[alerra]

First of all, thanks to the moderators and contributors. Here's my case: I've owned a 2012 Touareg TDI since mid-2012. I purchased the vehicle at the suggestion of an acquaintance who towed the same travel trailer as mine (2012 Evergreen Element 26'). My experience towing with the Touareg flies in the face of what the experts claim to be the ratio between trailer length and wheelbase. Using a simple Eaz-Lift weight distribution hitch, the Touareg does a fantastic job of keeping the trailer under control on the road. On top of that, I average just under 17mpg. Well, that is all about to change because my first generation TDI will have to go back to VW, who will not be able to come up with a acceptable fix. Now I'm in the market for a new tow vehicle, and I absolutely don't want a pick up. The JGC seems to be very close to the Touareg in specs, so I'm leaning in that direction. The comparative towing capacity between the Touareg and JGC is 7700 vs 7400, not much of a difference. My trailer fully loaded weighs about 6,300#. Is there anyone out there towing a similar size trailer? If so, what is your experience with regards to stability, mpg? Any advice/feedback will be appreciated.

 

[Casper2]

Just completed 3600 mile trip. I set trip A and got 17.2 average. Trailer dry 5055. about 800 pounds water, food and gear.....I have a limited 4x2 factory equipped to tow. A very nice, stable tow.

 

[alerra]

Thanks for the information. What year JGC do you have? I've yet to find a local dealer (Gainesville, FL) that has a new JGC diesel in their inventory. The last dealership told me they were rare and that they had transmission problems. He then proceeded to sell me on a Durango. I haven't seen any reviews warning of transmission problems, but I find it strange that none of the dealers I checked had any in stock.

 

[Casper2]

2014......and I am not aware of transmission problems. I googled the transmission used in my jeep and do not see how that is possible. Too many vehicles use it.

 

[CaseyGV]

I don't believe they can legally sell any new diesel Grand Cherokees right now?

 

[alerra]

Thanks for the reply. It seems the GC diesel would be the answer to my needs, if only I could buy one. VW keeps vacillating about whether they'll find a fix for my generation Touareg. If the fix isn't possible, I have plenty of time before I'll have to turn in my vehicle. Perhaps Jeep will resolve whatever issues it has and get some diesels on the market. Withe the vacuum created by VW's exit from the diesel market here in the US, I would think Jeep would get the lions share of business of people, like myself, looking for a classy, zippy performing diesel with great towing.

 

[Patriot4971]

Thanks for the reply. It seems the GC diesel would be the answer to my needs, if only I could buy one. VW keeps vacillating about whether they'll find a fix for my generation Touareg. If the fix isn't possible, I have plenty of time before I'll have to turn in my vehicle. Perhaps Jeep will resolve whatever issues it has and get some diesels on the market. Withe the vacuum created by VW's exit from the diesel market here in the US, I would think Jeep would get the lions share of business of people, like myself, looking for a classy, zippy performing diesel with great towing.

Read my post on my latest Jeep Diesel repair issue and if I were you, I will also take into consideration other Diesel platforms and yes even the luxury ones from the Germans or Brits. One of the things that was a selling point for the Jeep is potentially cheaper maintenance for diesel but when I got quoted almost $2500 in repair bill for a car that is barely out of warranty ... it was a wake up call. The repair was for Glow Plug, Glow Plug Module and its wire harness. If I had the latest Range Rover ... I am quite sure they will be ashamed to ask for such money, for such trivial repair. Very infuriating !! BTW none of these components were covered under 100K Powertrain warranty.

 

[daveskis]

I don't believe they can legally sell any new diesel Grand Cherokees right now?

I too had a 2012 Touareg and towed a camper around 5000 lbs. While I loved the VW I wasn't waiting for a fix since I had 90,000 miles on it. Found a 2016 Jeep GC, Overland, High Altitude and LOVE it. I have not towed yet. I just drove from MD to FL. 30.7 MPG. Adaptive cruise is the bomb.com. It was awesome. No regrets.

 

[Brewster]

Yes- if you ever need service- just make sure you find a reputable dealer. You can check with a dealer to make sure you have 'all the updates'- and it should be 'a great runner'!