randrx2 wrote:
We are looking to purchase a Jay Flight Swift 198RD. It is 23' long (20' box, 3' hitch) with an UVW of 3820# and a GVW of 5900#. Dry hitch weight is 460#.
We plan to pull it with a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland 4.7L HO with sway bar installed. The specs for the Jeep are 3.73 axle ratio, 105.9" wheelbase, tow capacity 6500#, Power steering cooler, Transmission oil cooler. GCVW = 11,000#. Hitch weight capacity of Jeep is 750#. Curb weight of Jeep is 4356#. So adding fuel and people and cargo would probably bring to 5000# (2 people, 2 little dogs, crate, bikes, and various goodies). I have not weighed this Jeep yet.
We are figuring 32# propane (2-20# tanks) and 400# of water (48 gals) and 1000# of stuff. That brings the trailer to 5252#, about 80.8% of the Jeep's 6500# capacity.
Do you think this is a doable setup? We are looking at weight distribution hitches like the Hensley Arrow, or can we get by with something like a Reese Dual Cam? We will also install a good brake controller.
Thanks in advance.
This was my last rig:
2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac 4WD with 4.6L 3V V8 (292 HP/300#s torque) with 3.55 axle and new high 'ratio' 6 speed auto. Truck had a factory 'delivered' payload of 1218 lbs which included a heavy hard folding factory tonneau cover and side steps. The tow rating was 7000 lbs with a hitch rating of 730 lbs. This truck was a power house for a midsize especially with the torque the new 6 speed trans produced.
The trailer was a 2008 Jayco Jay Flight 19BH. The trailer had a factory 'delivered' UVW of 3896 lbs which I loaded near 5100 lbs. The length was 22'5".
The truck pulled it very good but not as easy as my new 2012 Ford F150 Screw 4WD 5.0L pulls the newer 2012 Jayco Jay Flight 26BH which is loaded around 6500 lbs. and is 29' long.
As with most Chrysler vehicles, the payload is their weak point so you'll have to make sure you won't overload your truck from the trailer's hitch weight and your family/gear. I didn't buy a Dodge Ram or newer Dakota because they "BOTH" had lower payload than my Sport trac did and would had been overloaded pulling the 19BH. Dodge's trucks are rated weak in their payload/suspensions so going to a 3/4 ton Ram was my only option if I wanted a Ram.
Next my Sport Trac had a great 131" wheelbase which equalled the fullsize Chevy Avalanche wheelbase. I wanted a truck with a good wheelbase to pull a midsize travel trailer as the 19BH. With only a 106" wheelbase, I'd be pretty leary about pulling anything over 20', bumper to hitch.
I see a full size truck in your future. 😄 Reason is that most manufactures have gone to weak unibody crossovers for their midsize segment forcing owners of travel trailers to go fullsize. I know, Jeeps are unibody vehicles, but they are made to tow with additional bracing built into their unibody chassis.
I think you are pushing the limits with that older Jeep, with power, payload, and wheelbase, when pulling that newer Swift.
BTW, the swifts aren't really lighter than the standard Jay Flights. They are only lighter by a few hundred lbs. because of smaller frames and less features, but the campers are basically the same otherwise.
Hope it works out for you.
