Another Trailer Hitch Question

[NeedAHitch]

I'm trying to order a GCL Limited with the tow package. My family and I are taking a long road trip this summer and I need to be able to pull about 4K pounds.

I understand there are issues with getting the full tow package right now, and that Jeep is just offering the trailer prep package (the tow package without the hitch and wiring harness; two important parts!)

The most reputable dealer I'm talking to said he heard the wiring harness is being held up due to supply chain issues, but he thinks it should be available within two months or so (I'm not sure if this estimate is based on anything or is just a guess). He said I could order the vehicle, and then when the hitch and harness come in, the dealership could install them for $800. He said the install would end up looking just like a factory install. He also identified a few 2021s within 150 miles that have the full tow package.

I need the vehicle fully equipped by early June, preferably earlier. It seems my options are:

1. Buy a 2021 equipped with the full tow package, even though it may not be exactly what I want (e.g. color may differ, may not have the sunroof my wife wants, has some options I don't need). The ones identified look to be a few thousand dollars more than what I would get if I build to order.
2. Order a 2022 with the trailer prep package, hope the hitch and wiring harness come in on time, and trust my dealer that they can install it as promised.
3. Buy something besides a GCL

My questions for you all are:

1. What have you heard about timeline of availability of the 2022 GCLs shipping with the tow package? When did this shortage start? When is it anticipated to end?
2. Which of the above three options would you choose if you were in my shoes?

Thanks for the help!

 

[TorrWL]

I had the a similar issue with mine when I bought my 21, sales manager said they weren't allowed to order it and I should look into aftermarket options, don't do this because there are none. Get something with the full tow package, because if you just get the factory 4/7 pin wiring plugs and the hitch/bumper then you will only be able to pull 3500 lbs. this is because the rest of the package has one key thing to increase the v6 option to 6200 and v8 7200. The Heavy Duty Tranny Cooler makes the higher towing capacities possible. Some people say the rear leveling suspension too but that has knowing to do with the towing ability, just slightly levels the vehicle. So option 1 - get a 2021 with the full tow package. Also consider. how often you're wife is going to be towing stuff. I just have the hitch and wiring. I researched the parts for the HD tranny cooler and it is all about $280 plus install but its pretty easy since the tranny already has plugs where the cooler lines should be.

 

[NeedAHitch]

Thanks for the reply. Here's another question.

Is there any reason I couldn't order a 2022 GCL with the trailer prep group and then install a mopar trailer hitch, trailer tow connector, and tow module?

Mopar trailer tow connector that fits a 2022 GCL

Mopar trailer tow module that fits a 2022 GCL

Mopar trailer hitch that fits a 2022 GCL

Would I need anything else to make it equivalent to the full tow package?

 

[Badgerdon]

I had the a similar issue with mine when I bought my 21, sales manager said they weren't allowed to order it and I should look into aftermarket options, don't do this because there are none. Get something with the full tow package, because if you just get the factory 4/7 pin wiring plugs and the hitch/bumper then you will only be able to pull 3500 lbs. this is because the rest of the package has one key thing to increase the v6 option to 6200 and v8 7200. The Heavy Duty Tranny Cooler makes the higher towing capacities possible. Some people say the rear leveling suspension too but that has knowing to do with the towing ability, just slightly levels the vehicle. So option 1 - get a 2021 with the full tow package. Also consider. how often you're wife is going to be towing stuff. I just have the hitch and wiring. I researched the parts for the HD tranny cooler and it is all about $280 plus install but its pretty easy since the tranny already has plugs where the cooler lines should be.

Thanks for posting this. I too went through the same decision tree. While my towing needs are not anything more than a bike rack or garden trailer…my last JGC (2002…loved it) regularly pulled 3-4k pound boat and single axel trailer. No tranny cooler and other extras, had no issues. That said, that tow prep extra stuff is nice and increases the longevity of the Jeep and don’t kill the mileage….in my opinion.

As for the hitch itself, I for sure would not do aftermarket as it would be installed (if they actually could) under the bumper line. No bueno.

I chose to wait for the JGCL hitch and install at dealer. $800 is what I was quoted too and given the faster speed of my build (ordered 2 weeks ago) and easing supply chains, I really don’t think it will go past May. When I considered the 21 option, too many trade offs and things like interior color, panoramic sunroof and passenger screen were too much for me to swallow. Also, this is my 5th Jeep and as much of a loyalist I am, buying the first year of a model still has me leery. Yes, there was little change from 21 to 22…that said, the 21s on the lot now are early 21 builds and my 22 won’t hit the line for a least another 3 weeks or so. I can’t help to think that process improvements on the assembly line has to be good for later builds.

Long answer saying rolling the dice and waiting would seem like the better choice.

 

[GrandLOwner]

I'm trying to order a GCL Limited with the tow package. My family and I are taking a long road trip this summer and I need to be able to pull about 4K pounds.

I understand there are issues with getting the full tow package right now, and that Jeep is just offering the trailer prep package (the tow package without the hitch and wiring harness; two important parts!)

The most reputable dealer I'm talking to said he heard the wiring harness is being held up due to supply chain issues, but he thinks it should be available within two months or so (I'm not sure if this estimate is based on anything or is just a guess). He said I could order the vehicle, and then when the hitch and harness come in, the dealership could install them for $800. He said the install would end up looking just like a factory install. He also identified a few 2021s within 150 miles that have the full tow package.

I need the vehicle fully equipped by early June, preferably earlier. It seems my options are:

1. Buy a 2021 equipped with the full tow package, even though it may not be exactly what I want (e.g. color may differ, may not have the sunroof my wife wants, has some options I don't need). The ones identified look to be a few thousand dollars more than what I would get if I build to order.
2. Order a 2022 with the trailer prep package, hope the hitch and wiring harness come in on time, and trust my dealer that they can install it as promised.
3. Buy something besides a GCL

My questions for you all are:

1. What have you heard about timeline of availability of the 2022 GCLs shipping with the tow package? When did this shortage start? When is it anticipated to end?
2. Which of the above three options would you choose if you were in my shoes?

Thanks for the help!

I am new to this forum, and a first time Jeep owner who purchased an Overland in early November (2021) that also was missing the recover and hitch. I was told "a few weeks" originally, then "by early Feb". I called the dealer yesterday, and they still don't have any idea when it will be in. This has been very disappointing. I would either buy the one that has the full package, or look at something other than the JGC.

 

[Badgerdon]

Questioned the dealer about the difference in costs of the receiver/wiring missing from the tow package….got the answer I was hoping, though, seriously doubt that this will be reality.

I am new to this forum, and a first time Jeep owner who purchased an Overland in early November (2021) that also was missing the recover and hitch. I was told "a few weeks" originally, then "by early Feb". I called the dealer yesterday, and they still don't have any idea when it will be in. This has been very disappointing. I would either buy the one that has the full package, or look at something other than the JGC.

 

[NeedAHitch]

Thanks for the responses. Here's a reply I just received from Jeep:

I appreciate the time and effort taken to contact the Jeep Information Center. I understand you have begun the early steps of reviewing your next vehicle purchase, and it's great to read of your consideration of our Jeep Grand Cherokee L lineup!

The all-new 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L includes the Trailer Tow Group along with the Class IV Receiver Hitch as standard factory equipment on both the Overland 4x4 and Summit 4x4 trim levels respectively.

The Trailer Tow Prep Group, which includes Rear Load Leveling Suspension, and Heavy Duty Engine Cooling to name a few, is offered as an optional package on all other trim levels within the lineup.

If you wish to purchase a trim level with the Trailer Tow Prep Group, our best recommendation would be to speak further with your Mopar Parts department at your authorized Jeep Dealer for further review of the steps required to add the remaining towing equipment after purchase.
They can ascertain the correct part number, review part availability and discuss any alternatives you may have.

Please feel free to sign up for updates on the Jeep brand by visiting https://www.jeep.com/sufu.html -or, staying in touch with your local Jeep Dealer.
By signing up, you will receive a quarterly eNewsletter with updates and information as it becomes available on new vehicles, special offers, upcoming events, and more.

I trust these referral actions will provide the best resource for your review.
Thank you again for your time and interest,