[Bogeyman2B]

Our Trailer is 7180 Loaded at the Scales and 30 Feet long. Ours is Equalizer (WD) so no chains and I only ever find sway in higher winds. Trailer tows amazing.

We get between 14-15MPG in mixed driving with the trailer (Hills pass through a few towns).

On the weight rating note, Australia is also 7700 Pounds. There is really no reason for the rating change here. a Touareg tows the same here but has a useless 616 Tongue Weight. It is not brakes either or the SRT would have the better rating. It is also the reason I don't mind being close to max weight.

Willx...where did you get your weight. I see the scales at Pilot and such, but not sure of the process. Need to know total weight and hitch.

 

[Willx]

Yes, any place that runs a "CAT" Scales or any other certified scales. I have always spent a lot of time researching and testing tow vehicles and I often end up with sometime closely matched so I need to verify weights (had a Duramax and a Montana 5er many years ago and it was close to max too).

I had issues with one place that wouldn't do it the way I wanted to I just asked at another one and they were cool. The best way is to weigh your truck and trailer together and then go drop your trailer off and weigh your truck by itself. Costs an extra few bucks but doesn't leave you guessing plus it verifies your load distribution by axle (as long as you park your truck and trailer on the split in the scales because they give you 2 weights each time)

I also use a Shurline Tongue scale because I learned early on stuff like Water Tank placement in the build of the trailer drastically changes the handling and sometimes ride quality and sway is negatively affected by too much or too little forward loading. You would be amazed about where you put a couple of cases of beer and bottled water can change the ride quality.

http://www.sherline.com/lm.htm

Almost forgot to mention, go to the counter where the big trucks pay for fuel and just tell them what you want to do. Most places are good with it, if you have someone knowledgeable they will be surprised how much your Jeep weighs and what it can tow.

 

[George Hatfield]

I have a question about hitching (WDH with Anti-sway bar) my 4500# Airstream (19') to my 2014 JGC Limited with rear load leveling suspension and Quadra -lift air suspension. A friend, who owns an older JGC, suggested that I should hitch the trailer and attach the weight distribution bars WITH THE ENGINE OFF. That way the Jeep will make adjustments after everything is in place. Is this the correct approach? Or does it make a difference (engine on or off). Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[MDBones]

It shouldn't make a difference with the engine on or off. When the system senses the additional weight it will attempt to level the suspension. Try it both ways to see what happens. Personally, I think it would be better to hitch up with the engine running.

 

[kcfirebolt]

I have a question about hitching (WDH with Anti-sway bar) my 4500# Airstream (19') to my 2014 JGC Limited with rear load leveling suspension and Quadra -lift air suspension. A friend, who owns an older JGC, suggested that I should hitch the trailer and attach the weight distribution bars WITH THE ENGINE OFF. That way the Jeep will make adjustments after everything is in place. Is this the correct approach? Or does it make a difference (engine on or off). Thanks in advance for any advice.

View attachment 94

George, Welcome to the board! Is that the Consumer Reports JGC Limited? How's your mileage when towing the Airstream?

 

[4Nines]

That's a really good question! I would think that the system would compensate correctly whether the engine was on or off, but maybe you can test both ways and let us know if you notice a difference?

 

[George Hatfield]

This is a bit off the diesel topic since it regards our 2014 Grand Cherokee (Limited) with the 5.7 liter Hemi. We just completed our first two days of travel, towing our 2006 Airstream Bambi 19'. The first leg was from Tucson, AZ to Kingman, AZ, an altitude gain of about 2000 feet in 100-103 degree heat. Got 15.1 mgp running at about 50-55mph. I monitored the trans temp (digital) and the analog engine temp. Both stayed close to normal in spite of the heat. On the relatively steep grades just south of Kingman I ran at about 35mph to keep the temps reasonable.

The second leg was from Kingman to Ely, NV. Again, an altitude gain of about 2000 ft, but we did go over one pass that was over 7000 ft. Mileage today was 16.1 mpg running at about 55-60mph. Temps were much lower....80-98. No issues with the Jeep, nor the Bambi.

We thought about the diesel, but they were hard to find in our area and I didn't want to order one. Thought briefly about the V6, but glad I got the Hemi. It is not overpowered while pulling long hills. The Bambi came in just over 4000lbs at the CAT scale at the start of our trip.

Really like the Jeep. The Bambi is just OK.... much poorer build quality than our 2003.

Attached is a pic of the "rig" in Nothing, AZ. Got the name right for that place!

I have been hitching up with the engine off. Not sure it makes a difference.

__________________

 

[4Nines]

Great photo and nice looking rig! Sounds like the 5.7 Hemi gets pretty good milage towning considering. I'd be interested to hear how the diesel compares with a similar set up to yours

 

[Casper2]

From Just south of Boston to Just south of Chattanooga..... 1050 miles and back . Pulling an 18ft Gulfstream Visa single axle. Apx. weight 4000 with 4X2 Limited diesel. First day with cruise control set at 55mph got 21.6mpg. From that time on Increased speed until avg dropped to 20mpg. then increased or decreased to maintain 20mpg. Found that aprx 58mph was the magic number. I was under the impression that the 5.7 Hemi got less than 16.1mpg when not towing...It appears I was mistaken.

 

[pcobelcz]

I just traded in my 2010 TC for a 2014 4x4 Diesel Grand Cherokee. I'm towing a 18' - 177 R-Pod that we take to dog field trials. I just added the 4" lift kit to the trailer and flipped the tow bar down, gaining another 4". So now the trailer rides level. I also had the trailer brake reinstalled, but did not purchase the weight distribution and anti-sway bars. Dry the trailer is 2800 lbs. / wet 3800 lbs. so I'm right on the edge. I towed the trailer home from the RV shop 30+ miles on the highway doing 60-65 and thought it felt very nice. Hardly knew it was there. I'm hoping that I will see 20+ MPG on the highway.
One concern I have is with the 7 pin plug. Does any one have any problems with this coming out while your towing?

 

[dea49]

One concern I have is with the 7 pin plug. Does any one have any problems with this coming out while your towing?
View attachment 113

The receptacle cover has a tab that secures the 7-pin plug. If it isn't securing the plug then visually check and make sure none of the connectors are bent. If even one is bent it could cause the plug to not fully seat and the cover tab not to align correctly on the plug to hold it in.

 

[Casper2]

No... not at all.

 

[ExcursionDiesel]

I use a velcro strap to provide strain relief on the trailer lights/brake hookup. It keeps the cable and plug stabilized and tucked tight against the tongue in the event it should get snagged on brush or something.

 

[ericlakin]

View attachment 49
Maybe not the best overall angle of our setup...4x4 Diesel
28' Trailer, 31' total length...5200 dry weight...most likely close to 6,000 lbs.
I have weight distribution and anti-sway bars.

Still have to install bike rack on back.
We tow with empty tanks as well.
I dropped the ball height 2" today to allow for new Jeep driving height.
Sorry, forgot to take pics of the hitch setup...will do when I venture out again...soon.

I have a very similar setup with a 28' Outback travel trailer. Roughly the same weight and also with a weight-distributing hitch but no sway bars. The Jeep tows better up and down hills than my previous 2009 Suburban with the 5.3 V8, but I do feel the little Jeep getting blown around a bit more when towing in the wind than the Suburban did. I also get 2x the MPG towing with the Jeep than I did with the Suburban, so that's a nice benefit. Otherwise it feels very safe and solid.

 

[Bogeyman2B]

Ericlakin...we moved our service to a different dealer and I shared information from this site. WE agreed to use a code scanner and monitor the CEL issues. My code reader pairs with my iPhone app and I send them readings as needed. They replaced our Cat convertor and we are, for the first time, very pleased with our JGC service!
Pulling that TT, we average 17mpg and up to 28 local driving without towing. No CEL in months.
Not certain the sway bar really helps that much...trailer travels well at 60mph.

 

[ericlakin]

Ericlakin...we moved our service to a different dealer and I shared information from this site. WE agreed to use a code scanner and monitor the CEL issues. My code reader pairs with my iPhone app and I send them readings as needed. They replaced our Cat convertor and we are, for the first time, very pleased with our JGC service!
Pulling that TT, we average 17mpg and up to 28 local driving without towing. No CEL in months.
Not certain the sway bar really helps that much...trailer travels well at 60mph.

Glad to hear! No CEL on my end either since cat replacement. I'm driving about 100 highway miles each day, so that probably helps keep the emissions system clean vs. city driving.

 

[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.

 

[tmcguffy]

2015 limited. I tow a 25' airstream (27') overall length usually about 6,500 lbs now about 10,000 miles mostly in the Rocky mts. I use a Reese hitch. No issues great tow car.

 

[str8sh0otr]

2015 Limited here.

I am towing a 24' open bow boat, mostly around town to launch. 4,700 dry plus 950 aluminium I-beam trailer. I dont tow much but thanks to this thread looking into WDH for a boat trailer with a pole tongue and surge brakes. Its really complicating things. There are a lot of mixed feelings in the boating community on WDH and also some trailer mfgs flat out do not recommend due to extra stress on tongue. I am in a catch 22 as my trailer is one.

Also, had it out a couple times unwittingly and it seems like the auto level in the back is doing its job. When I unhook the boat, the rear end feels extra stiff for the next few miles, then back to normal. Not really sagging much if any. Any boaters on this thread?

Finally, any thoughts on using 4wd low to make things easier on my rig during retrieval?

 

[KevinK]

I have a 20 Foot Sanger wake boat at about 4500 pounds. I have the surge breaks on the trailer and it makes a big difference in stopping. I have the 4x2 Limited. If I had 4x4, i would probably use 4Low on the boat ramps in Arkansas. They are pretty steep. here at home, not so bad. First gear with the diesel does the job nicely. I wouldn't worry about the WDH on the trailer. Never have heard of one on a boat trailer.