What Is the Towing Capacity of a Jeep Wrangler? The Truth Is Revealed

Jeep Wranglers are competent off-road vehicles with a high level of construction quality. Although this Jeep can pull a lot, it has a towing capacity that must not be exceeded when hauling heavy items.

Now the question is: what is the towing capacity of a Jeep Wrangler?

The Jeep Wrangler can tow between 2,000 and 3500 pounds. Because of this, it can pull pop-up trailers, hybrid trailers, Airstream trailers, and teardrop trailers with ease.

Jeep Wranglers, as previously said, are capable of withstanding a lot of weight, but even they have their limits. Continue reading if you’re keen on finding out more information.

What is Towing Capacity?

Your vehicle’s towing capacity might range from a few hundred pounds to a few thousand pounds, depending on its layout, load, and weight distribution.

Automakers rely on a single figure to determine a vehicle’s towing capacity. It doesn’t provide you with a single, universal rule. 

A few details regarding your tow vehicle and the trailer you intend to pull are required for this calculation.

Manufacturers will list a vehicle’s towing capability, but it’s vital to remember that estimates are based on the assumption that the towing vehicle is just transporting the driver. 

Towing a travel trailer and bringing along your family and all of their camping gear for a weekend away will skew the manufacturer’s estimations.

How to Estimate Towing Capacity?

The GCVWR — Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating — the vehicle you intend to tow and the trailer you intend to pull. 

All the goods each will carry, from passengers and wiper fluid included, must be known to assess your vehicle’s towing capability.

You’ll also need to know the curb weight of your tow vehicle, which is the total weight when it is fully fueled and drained of all fluids.

The towing capability may be determined by subtracting the vehicle’s curb weight from the GCVWR. It’s essential to keep in mind that you should never exceed the towing limit of your car. 

We’d add that it’s better to never get closer than 10% of that number for safety reasons.

What Is The Towing Capacity of A Jeep Wrangler?

So, how much can a Jeep Wrangler tow? The towing capacity of your Jeep Wrangler is the most crucial consideration when intending to pull a camper or anything else.

You can see the average towing capacity of Jeep Wranglers from 2010 to 2022 in the table below.

Model	Towing Capacity
2010	1,000-3,500 lbs.
2011	1,000-3,500 lbs.
2012	2,000-3,500 lbs.
2013	2,000-3,500 lbs.
2014	2,000-3,500 lbs.
2015	2,000-3,500 lbs.
2016	2,000-3,500 lbs.
2017	2,000-3,500 lbs.
2018	2,000-3,500 lbs.
2019	2,000-3,500 lbs.
2020	2000-3500 lbs.
2021	2000-3500 lbs.
2022	2000-3500 lbs.

You may use this chart as a rough guide to determine the Jeep Wrangler’s capability for towing based on the model year.

In order to provide the particular towing capacity for each trim year, there would need to be a considerably longer and more detailed table for each Jeep Wrangler model.

The owner’s handbook for your Jeep Wrangler can tell you just how much it can tow. However, if you’ve lost your Jeep Wrangler repair manual, you may visit this site and obtain a PDF version of the handbook. The list includes Jeep Wranglers from 2010 through 2022.

Tips

For those who prefer to have a tangible copy rather than a PDF, Amazon’s book includes the manuals for all gasoline Jeep Wrangler models from 1987 to 2017.

However, on average, Jeep Wranglers can pull between 2,000 and 3,500 pounds. If you consider the dry weight of even an ordinary Airstream trailer, this may seem like a lot. The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon towing capacity is also 3500 lbs.

I’m referring to the trailer’s dry weight, which is its weight when it is empty.

Airstream trailers might weigh as little as 2,500 pounds dry, but you’ll also need to account for camping gear, the water you’ll need for your journey, and anything else you could bring.

Note:

If you’re not cautious, all that extra weight may soon build up, and before you know it, your Jeep Wrangler’s maximum towing capacity will be exceeded.

Keep note of how much weight you’re putting on the trailer, and make sure it doesn’t exceed the maximum towing capacity of your vehicle. 

Having your camper bottom out or dip toward the road because you didn’t pay close enough attention to the weight load is a nightmare no one wants.

The size of the camper is just as significant as the weight of the vehicle. It’s not a good idea to tow a car taller than your Jeep Wrangler, as it might swing more in the air with nothing to stop it from being buffeted by the breeze.

When you think about the towing capacity of Jeep Wrangler, be sure it doesn’t exceed the length of your vehicle’s hitch.

All the Terms You Require for Towing

At first, it might be challenging to understand the terminology used in the towing industry. When it comes down to it, the terminology all boils down to simple measures, so there’s no need to learn them all.

GVWR:

To put it another way, the most significant amount of weight a vehicle can support while still in motion is known as the GVWR. The strength of the structure, suspension, axles, and wheels is considered.

The GVWR of your tow vehicle and the trailer you’re towing will be different. Each one may be overloaded individually.

The GVWR and towing capability of your towing vehicle are two separate figures. 

The reason is that the vehicle’s chassis can bear a different amount of weight being pushed down on it and an additional amount of weight being pulled horizontally on it through the tow hitch.

GTW:

The combined weight of your trailer and its load determines the Gross Trailer Weight (GTT). 

To get the GTW, you’d have to put the fully laden trailer on a scale and record the result. You won’t be able to transfer your GTW safely if the weight exceeds the towing capability of your car.

If your towing capability is greater than the trailer’s weight you’re hauling, don’t even try. You may be able to tow the weight, but you’ll likely damage the tow vehicle, the trailer, or both, and you’ll be unable to manage the car effectively.

GCVWR:

The tow vehicle and the trailer have their GVWRs added together to get the total GCWR. It is another vital part of towing.

GAWR:

The maximum weight that a single axle can support is the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). 

This number will indicate discrepancies between the front and rear axles in most cases. 

Only a few automobiles are perfectly balanced in weight distribution between the two axles, which might be made of various materials or sizes.

Tongue Weight:

A trailer hitch’s “tongue weight,” sometimes known as “TW,” is a measurement of the weight of the cargo being towed. The distribution of the load within the trailer may affect the tongue weight.

Weight at the Ground Level:

With no passengers or goods in it, curb weight measures a vehicle’s entire weight, including all fluids it needs to operate (including a full tank of petrol). 

Dry Weight:

The dry weight is the amount of weight it would have if it had no cargo or fluids. 

It is the weight of your tow vehicle when it is empty, with no gasoline, oil, or wiper fluid. 

Most towing calculations don’t need you to know the dry weight of your car.

Payload:

Vehicles may carry as much weight as their payload capacity will allow them to. The maximum weight a truck’s bed and cabin can support is known as its “payload capacity.” 

How to Increase Towing Capacity of Your Car?

If you currently possess a tow vehicle and would like to enhance the amount of weight it can tow, look at some adjustments you can make to make it more capable.

However, many are pricey, alter the day-to-day functionality of your towing vehicle, and reduce the car’s resale value. Do you need the Jeep Wrangler’s unlimited towing capacity? Then this section is for you.

Towing capacity may be increased by making these modifications:

1. Upgrading the Hitch:

Class III hitches allow the vehicle to haul more than Class II hitches. Stepping up in hitch class, if your tow vehicle can support it, may give you the boost you require.

2. Installing a Weight-Distribution Hitch:

The most cost-effective approach to improve a vehicle’s towing capacity is using one of these hitches. 

This type of hitch employs spring bars to distribute the weight of a trailer more evenly and lessen wobble when towing. It does not necessitate the replacement of any of the vehicle’s moving parts.

Try CURT 17052 Weight Distribution Hitch for better results.

3. Adding New Brakes to the vehicle:

The vehicle’s ability to carry a load is frequently constrained by its braking power. It’s possible that larger brake pads and rotors are more economical than anticipated.

4. Replacing the Axles:

A few RV repair shops can help you upgrade your tow vehicle’s regular axles to ones designed for the rigors of towing an RV.

5. Adding Bigger Radiator:

It takes a lot of strain on an engine to tow a vehicle. Adding a larger radiator to your engine can increase its cooling capacity, allowing it to carry greater weight without putting unnecessary strain on powertrain components.

How to Decrease Towing Capacity?

Tow vehicle performance under load may be improved, but it can also be decreased with a few tweaks. Observe for changes such as:

Increase the Size of Your Wheels:

In addition to looking good, larger aftermarket wheels may also increase your vehicle’s ground clearance. But the manufacturer’s estimations of towing capacity are invalidated by this. 

In addition to requiring additional engine torque, the gearbox shift locations are altered when using larger tires. 

If a vehicle is not being towed, these fines might significantly impact its towing capability.

Changing the Tires:

The tires on your tow vehicle are likely to wear out over time. Even though low-resistance tires enhance gas consumption, they might limit a vehicle’s ability to tow heavy loads. Ensure the tire dealer is aware you have a tow truck on site.

Final Observations

The Jeep Wrangler’s towing capacity is vital when deciding which model best suits your hauling needs. It is also important when evaluating what you will be able to transport with your existing vehicle. 

It is essential to constantly adhere to the towing capacity specified on the vehicle since exceeding the limit might be harmful.

FAQ’s

What Is My Vehicle’s Gross Weight?

In the owner’s handbook, and most instances, on a label in the driver’s door jamb, you may find your vehicle’s curb weight.

With what kind of vehicle do I have the ability to tow a small travel trailer?

Consult your vehicle’s owner’s handbook or the manufacturer’s online resources to determine how much weight you can pull.

Is the GVWR an accurate depiction of the vehicle’s actual weight?

The vehicle’s weight has nothing to do with the GVWR. To securely load your vehicle with people and baggage, you must meet the vehicle’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR).

Can I Safely Exceed GVWR?

Overriding your vehicle’s maximum towing capacity is never a brilliant idea. Cause even if you can move a more significant load than permitted, you will not be able to manage or stop the vehicle at a reasonable distance safely.

Is Exceeding GVWR Illegal?

Vehicle registration in certain jurisdictions entails signing an agreement that the registered owner will not exceed the vehicle’s gross vehicle weight limit (GVWR).

In other cases, the weight itself is not governed by any rules. If the police stop you from driving with a cargo that isn’t securely secured, they may issue a ticket.