Grand Cherokee Overland and GVM

[cwcchap]

For what its worth I wrote to Jeep (see attached) to provide some direction to increase or alternative solutions around GVM.

Received the following answer:
1) Refer to the Jeep website for specifications
2) With regards towing ..... consult a suitable professional

I expected more engagement/dialogue to try and see 1) if the 622kg payload is correct for the Overland with Air Suspension and 2) if correct then what can be done to increase.

Its a pity that they do not care.

[Mace1]

The term buyer beware comes to mind...

No different for most the multitude of 4WD wagons and twin cabs out there on the road. Most are towing weights above stated factory specifications.

Towball weight is the real killer, the only way you can increase available payload capacity (people, luggage, accessories, etc) is to get your towball weight down by loading the van accordingly and re-distributing your weight.

The Australian way of buying the biggest van possible and then expecting any 4WD with a "rated capacity" of 3500kg to tow it is is a joke IMO.

http://rvdaily.com.au/cops-take-acti...ight-caravans/

[08crd]

I have heard of people with Pajero's and Prado's having been refused, the van they want,when buying a van from a dealer.
They were told it is too heavy for the car, apparently the Pajero and Prado have very low ball weight capacity.

[bjm]

go to TPG.com.au/klgreen/wk2 aussie guy who has put together a heap of info re towing and other WK2 specs etc.may be of help

[SnakeDoctor]

622kg is more than a Landcruiser 200 payload, seems reasonable for anything short of a truck.

Most accessorised 4x4 you see on the road are over GVM. All of them you see towing are.

[Benn0]

Yep, you will need to lose some towball weight and stick the luggage in the van. If you have to have a bullbar then go for a light weight, and no roof rack.

To be fair, FCA in Australia imports the car from the US, they don't design it and will have little sway over getting changes made. I'm not sure there is much they can do.

[SouthernComfort]

I agree with Benn0's comments, although I would add that in transferring luggage into the van you need to keep a careful on the ATM. There's at least as many challenges managing properly balanced loads within van ATM's as there are with car GVM's. Also, don't be tempted to push the van's payload to the rear (aft of van's axle/s) in order to 'falsely' lighten ball weight on the car, that may increase potential for trailer sway and seriously compromise handling. Even distribution of the van's payload and a realistic ball download are essential.
If you have to much stuff, ditch it and stay safe, it's the only real solution. Every kilo that's not absolutely essential should go. Bullbar's and roof rack's are indeed the biggest weight offenders.