We currently own a 19' shamrock and tow with a Grand Cherokee. Its ok but almost to the limit wight wise. We may go to a slightly heavier trailer, (about 5,500LBS) and are considering a Commander or Cherokee with a larger engine. Any input on these vehicles with at least the 4.7 V8 would be appreciated. The Length of the trailer will not exceed 25' Thanks....
Ken & Lil
Casey the wonderhound
Shamrock Hybrid
Grand Cherokee
Which year Commander? The 4.7 had a large power boost in the later years. If you're moving up go straight to the HEMI. Better fuel economy, higher tow rating, and all the power you'll need. We pulled 27.5 (overall), 6000 lbs and it was a really well matched rig.
Dick
2008 Toyota Tundra Crew Max Limited TRD
2009 Cougar 268 RLS ~8400 lbs road wt
Equal-i-zer 12,000 lb hitch, Prodigy BC.
2006 Jeep Liberty Turbo Diesel.....TV in Training
2005 Jeep GC 5.7 HEMI,(retired)
2005 Jayco Jay Feather 25Z, 4" lift (Retired)
Jeep fuel economy info
The fuel economy is not better for the Hemi, but it's only 1 mpg worse for the 5.7 Hemi. And you get all that torque. However it is worse for around town use.
Commander is a very nice vehicle with a big feeling interior. Plus the 5 speed automatics in the Chrysler vehicles are really sturdy.
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NHguy wrote: Jeep fuel economy info
The fuel economy is not better for the Hemi, but it's only 1 mpg worse for the 5.7 Hemi. And you get all that torque. However it is worse for around town use.
Commander is a very nice vehicle with a big feeling interior. Plus the 5 speed automatics in the Chrysler vehicles are really sturdy.
Actually, I was talking real world...but regardless the differance is insignificant. Personally, I prefer the GC and there are strong rumors that the Commander may be discontiued due to poor market acceptance. In either case, also take a really hard look at the diesel.
Best rig I've ever towed with. Didn't like the GC, not enough weight (the Commander is heavy - right at 3 tons) and, by far, the stiffest frame/body unit in the Jeep line. Go Hemi. I get 21 miles per gallon highway at 63 mph, that's the sweet spot for mine and 11 to 12.5 towing 6300 lbs, not too bad for a combination with the aerodynamics of a two bricks hooked together. Gobs of torque and horsepower when needed.
Unfortunately, they will more than likely be discontinued...too big, heavy and expensive in today's mpg race. But, it is roomier feeling, rides better and, I believe, tows better than GC. If you go the Commander / Hemi route, get a good CAI and CATback system, it will boost the mileage 2-3 mpg.
Don
DW
3 Cats
2008 FunFinder X 210WBS
2008 Jeep Hemi Commander Limited
Aren't the GC and the Commander based off the same chassis with the Commander being minutely longer and having a third row seat? I also thought I read it appeared more roomy because of it being more upright on the sides and windshield. I am not knocking either one, just saying what I have read and that the possible differences other than weight might not be all that large.
Keith99RS wrote: Aren't the GC and the Commander based off the same chassis with the Commander being minutely longer and having a third row seat? I also thought I read it appeared more roomy because of it being more upright on the sides and windshield. I am not knocking either one, just saying what I have read and that the possible differences other than weight might not be all that large.
Yep, that's about it. Jeep thought it would have more appeal to the soccer moms with the 3rd row seating but has not be well accepted. If you want towing in a luxury SUV with 3 rd row seating, look at the Chyrsler Aspen. It's basically a good looking varient of the Durango.
The differences aren't that great, but, they were enough for me Front geometry is different and the rear suspension is also different. Lift kits for off-roading are not interchangeable as the XK has additional structural members...but, that isn't what got me in a Commander, though I do off-road, too
We originally went to look at what we could get in the GC... We drove both and drove the Durango and the Aspen; also a couple of Ford's offerings (big dealership)...nothing rode or handled as well as the Commander. The biggest thing for me was getting the spare out of the back and under the car where it belongs... Third row seat? If you are a pigmy, I'd put you back there, but, it is definitely short trip "kids only" space. Due to the more upright build, it is, as I mentioned, roomier "appearing", I think the hip room is actually smaller, if I remember correctly, but, on a long trip the "appearance" makes a difference. Lots of glass around and in the roof. Gives the feeling of more space.
Given the options I got (some not available at that time in the GC) and the pricing, we went Commander and would do it again in a heart beat.
Pricing on them was about the same... OP wanted to know if the Commander can handle the tow...it definitely can.
My wife drives a Commander, she loves it...I've towed our 20' Regal Bow Rider, approx 5000 lbs. and it does an excellent job, better than her old 04' Grand Cherokee. It is true that the Commander is being discontinued for 09'.
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Front geometry is different and the rear suspension is also different. Lift kits for off-roading are not interchangeable as the XK has additional structural members...but, that isn't what got me in a Commander, though I do off-road, too 
