Honda gets loaded more heavily as it has more room.