TedPo

Hi,


I have a 2012 Grand Cherokee (6 cylinder, 4x2). I am looking at buying a travel trailer. According to my owner's manual it is rated for towing a max. of 3500 lbs. without the towing package and 5000 lbs. with the towing package.


Unfortunately, I did not buy the tow package and my local dealer has been near useless in telling me what needs to be added to get the vehicle ready to tow 5000 lbs. I am thinking of adding an additional transmission cooler but would like to know if anything else is required.


According to the search of my VIN number the vehicle has a 3.09 axle ratio. Did the originally offered tow package change the rear differential? My dealer cannot answer this one!


Any info would be greatly appreciated.


Thanks,


TedPo

dave1123

Welcome to CF!

That's an awful high ratio to be towing with. You'd have a high heat problem with the transmission towing anything. Up until 04, the standard ratios for WJs were 3.55 for vehicles without the tow package and 3.73 for tow package ones. The tow package also included an aux trans cooler and on some, an extra cooling fan.

Heck, Corvettes have 3.08 gearing to run high speed unless you order them with lower gearing. If you DO tow with it, keep it out of O/D. JMHO. 3rd gear is 1:1.