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04-14-2016, 03:56 PM
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#1
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Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 12
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Need WDH?
I have a 2008 3124KS that I tow with a 2004 Tahoe Z71 (short wheelbase) with the towing package. (600# rated hitch)
Since purchasing the TM late last fall, I have towed it about 500+ miles without a WDH. Tows great with no complaints. However after reading some of the posts in this forum, it sounds like if you have a 3124 no matter what the TV you need a WDH.
I have a bumper drop of 1.5" on the rear and rise of 1.75 in the front when hitched fully loaded.
Thoughts or suggestions?
__________________
2016 Chevy 2500HD
2008 3124KS
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04-14-2016, 04:47 PM
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#2
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TrailManor Master
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Somerset, OH
Posts: 1,868
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I follow an old rule. If the front rises more then an inch. You need a WDH.
__________________
Art & Joyce
Current camper: Motor Home
Previous: 2009, 3023-QB and 2003 2720
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04-14-2016, 05:40 PM
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#3
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TrailManor Master
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Orlando
Posts: 2,796
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That is a good rule. I do not use one because:
1) do not want to overload the TM axle
2) my TV weighs about 1000 lbs more than the TM.
3) hitch drops about an inch, front raises about 1/2"
4) Jeep has anti-sway built in
5) Jeep is rated for 500 lbs tongue/5,000 lbs tow
6) Ratio of wheelbase to distance from rear axle to hitch is greater than 3:1 (don't see this one often)
7) The TM tows a lot better than the race cars I've hauled, smooth in bursts to 70, cruise at 65.
So may be a special case but IMNSHO the Jeep Grand Cherokee does not need a WDH. YMMV.
ps have a set of air lifts I bought just to level the TV. Doesn't need it so never installed.
__________________
Looking for a 24/17 in or near Florida.
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04-14-2016, 08:34 PM
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#4
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TrailManor Master
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Jo-juh
Posts: 420
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With the exception of Padgett's Wonder Jeep/FIAT every minivan, CUV, mid-size SUV (Explorer, Trailblazer), 1/2 ton truck/SUV (including Expedition, Tahoe and Suburban) needs a WDH due to the higher tongue weight.
IMPO, I would rather tow a TM with full BOF 1966 Chevy Caprice with Monroe Air shocks than a short(er) wheelbase, unibody V-6.
1/2 ton trucks have the power and braking capability and even a long enough WB, but the exaggerated tongue weight severely affects the payload capacity that the TV can accommodate.
__________________
Mark
'20 Ford F250 Lariat 6.7 L 4WD (Herschel)
'22 Keystone Cougar 32BHS 5er (Mellencamper)
'01 Ford Excursion Limited 7.3 L PSD 4WD (Rudolph) (Sold)
'18 Keystone Cougar 29BHS (Sold)
'15 Prime Tracer 25BHS (Traded)
'06 TrailManor 2619 (Traded)
:cwmddd:
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04-14-2016, 10:02 PM
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#5
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TrailManor Master
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Orlando
Posts: 2,796
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Please. It in not a wonder Jeep/FLAT, it is a Wonder Jeep/Merc. Same chassis as a GL350.
Also three seat vans/pick-em-ups (except LWB) do not have that 3:1 wheelbase to hitch lever ratio. Is a big reason it handles a 460 lb tongue weight with minimal attitude change. And 12+" disks on all four does not hurt. I ordered it specifically for towing after looking at a LOT of candidates and after only GM cars since 1978 was my first MOPAR because it was better.
Now since I bought it in '12 I've seen some others that might be as good or better but I tend to keep cars I like for decades.
Not disagreeing that most vehicles (and all that do not have a factory towing package) and drivers would probably benefit from a WDH and if my TM had a 5k axle I might have one also. It doesn't.
Or maybe just because I drive gentle when towing.
__________________
Looking for a 24/17 in or near Florida.
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04-15-2016, 06:42 AM
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#6
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Site Sponsor
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Calgary Alberta Canada
Posts: 199
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Padget I have the same vehicle as you do with a factory tow package, and on the factory hitch and the operators manual it states that the max tongue weight you should have on the TV when not using a WDH is 350 lbs. Anything over that and you have to use a WDH. I would be careful not using one.
__________________
Hans & Riet
TV 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 6200 lbs tow capacity, 620 lbs tong weight, V6-3.6 liter gas with factory tow package, Prodigie3 Brake Control, Anderson "No-Sway" Weight Distributing Hitch.
TM 2720, 2011, A/C, Awning, Swingtongue, 40 Gal fresh water, Stove and Sink Cupboards, Radio/CD Player, TV ant., Microwave Oven, Electric Tongue Jack, Black Windows and Frame, and Woodgrain Vinyl Flooring
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04-15-2016, 07:01 AM
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#7
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TrailManor Master
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Central Texas
Posts: 489
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Driller
I have a 2008 3124KS that I tow with a 2004 Tahoe Z71 (short wheelbase) with the towing package. (600# rated hitch)
Since purchasing the TM late last fall, I have towed it about 500+ miles without a WDH. Tows great with no complaints. However after reading some of the posts in this forum, it sounds like if you have a 3124 no matter what the TV you need a WDH.
I have a bumper drop of 1.5" on the rear and rise of 1.75 in the front when hitched fully loaded.
Thoughts or suggestions?
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Driller,
The "real world" weight of the tongue on your 3124KS is 600 lbs., plus or minus depending upon how full your propane tanks are. I would not want my hitch to be right at the limit. Try to imagine what a "hitch failure" might look like . Also, your 1.75 rise in the front could very easily be a handling problem in the event of any emergency steering situations. Your TM will have either the Dexter 5,200 lb. or 6,000 lb. axle, so there's none of the worries that Padgett has about moving weight to the TM axle. I would seriously recommend a WDH.
__________________
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
Dave & Linda in Central Texas
2014 Lance 2285
2013 F150 w/5.0 V8
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04-15-2016, 07:28 AM
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#8
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TrailManor Master
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Orlando
Posts: 2,796
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OY. Actually what it says in my OM is: "If the gross trailer weight is 3,500 lbs (1587 kg) or more, it is mandatory to use a weight-distributing hitch to ensure stable handling of your vehicle.". This is part of the reason I run with empty tanks.
OTOH I've been towing since 1970 both single and double axle trailers, usually with a car on top. The Jeep/TM combo is the most stable rig I've ever had. Would prefer a tandem axle but it is what it is.
BTW my owners manual also calls for:
Frontal Area Max. GTW
40 sq ft (3.72 sq m)
TM also fits that.
__________________
Looking for a 24/17 in or near Florida.
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04-15-2016, 07:49 AM
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#9
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Site Sponsor
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Calgary Alberta Canada
Posts: 199
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Hi Padget, yes you are running on the edge not using a WDH. My TM weights in at 3450 lbs with a tongue weight of 436 lbs measured with a Shureline tongue weight scale, so very accurate. I had a Jeep Liberty before the GC which had the factory package etc. and the same towing capacity as the GC which towed my TM for 2seasons . There is a label on the receiver on both TVs that states that if exceeding 350 lbs to use a WDH with a max tongue weight not to exceed 500 lbs. Having a tow weight of 436 lbs far exceeds the 350 lb warning.
__________________
Hans & Riet
TV 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 6200 lbs tow capacity, 620 lbs tong weight, V6-3.6 liter gas with factory tow package, Prodigie3 Brake Control, Anderson "No-Sway" Weight Distributing Hitch.
TM 2720, 2011, A/C, Awning, Swingtongue, 40 Gal fresh water, Stove and Sink Cupboards, Radio/CD Player, TV ant., Microwave Oven, Electric Tongue Jack, Black Windows and Frame, and Woodgrain Vinyl Flooring
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04-15-2016, 08:06 AM
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#10
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TrailManor Master
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Big Bend area, Florida
Posts: 2,120
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Although we rarely tow the TM with our 2005 GC, we always use the WDH. It's the only way to get the tongue level even with a 6 inch drop. Also use the WDH with our primary TV the Dodge RAM which is just before Fiat took over.
Did get away with towing the TM 1100 miles home without a
wdh when we bought it in TX.
This is one those why they make strawberry, chocolate, and vanilla ice cream things.
different tastes for different folks.
__________________
Axis 24.1 E 450 chassis, 6 spd tranny. GVWR 14500# GVCWR 22000 # GW(scales) 12400 #
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
mods: 2- 100 watt solar panels, on roof, 300 watts portable
“They who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.” Benjamin Franklin
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