Repost from yesterday

Hi all, great site I starting looking at the GC SRT8 2 days ago after deciding the 15 yrs of Yukons is enough. Completely different vehicle etc but H...S... looks good has "ok" toys and fast! The cool factor was enough to go for it. I looked at 5 Black ones in the MA/CT area and used this site for research. Worked out a deal I was happy with signed on the dotted line and BANG dealer says they want me to sign a waiver that I won't tow with it. MAJOR deal breaker. I point out that the 2008 sales book says 3500bls. They say the Reg Mang says no way. They need a waiver.
Has anyone delt with this?

No, That is completely wrong. I have already towed a motorcycle with mine from Florida to Alabama. I never had to sign any waiver when I picked mine up. Go to a different dealer or call Jeeps Customer service and address it with them.

I didn't, and wouldn't sign anything either, but Jeep.com doesn't give any towing capacity data for the SRT-8 model, or the 6.1 engine, probably because it doesn't come with a hitch, so it can't be rated from the manufacturer.

http://www.gcsrts.com/srts-admin/pictures/tow-cap.jpg

call Don at championjeep (866)279-2908.

Towing with this thing just seems so rediculous. I guess if you NEEDED to you could, but the engineers will tell you that the suspension is not setup to tow...thus why it's not an option. Not to mention the potential for fires due to the exhaust tips. You want to tow something, stick with your Yukons and Suburbans, or get a Van like the TBSS.

I dont need to tow anything heavy thats why I stilll have the Yukon, 2 quads with open trailer totaling under 2000lbs shouldn't be an issue.


Heres a copy of page 290 from the 2008 CG SRT-8 Owners manual. (I was directed to this by "Virgina" at Jeep customer service 800#) downloaded from the Jeep site.


290 STARTING AND OPERATING
Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)
The following chart provides the maximum trailer weight ratings towable for your given drivetrain.
Engine/
Transmission
GCWR (Gross Combined
Wt. Rating)
Frontal Area Max. GTW (Gross
Trailer Wt.)
Max. Tongue Wt.
(See Note 1)
6.1L Automatic 8,800 lbs (3 992 kg) 40 Sq. Ft. (3.72
square meters)
3,500 lbs (1 587 kg) 350 lbs (159 kg)
Refer to local laws for maximum trailer towing speeds.
Note 1 – The trailer tongue weight must be considered as
part of the combined weight of occupants and cargo, and
should never exceed the weight referenced on the Tire
and Loading Information placard. Refer to the “Tire–
Safety Information” section in this manual.
Trailer and Tongue Weight
Always load a trailer with 60% to 65% of the weight in
the front of the trailer. This places 10% to 15% of the
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) on the tow hitch of your
vehicle. Loads balanced over the wheels or heavier in the
rear can cause the trailer to sway severely side to side
which will cause loss of control of vehicle and trailer.
Failure to load trailers heavier in front is the cause of
many trailer accidents.

Thanks for the feedback

If towing were a no-no, I wouldn't figure MOPAR to sell a hitch for these rigs.

That said, I wouldn't go near this dealership for service work. I suspect you would run the risk of being blacklisted if you were to take it in for anything their "regional manager" could deem "tow related".

I don't think towing with this thing would be at all ridiculous.

If I had to tow something big I'd use my F250.

But if needed to move something lightweight and passenger comfort was more a priority, I'd have to say the Jeep is a better vehicle.

I'd call customer service or ask to speak to the regional guy.

Towing with this thing just seems so rediculous. I guess if you NEEDED to you could, but the engineers will tell you that the suspension is not setup to tow...thus why it's not an option. Not to mention the potential for fires due to the exhaust tips. You want to tow something, stick with your Yukons and Suburbans, or get a Van like the TBSS.

Mango, Mango, Mango....Sorry, I gotta call you out on this one. 08 suspension etc.,is same as my 06. No? In chat sessons with engineers back in the caveman days of us early owners, their comments were confined to "it is only rated at 3500 lbs., cause that's all we have tested it to." (and of course the infamous..."we'll be releasing the factory hitch soon") To my knowledge, neither the engineers nor anyone else from DCX ever said that the suspension is not setup to tow. If I missed that comment somewhere (from an engineer or DCX employee) maybe you can point it out to me. Oh, not to mention, (taken right from My VIR....Vehicle Information Report, or build sheet) item Code XEY Trailer Tow Wiring Harness...Uumm, go figure!

Yeah, put the lighting wiring directly behind the tip and you might have a problem. That's like saying hang the ballasts for your HIDs in front of your grille out in the rain. Those of us who have been towing succesfully for a long time now, have had no fires, or other issues I know of. When reasonably used to tow boats, Mc's, jet skiis, small utility trailers, and plenty of other items with realistic gross and tongue weights, plenty of us will heartily disagree with your "take on towing".

Towing a long time now, well over 18,000 miles at consistent Interstate speeds and spirited driving...(yeah, yeah, I leave plenty of extra wiggle/avoidance/stopping room and have never had a problem. And, believe me it is fun when you can punch it, and still surprise the Hell out of the "unsuspecting."

And sitting behind mine is my trailer which when loaded with two Harley's, tools, spare tire and rim, and all kinds of other stuff weighs in at just over 3000lbs. And the Jeep hardly knows it's there, and I can still get 10.8 to 12mpg running between 65 to 78 mph. Figured the old fashion way of dividing gals into miles and not relying soley on evic.

So to those who wish to tow, I say search the forums carefully, understand the weight and install issues, and go for it.

Just my 2 cents :D

In a recent engineer chat session, the SRT Engineers said that the reason the SRT8 Jeep was rated at 3500 lbs is due to the parking "pall" on the transmission. So, if you use your parking brake and don't park on a steep incline, you should be able to tow the same as a 'regular' 5.7lL Hemi (in my opinion). ;)

In a recent engineer chat session, the SRT Engineers said that the reason the SRT8 Jeep was rated at 3500 lbs is due to the parking "pall" on the transmission. So, if you use your parking brake and don't park on a steep incline, you should be able to tow the same as a 'regular' 5.7lL Hemi (in my opinion). ;)

You are correct sir, and excellent point. I had completely forgotten that statement....my bad, and thanks for posting it. The more truthful and real world info we get out the better. :)

...dealer says they want me to sign a waiver that I won't tow with it. MAJOR deal breaker. I point out that the 2008 sales book says 3500bls. They say the Reg Mang says no way...
Just when you thought you've heard it all... are these guys idiots or what? I'd find another dealer, one that doesn't employ morons.

The Jeep SRT8 towing specs are listed:

In the 2008 sales brochure, page 28

In the 2008 SRT8 owners manual, page 290

I'd notify chrysler corp and rat out that "regional manager" its asshats like that that cause problems for customers.

Thanks for all the feedback.
This would /should have been my first buy with Jeep/Chrysler (except for a 65 CJ w/327), lousy taste for it now. But the SRT group did a great job with this vehicle IMHO. I'll find another.

Thanks for all the feedback.
This would /should have been my first buy with Jeep/Chrysler (except for a 65 CJ w/327), lousy taste for it now. But the SRT group did a great job with this vehicle IMHO. I'll find another.


Don't allow one Stupid Dealer sour you on buying a great automobile and if all else fails give Don a call he will deliver it to your door. Try and find out why they wanted you to sign that wavier, it doesn't make sense to me. I know 3 people who own GCSRT8s and 2 of them tow with theirs ( BIG BOATS ).


Jack

That's just plain dumb. Find another dealer.

I read this post before and forgot to reply. Obviously I disagree with your dealer...:D:D

I really wish sales people were trained in what they were selling. I looked at an SRT10 before I got the Jeep and the sales person told me I couldn't tow with it. The friggin thing had a factory hitch on it...

I read this post before and forgot to reply. Obviously I disagree with your dealer...:D:D

I really wish sales people were trained in what they were selling. I looked at an SRT10 before I got the Jeep and the sales person told me I couldn't tow with it. The friggin thing had a factory hitch on it...


The SRT-10 QCs were designed to tow Vipers to the Track and Shows. Chrysler Dealerships should have at least one salesMAN schooled to sell SRTs especially if they handle Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep. At one time that would have involved 9 different SRTs, I'm sure Chrysler lost a lot of sales because the Dealerships had NOBODY knowledgeable enough to hype the product.


Jack

Picked up a Black GCsrt8 today. Went over it in the showroom and after the 70 mile ride home and am very happy with the fit and finish. Being that I bought it in the same region I didn't ask anything about the hitch least the same issue come up.
The first area I want to improve is the ride. The steering is responsive but the chassis seems to float or sway more then i would like it to. Its definitly not the as loose as my 04 Yukon but is not nearly as tight or smooth as my 07 saab aero. I'm looking around this site for advice on how to improve the suspension, if anyone can point me in a direction I'm listening.
Thanks for the earlier advice from those who gave it regarding the dealer that skunked me.
Mike

Picked up a Black GCsrt8 today. Went over it in the showroom and after the 70 mile ride home and am very happy with the fit and finish. Being that I bought it in the same region I didn't ask anything about the hitch least the same issue come up.
The first area I want to improve is the ride. The steering is responsive but the chassis seems to float or sway more then i would like it to. Its definitly not the as loose as my 04 Yukon but is not nearly as tight or smooth as my 07 saab aero. I'm looking around this site for advice on how to improve the suspension, if anyone can point me in a direction I'm listening.
Thanks for the earlier advice from those who gave it regarding the dealer that skunked me.
Mike

Bwoody sells some sway bars that should help with that. There is a thread discussing that issue.:)

The BWoody sway bar "links" will inspire a bit more confidence in the bends for sure.

Picked up a Black GCsrt8 today. Went over it in the showroom and after the 70 mile ride home and am very happy with the fit and finish. Being that I bought it in the same region I didn't ask anything about the hitch least the same issue come up.
The first area I want to improve is the ride. The steering is responsive but the chassis seems to float or sway more then i would like it to. Its definitly not the as loose as my 04 Yukon but is not nearly as tight or smooth as my 07 saab aero. I'm looking around this site for advice on how to improve the suspension, if anyone can point me in a direction I'm listening.
Thanks for the earlier advice from those who gave it regarding the dealer that skunked me.
Mike

We bought ours on the same day, good luck with yours. Watch how tight you get the suspension you may be sorry. I might look at tires first.


Jack

We bought ours on the same day, good luck with yours. Watch how tight you get the suspension you may be sorry. I might look at tires first.


Jack


Good point about the tires, like everyone else I'm dealing with the wheel/winter tire issue. But if I deal with ride over "winter" tire issues and stay with the stock rims what would you suggest switching the tires to? I've been looking and havent seen much that is different then the Good Years.

Update---this Curt mfg hitch worked great and looks really good http://fileresource.sitepro.com/filemanager/66/filecollections/252/A929F002-6052-A21C-7B96-CE9E0EF1CD2A.pdf