2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee Towing 2108DS

[Kimburchic]

Hello,

I’m purchasing a new 2021 2108DS and the specs state it has a GVWR 5500 lbs. I came across some ads that say the 2018DS has a GVWR 7000 lbs. All spec sheets from Winnebago and some of the new sales sights state the lower weight.

My Jeep Grand Cherokee has the towing package built-in and all I needed to install was the hitch. I have a V6 with a towing capacity of 6200 lbs, although the hitch I installed is for 6500 lbs. I’m staying under the 6200.

Will the 2108DS with awning; A/C; television; sofa w/table (instead of dinette), be at the 5500 GVWR?

Is the new 2018DS built lighter than previous models?

Thank you,
Kimberley
Future 2018DS Owner

[Marine359]

Hi again Kimberly,
Your new 2108DS if built later than October 2020 will have 3,000lb axles and a GVWR of 5500lbs. With a full load of everything you take camping including full fresh water, you’ll likely be just over 5,000 lbs loaded. You’ll want to avoid overloading the rear of your Cherokee. Remember, whatever you put in there subtracts from the tow vehicle cargo capacity. Then you have to subtract another 410 for tongue weight, and probably another 50-60lbs for hitch and torsion bars, presuming you’re installing a WDH. The wheelbase of your tow vehicle demands a WDH with sway control. When it gets installed, check to make sure your tv and TT are level with each other when hitched.

I don’t think weight of the 2108DS has changed much, but WBGO move to. Lower rated axle reduces the GVWR.

[backtrack15]

Nothing changed from 7000 to 5500 except for the axles. Winnebago felt the 7000 number was scaring people (apparently folks aren’t smart enough to understand dry weight + cargo is what matters). Anyway, they wanted to do 5000 (not nearly as scary) but realized that was too little payload capacity so quickly jumped to 5500 after people like me told them they had screwed up.

[Marine359]

I’m glad you talked to them Backtrack. I talked with the factory rep about this before buying, and he didn’t know anything. I figured it to be safe with 3,000lb axles and 4,000 dry weight. If they had left GVWR at 5,000, everybody would be overweight according to that spec.

[backtrack15]

I had ordered a 2108TB and was busy watching RV Trader every day to see the first of the 2021b models show up. Finally somebody took a photo of the capacity sticker on one... payload of 860 lbs! I was so ticked because, at that point, all the 2021a models of every variety had been sold. Adam and my regional sales rep got an email from me within 10 minutes. We talked a few times over the following days. They decided to jump to 5500 (I wasn’t the only one who was ticked). My dealer had three people walk away from orders at 5000. I was surprised they didn’t bump the GVWR to 5400 with the 2500# axles to account for the tongue weight. Dexter recommends that in their design manual. Forest River does that. In any case, 3000# axles are definitely more than required which is just fine with me.

[Kimburchic]

Thank you for the information.



Kimberley

2108DS

2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee