Towing Capacity of a Jeep Wrangler

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Towing Capacity of a Jeep Wrangler

June 26, 2017, 05:16:06 pm

Can anyone tell me what the towing capacity of a 2-door Jeep Wrangler is?

Re: Towing Capacity of a Jeep Wrangler

Reply #1 – June 26, 2017, 05:38:10 pm

Jeep - Browser Upgrade

Re: Towing Capacity of a Jeep Wrangler

Reply #2 – June 26, 2017, 05:49:56 pm

Thanks, Joan. Let me clarify, an older TJ type.

Re: Towing Capacity of a Jeep Wrangler

Reply #3 – June 26, 2017, 07:27:36 pm

Depending on the transmission and rear axle, max towing weight ranges from 1000 to 3500-lbs.
Less is better. The six cylinder engines are not that powerful.

Larry

Re: Towing Capacity of a Jeep Wrangler

Reply #4 – June 26, 2017, 07:34:35 pm

Reason for asking is that I have a little 5x8 landscape trailer that I use on occasion and I'm wondering if a 1997- 2006 TJ could handle it up and down hills. I'm not certain I understand the weights correctly, though. If the GVWR per the label is 2995 and the maximum cargo capacity is 2135, does that mean the empty trailer weighs 860 lbs? Can a TJ handle this trailer safely, maybe half loaded?

Re: Towing Capacity of a Jeep Wrangler

Reply #5 – June 26, 2017, 07:53:01 pm

Half loaded? Probably yes, if the vehicle has standard diameter tires, original ride height/center of gravity, the appropriate hitch, and the appropriate driver with some towing experience. And, if the hill in question is not the one in the background of pic #1 (!). Well-secured cargo, brakes* on trailer with appropriate controller, and a hitch coupler height that lets the trailer ride level (or just slightly nose-down) when trailer and vehicle are loaded within individual and joint capacity. (Not nose up.)

It doesn't look like it has brakes -- no surge brake coupler or breakaway battery box is visible to me... though it may actually be there somewhere. Many states have brake requirements that kick in at 2000 pounds, although many states have regulations that are far from clear on this matter. But if you're dancing near capacity, they're a wise precaution.

Chip

Re: Towing Capacity of a Jeep Wrangler

Reply #6 – June 27, 2017, 01:44:59 am

Quote from: HiLola - June 26, 2017, 07:34:35 pm

Reason for asking is that I have a little 5x8 landscape trailer that I use on occasion and I'm wondering if a 1997- 2006 TJ could handle it up and down hills.

Chip bring up a good point, the lack trailer brakes could be an issue.
The TJ's brake are OK for stopping the Jeep but lack a reserved of braking power.
If taller tires have been installed, it will not have enough brake.
I have a bit of experience with this, the TJs and Cherokees share similar brake systems, along with the same engines, transfercases, axles and front suspensions.

The aftermarket has several expensive brake upgrades for TJs, a necessity, IMO, when installing bigger tires and wheels.
The TJs short wheelbase may also limit the overall stability, when towing.
You do not see many TJs pulling trailers and those that do usually have a very small utility trailer or off-road tear drop, nothing bigger. I could see using a TJ to pull a small trailer someplace local but would not want to do it on long trips.
TJs, with their short wheelbase, ride poorly enough, unless you have the long-wheelbase Unlimited edition.

If the TJ has a Dana D35 rear axle, I wouldn't pull too much of a load with it, it's a weak axle.
A Dana D44 is fine for whatever you want to pull.
Same issue with the transmissions, the older manuals and any of the automatics are weak links.
Later year manuals were much stronger.
The best answer on how much weight any particular TJs can pull is in its owner's manual.

Larry

Re: Towing Capacity of a Jeep Wrangler

Reply #7 – June 27, 2017, 08:25:19 am

Thanks Chip and Larry for your insights on this. It's looking like a TJ is not the solution to what I am trying to accomplish. Do you have any suggestions for a vehicle that could be towed 4-down by a LD and could also handle a trailer of that weight? Ideally, it would have 4WD or AWD for exploring. I'm just trying to have one less vehicle in my "motorpool."

You were correct that the trailer does not have brakes.

Re: Towing Capacity of a Jeep Wrangler

Reply #8 – June 27, 2017, 01:37:11 pm

Going to start a new thread called, "Dinghy's that can also tow a trailer."

Re: Towing Capacity of a Jeep Wrangler

Reply #9 – June 27, 2017, 02:48:02 pm

"Going to start a new thread called, "Dinghys that can also tow a trailer." "
----
Looking at the Motorhome magazine towing guide, there are quite a few toads, including pickups, large sedans, and SUVs, that could tow a trailer. The problem is that one can't tow a whale with a minnow; many, if not most, of the listed options are too heavy to be towed by an LD!

Re: Towing Capacity of a Jeep Wrangler

Reply #10 – June 27, 2017, 10:22:09 pm

Quote from: HiLola - June 27, 2017, 08:25:19 am

It's looking like a TJ is not the solution to what I am trying to accomplish. Do you have any suggestions for a vehicle that could be towed 4-down by a LD and could also handle a trailer of that weight? Ideally, it would have 4WD or AWD for exploring.

You may not like the answer, a manual transmission Subaru Outback.
What is it that you want to tow and for what distance? Maybe a downsized trailer would work with a TJ.

Enjoying the cool mountain air, on the Eastern Sierra.
Larry

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