Swanny297
Well-Known Member
Letās discuss, the GC has 10 trim levels not all of which are rated any more than the JL, those that are, are equipped with features of the tow package.I really wish we could discuss this subject without people making up wild claims or going into hysteria. I would really like to know why the Wrangler is rated so low. The wheelbase on a JL Unlimited is actually 4 inches longer than a Grand Cherokee which can tow 7400 lbs using the same v6 and 8 speed transmission as found in the Wrangler JL. The Grand Cherokee is also unibody. If I am reading the payload sheet right, the Wrangler JL has 100 lbs less payload capacity than the Grand Cherokee.
The trailer tow package for the GC includes a class 4 hitch, heavy duty engine cooling system, rear load leveling suspension and normal duty suspension, all of which are completely different systems than whatās on a JL.
The GC has multinlink rear suspension systems. The GVWR of a 4x4 GC is 1000lbs or more than a JL.
You canāt compare tow ratings based on payload and power train similarities. You can get a Ram 1500 Exress QC 4x4 with tow package and with a 3.6L and 8spd transmission that has a max tow of just over 10k lbs.
I think the thread got messed up by all legal talk but if you tow a lot which it sounds like you do you should always know your actual weights and real life payload.
1. Measure the pin weight of your boat, if it is over 350lbs you are going to start lifting the front end which affects your ability to steer and stop. This coupled with any cargo and/or rear passengers only makes it worse.
2. You should know your actual payload capacity not just assume the specs are correct. Lots of people put heavier wheels and tires and other accessories and still think they have the same payload. Take your Jeep full of fuel and nothing else to a truck scale and get it weighed. Subtract your weight from this and than subtract that weight from the GVWR and you will have actual payload. Remember any weight over 350lbs on the pin eats into your available payload.
You canāt really tow āsafelyā exceeding the max tow of a vehicle, you may feel confident the load travels well and there wonāt be any issues but I promise if during your 70mph trial on the highway you had to swerve hard or hit your brakes you would find out the hard way it wasnāt āsafeā.
To each his own, whether thereās criminal liability or a vehicle infraction violation in the picture or not there are lots of factors besides what is behind your JL when you choose to pull heavy.
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