Towing an E19 with Jeep Grand Cherokee

[Escape_19]

We will be towing a new to us 2017 E19 (high lift) with a Jeep Grand Cherokee. I have two questions
1. What is the ball height?
2. Is WDH necessary?
3. Has anyone removed the axle spacer high lift kit?

[bborzell]

Originally Posted by Escape 15a

We will be towing a new to us 2017 E19 (high lift) with a Jeep Grand Cherokee. I have two questions
1. What is the ball height?
2. Is WDH necessary?
3. Has anyone removed the axle spacer high lift kit?

Our 21C wanted to see a 19” ball height.

WDH not necessary, but after towing our 21C with a V6 JGC, I think it is well worth the time and effort to use one. Though the Jeep did well for 1,000 or so miles in wind and rain, I knew it could be better with a WDH.

Even with the 5.7L RAM 1500 Laramie with 12,000 lbs. tow capacity that we replaced our JGC with, I have taken to use the Blue Ox SwayPro. It feels marginally more stable with the WDH, but sometimes exceeding margins is all it takes to turn a fun trip into something quite less fun.

No experience on removing the axle spacer.

[7Gentex]

That was 3 questions.................


Believe you will need to add 2 5/8" to the 19" ball height for the High Lift option.



From my "Provisional Delivery Booking" email (though for a 2022 MY):

If you are providing your own hitch solution (equalizer/weight distribution hitch or ball mount), please check with your
configuration specialist to confirm the ball height required for your trailer or refer to this chart:

Trailer Model ------- Without Body Lift ------- With Body Lift
E17A & E17B ------------ 18” ---------------------------- 20 5/8”
E19, E21C & E21NE --- 19” ----------------------------- 21 5/8”

WDH - suggest you do, though not "required". A short axle to ball distance helps on the JGC, but (IMHO) offset with the short wheelbase of the JGC.

Removal of lift spacers - pretty straightforward if you have the knowledge / tools / lifts / stands and are comfortable dropping an axle (or 2), then re-securing the axles.

[EdColorado]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09V2TST5N...kZXRhaWwy&th=1

An adjustable height hitch may resolve your concern about hitch height.

When I had it, I towed an E-21 up and down the Colorado mountains with a 2018 JGC. No WDH but my car did have the built in trailer sway control system. Don’t know about yours.
Used the adjustable hitch to get the trailer level when being towed.

[kernwig]

I'm towing a 21C with a 2014 Grand Cherokee. WDH doesn't seem necessary, rear barely lowers under the weight, I still use one for added safety.

My Jeep does have the tow package.

[TTMartin]

Originally Posted by Escape_19

We will be towing a new to us 2017 E19 (high lift) with a Jeep Grand Cherokee. I have two questions
1. What is the ball height?

21 5/8 inches to the top of the ball (19 inches without the high lift)

Originally Posted by Escape_19

2. Is WDH necessary?

That depends on how much your vehicle squats.

Originally Posted by Escape_19

3. Has anyone removed the axle spacer high lift kit?

On the Escape 19 without the high lift the fresh water tank becomes the lowest thing on the trailer. Why would you want to remove it?

[Upfisk]

We have a 2008 diesel JGC, towing capacity is 7200#. We added air bags into the coil springs as the jeep squared towing a Casita. The air bags are adjustable. When we got the Escape we put a level on the belly band, adjusted the airbags till the trailer was level. We do not use a WDH and after 35,000 miles of towing don't think it is necessary. We do watch our hitch weight as we carry a pair of mountain bikes on the back, that added 100# of weight back there can make a huge difference in sway. We carry 5-10 gallons of water ballast under the front dinette to compensate.

[7Gentex]

Originally Posted by Escape_19

We will be towing a new to us 2017 E19 (high lift) with a Jeep Grand Cherokee. I have two questions
1. What is the ball height?
2. Is WDH necessary?
3. Has anyone removed the axle spacer high lift kit?

A WDH related point to consider - many JGC models have factory air suspension / leveling in the rear. Rear bags will level the TV, but do not transfer weight back to the front wheels.............so, my answer to #2 is, It depends.

[dkirk]

Fyi

The Jeep Grand Cherokee without air suspension, but with the tow package will have a self leveling rear suspension from the factory. I have towed my 19 Escape over the Rocky mountains many times with a Grand Cherokee V6 and no WDH with no issues. You may prefer towing with WDH, but it is not necessary.

Dave