Grand cherokee tows?

[joez]

I was always under the impression that the G30 vans were unibody, but the cab&chasis version was actually on a frame. /forums/images/graemlins/dunno.gif

I do know that for a fact Dodge vans are all unibody, if that matters. We used to tow a 6K pound boat with that, witn no problems.

 

[6.2Blazer]

My work has two 3500 Vans ('98 and '02, 8-lug axles, big block) and a '01?? 2500 (6-lug axles, small block).......they all definitely have frames (just went out and looked at them). /forums/images/graemlins/dunno.gif

Not saying that none of them were unibody though...


Overall when it comes to unibody vehicles and towing, I think the biggest misconception is that most unibody vehicles just were not intended for towing or hard use and therefore don't hold up well. I'm sure they could build a unibody vehicle that was great for towing........if they had heavy towing in the design criteria to start with.

 

[joez]

All of the newer style GM vans are full framed, even the 1/2 tons. Same goes for Ford. But I think the G-series vans with full bodys were all unibody, at least thats what i had been told.

 

[jac6695]

[ QUOTE ]
I was always under the impression that the G30 vans were unibody, but the cab&chasis version was actually on a frame.

[/ QUOTE ]

That is correct. I have driven several of the G30 vans working as a HVAC Service Tech, and the G-Series Vans are Unibody. The 97 and up GM fullsize vans are all full frame. The 96- back vans rode and drove like crap compared the newer design.

I hear you on the opinion that unibody vehicles are not the best tow vehicles, but the unibody design has its place. I do not think I would want to tow a Blazer with a Grand Cherokee very far, but the manufacturer sets tow ratings for a reason. I don't agree that you can't tow at all with unibody vehicles.

 

[84_Chevy_K10]

I agree. I would consider towing a small utility trailer or something...but I wouldn't get a big load behind it. It's just not meant to handle that kind of load.

 

[TrcksR4ME]

The unibody discussion reminds me of why people with Jeep Cherokees build exo cages. One could argue it is a 4x4 from the factory, therefore it is a capable wheeler. But over time the unibody does not hold up if you wheel it hard. I would equate that to towing with it at its max rating. Probably does ok but over time it might cause some fatigue in the unibody contruction. Maybe not though, I'm not an engineer /forums/images/graemlins/dunno.gif

 

[Pookster]

Most unibodies still have sub frames. Its not a full frame vehicle, but it certainly not as weak as some people make it out to be. IIRC most front wheel drive cars dont even come with subframes in the rear.

 

[6.2Blazer]

[ QUOTE ]
The unibody discussion reminds me of why people with Jeep Cherokees build exo cages. One could argue it is a 4x4 from the factory, therefore it is a capable wheeler. But over time the unibody does not hold up if you wheel it hard. I would equate that to towing with it at its max rating. Probably does ok but over time it might cause some fatigue in the unibody contruction. Maybe not though, I'm not an engineer /forums/images/graemlins/dunno.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Go wheel' a K5 with a stock body (no cage or heavy rockers, etc...) and see how long it lasts before the body starts having issues /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif My '90 sounded like you were stepping on a pop can everytime you flexed it out after a few years of hard trails and started showing stress cracks in several areas. Don't forget about how long the frame will last before the steering box falls off..............