When you are ready to hitch-up your camper or boat for a weekend getaway, you want to have the right vehicle for the job. Whether you already own, or are considering a Jeep Grand Cherokee, you probably want to know what is the towing capacity for Grand Cherokee. We've researched this very question to find the answer for you.
The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee has a towing capacity that fluctuates depending on the engine type. There are four engine types to choose from:
- Standard, 3.6L Pentastar V6
- 5.7L V8
- 6.4L V8
- Superchaged 6.2L V8
The standard engine is capable of towing up to 6,200-pounds, while the later three can do up to 7,200-pounds. To put that in perspective for what you might haul, the average deck boat weighs around 4,000-pounds.
Keep reading because there is still much to learn about how Grand Cherokee trim levels and Jeep's optional tow package affect towing capacity for this vehicle. We'll also give you some excellent examples of travel trailers and boats that you can tow with Jeep Grand Cherokee, so you will walk away from this post with the full package.
Do Grand Cherokee Trim Levels Affect Towing Capacity?
Currently, there are seven trims of Jeep Grand Cherokee:
- Laredo
- Limited
- Trailhawk
- Overland
- Summit
- SRT
- Trackhawk
While there are of course further configurations of each trim, the towing capacity is more or less the same for each. Of the seven, Laredo, Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, and Summit trims are equipped with the standard 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine. However, this doesn’t mean that you’re limited to just the 6,200-pounds benchmark because a towing package is available with purchase of the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
What Is Jeep's Tow Package?
The tow package not only includes an engine change of your choice, but also:
- Class IV hitch receiver
- Spare tire
- State-of-the-art engine cooling system
- 180-amp alternator
- 4- and 7-pin wiring harness
These components work to ensure that any towed vehicle - be it boat, trailer, or otherwise - will be safely transported. Tow package components guarantee that weight is evenly distributed to avoid skidding or engine damage. In simpler terms, less stress on the engine is less stress for you.
How To Increase Towing Capacity?
While technically, towing capacity cannot be increased for any vehicle, it can be made more stable. If near the limit, there are a few precautions you can take to avoid damaging your Jeep Grand Cherokee. Aside from using a high-quality hitch receiver - Class IV or Class V tend to be recommended for frequent towing usage - suspension can also help affect towing prowess.
Standard suspension systems can be replaced with either an air suspension system or heavy-duty leaf springs. In doing so, the new air or leaf spring systems help maintain most of the weight in the front of the vehicle, eliminating the potential for a heavy weighted back end.
Consider the addition, or upgrade, of a vehicle programmer. Also known as power programmers or performance tuners, these are a type of onboard computer that specifically target horsepower and torque. While fuel efficiency may slightly lower, horsepower is increased. More horsepower means more strength or power to tow quickly.
What Happens If I Tow Too Much?
Do not go beyond towing capacity. Not only will you run the risk of being stranded, but “over towing” is detrimental to the vehicle’s longevity and durability. Towing too much or beyond capacity wears down the tires, overheats the engine, and fades the braking system. Safety is important not just for your car, but for you, your passengers, and cargo too.
NOTE: It’s important to remember the difference between curb weight, GVW, and GVWR. Curb weight is the weight of any vehicle on its own. GVW (gross vehicle weight) refers to the weight of the vehicle after it has been loaded. GVWR (gross vehicle weight range) is the heaviest weight limitation of a vehicle and any attached trailer/boat/towed vehicle.
Although GVWR can affect towing capacity, they are not the same. Towing capacity is how much a vehicle can pull, the GVWR is the limit to how much it can weigh with what it's towing.
What Is The Average Lifespan Of A Jeep Grand Cherokee?
Based on prior models, the average lifespan of a 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee is estimated at twenty years. That’s twenty years of easy breezy towing if maintained properly.
Can A Jeep Grand Cherokee Tow A Boat?
Yes, the Jeep Grand Cherokee can tow boats within the towing capacity range. If you’re unsure of what kind of boat is suitable to be towed, we’ve included a few options listed below.
Robalo - R160
Hailed as “a game changer," Robalo’s R160 is an ideal purchase for novice boat owners. Marketed as a mini-yacht, this 16-foot boat can be used either for luxury or for sport. It takes 12-gallons of fuel and weighs only 1600-pounds. Truly, a real treasure of the sea.
Tahoe - 2019 2150 Deck Boat
Bring the party, and the people, beyond your porch. The Tahoe 2019 2150 Deck Boat is spacious yet cozy. With enough room for eleven, not including the stereo or cooler, this is the boat that brings the party onto the water without dragging your Jeep down.
Scarab - Jet 195
If you have a need for speed, this is the boat for you. Less than 2000-pounds, Scarab's Jet 195 propels you down the coast without making a dent in your bank account or your Jeep’s engine. It can hold up to eight people and reaches 19-feet.
Can A Jeep Grand Cherokee Tow A Travel Trailer?
Absolutely! The Jeep Grand Cherokee can tow travel trailers within the towing capacity range. If you’re unsure of what kind of trailer or camper is suitable to be towed, we’ve included a few options listed below.
Grand Design - Imagine 2450RL
It’s no mistake that both the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Grand Design Imagine 2450RL are labeled as “grand." This travel trailer is perfect for those who want to get away from it all whilst still having it all. Nearly 30-feet long, the Imagine 2450RL fits four to five comfortably and contains a queen-sized bed, a double door refrigerator, and three separate package bundles to choose from. Best of all, it’s under 6000-pounds, so any of the Jeep Grand Cherokee trims will work just fine.
Winnebago - Micro Minnie
Big deals do not always come in big packages. Winnebago’s Micro Minnie proves that it’s not the size that counts, it’s how you use it. Versatile and convenient, this is ideal for the nomadic traveler. With 11 floor plans, Micro Mini has options aplenty. Each model weighs at, or just under, 7000-pounds making it perfect for any Jeep Grand Cherokee with a V8 engine.
Airstream - Sport 2019
Sometimes, the best way to go is with the classics like the Airstream. The Sport 2019 has a unique design and sleek efficiency. Unlike most trailers, the Sport 2019 is rounded and composed of aluminum, giving it a sleek and almost futuristic feel. Airstream's Sport 2019 has two floor plans - varying between 16 and 22-feet in length - both have dining space that is easily converted into sleeping space. Under 6000-pounds, it’s a perfect match for the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
For a more, in-depth look at travel trailers to pair with Jeep Grand Cherokee, and a few towing tips as well, check out our blog, "What Size Travel Trailer Can A Jeep Grand Cherokee Pull?"
Which Jeep Grand Cherokee Is Best For Towing?
If you anticipate multiple towing sessions - be it camping, cruising, or assisting a car in need - it would probably be best to go with one of the trims already equipped with a V8 engine (SRT and Trailhawk). Although, there is no right or wrong answer to this question because all Jeep Grand Cherokees are capable of towing well beyond the average of most other Jeep models. In the right conditions, this is a vehicle that lasts through wear and tear over time.
In Conclusion
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is more than just an SUV, it’s a way to provide a safe and secure towing experience. Whether you tow every day, or simply craving a once-in-a-while camping trip, the Grand Jeep Cherokee has you covered.
Before you hook-up and hit the road with your Jeep Grand Cherokee, we suggest you read, "15 Travel Trailer Towing Tips Every Driver Should Know."