Towing package

jenniferlzr

I'm still trying to get a TV. The dealer has a 2017 Grand Cherokee Overland 4x4, V8 without the towing package. (It's not listed on the window sticker, BUT it has a trailer hitch). He's telling me that it can tow 6200lbs and will be fine for the 2021 TAB 400. I told him that if it doesn't say "Trailer Tow Group IV" on the sticker, then it doesn't have what I need. 
The Trailer Tow Group IV has additional engine cooling, beefed up suspension etc... Am I right to pass up this offer? I'm SO tired of explaining to dealerships what the towing package is. 

Travelin3D

Typical dealer-talk. I’m not familiar with Jeeps specifically, but even if it’s technically able to tow that weight I would hold out for one with the factory package IMO.

jenniferlzr

Thanks! That's what I'm thinking too. 

AirBoss

I'd agree. Any dealer/service agent worth their salt would be able to explain the towing capacity based on the VIN number. 

May want to call one or two "reliable" auto repair shops or another dealer to get their take but from what you say, I'd run...fast...the other way. 

jkjenn

With Jeeps, you can look up the VIN and see all of the specs it had when it left the factory. Overlands almost always have a factory tow package.

https://researchmaniacs.com/VIN-Number-Lookup/WindowSticker/Jeep.html

webers3

And Jeep tow package includes regular size spare tire

ADRawli

@jkjenn. That’s a cool website.  Our 2018 Trailhawk trimmed GC shows the Group IV towing package to be standard, but the one 2017 Overland I looked up didn’t. 

@jenniferlzr Don’t give up, if it’s not that one, your perfect TV is waiting for you somewhere.

jkjenn

They seem to have mixed up the WK2 trim package a bit over the last couple of years. I can't find a xactly what I want, either.

kurt

It sounds like the dealer is confusing what the vehicle is able to tow down a flat road such as a large boat vs. a vehicle that is designed to pull a RV up and over the hills multiple times in a single day. I would not buy a TV without the factory installed tow package. 

gande

We had a 2014 Jeep GC diesel that came with a hitch but without the tow package. It pulled our 400 just fine and the diesel got great mileage. However, it was always in the back of my mind that we were operating at the limit of the Jeep’s towing specs, particularly the hitch weight.  We ended up trading it in on a Ram 1500 crew cab WITH the tow package and a gas V8. The peace of mind was well worth it!

Also, all the extra space inside the cab of the truck and the ability to put so much in the bed (like our e-bikes) is an extra benefit. We loved the Jeep as a car but the truck is a MUCH better tow vehicle. 

jenniferlzr

It's very confusing. According to the specs I've seen, the Overland trim can tow 7200lbs, but it doesn't include the engine cooling from what I'm reading and I can't find any mention of trailer wiring. If certain towing "items" are standard, why aren't they listed? Odd.

Denny16

Jennifer, take a look at the Jeep Gladiator Sport S with tow package (Not the max tow), makes a grand TV for any TaB.  I haul a TaB400 with mine.
cheers

DougH

@Denny16 ; I only have 80k miles on my diesel wagon, but lust for a diesel Gladiator. I've seen several articles say there was a 2020 diesel Gladiator and there will be that option in 2021 as well.  But that powerplant doesn't show up when I go to Jeep.com and use the build configurator. Confused.

mona

The trailer tow group lV, should be standard equipment on this particular model. Only on the 2x4 is it not standard. 

Jeannie

Denny16

DougH, the Jeep version of the Diesel engine has just been released for the Wrangler, and should be available for the Gladiator in 2021, towards the end of this year.  Here is what the new engine looks like:

AirBoss

I dare ya to give that a tune up...

Denny16

A British Sports car from the 1960’s I can do, but I would not know where to even start with this rig AirBoss. 
cheers

DougH

Denny16 said:

DougH, the Jeep version of the Diesel engine has just been released for the Wrangler, and should be available for the Gladiator in 2021, towards the end of this year.  Here is what the new engine looks like:

@Denny16 ; Thanks!   Now I just need to find a dealer that will swap me even for my BMW wagon, and will guarantee I get the same 25mpg when towing a 320.  

Denny16

Good luck with that one... 
cheers

AirBoss

So true, @Denny16 . Helped my dad rebuild a Datsun 2000 Roadster in 1968. Learned a lot about repairs and working with the right tools. 

Nowadays...about the only tool I use for such things is my pen when I write the check!

Denny16

You and me both...  The only “auto repair” I have done is change the air filter on my Dakota, and add windshield washer fluid.  The Jeep gets “free” service for 3-years, so good to go there.

You want to see a scary engine compartment, check,out under the hood of a Chevy Volt — massive electrical cables
cheers

gspdx

AirBoss said:

I dare ya to give that a tune up...

I remember doing tune ups on my first truck - '73 Chevy with a 350 V8 engine.  I could sit on the wheel well under the hood with my feet on the frame to change the spark plugs.

Man those were the days.

AirBoss

Indeed! So much room in there and so easy to DIY all sorts of things. Rebuilt 65 Ford 6cyl 3speed to 283 4speed, suspension, etc. Learned alot...mostly about what NOT to do! 

GatorEgg

Stop dealing with dealerships.  In this day find the exact vehicle you want online.  Once you find it then go look and touch it.  I like cargurus.com or autotrader.com.  There’s also carvanna.com.

Denny16

jenniferlzr said:

I'm still trying to get a TV. The dealer has a 2017 Grand Cherokee Overland 4x4, V8 without the towing package. (It's not listed on the window sticker, BUT it has a trailer hitch). He's telling me that it can tow 6200lbs and will be fine for the 2021 TAB 400. I told him that if it doesn't say "Trailer Tow Group IV" on the sticker, then it doesn't have what I need. 
The Trailer Tow Group IV has additional engine cooling, beefed up suspension etc... Am I right to pass up this offer? I'm SO tired of explaining to dealerships what the towing package is. 

@jenniferlzr, On the 2017 Grand Cherokee Overland, the towing Package is part of the Overland trim package, and not a separate option, I looked up the general specs for the Overland and got this:

PERFORMANCE
Base engine size	3.6 Liters
Base engine type	V-6
Horsepower	295 Hp
Horsepower rpm	6,400
Torque	260 Lb-Ft.
Torque rpm	4,000
Payload	1,150 Lbs.
Maximum towing capacity	6,200 Lbs.
Drive type	Four-Wheel
Get the Vin number for the one you are interested in and look it up on the Jeep website, it will give you the details for that Vehicle. cheers