2023 Jeep Wrangler Towing Capacity: How Much Can a Jeep Tow
When thinking of buying a Jeep, of course, you will want something good, strong, and tough. Anyone who goes shopping for a Jeep Wrangler considers going for the strongest one with many features and has a good towing capacity.
Although Jeep Wranglers are Jeep brands that represent the lifestyle of adventure and exploration they can take you over mountains and take you around the world, one of its challenges is the ability to tow and this is a challenge because Jeep Wranglers have a towing capacity limit.
A Jeep Wrangler that is well equipped should have a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds and these are mostly 4–door Jeep Wranglers; however, a 2-door Jeep Wrangler Model has a towing capacity of 2000 lbs.
We should get to know more about the Jeep Wrangler’s towing capacity.
Jeep Wrangler Models and Their Towing Capacity
Jeep Wrangler towing capacity varies although all models have heavy-duty axles that provide an even power distribution during towing.
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited LJ
The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited LJ also called the Long Jeep produced 2004-2006 with a longer wheelbase of about 118.4 inches has a factory towing capacity of 3,500 pounds which is 1,500 pounds heavier than the smaller Jeep Wrangler towing power.
Although so many LJ Wrangler owners would advise you to stay under a towing capacity of 3,000 pounds.
Jeep Wrangler YJ
The Jeep Wrangler YJ produced in 1987 and 1995, has a square headlight making it different from other Jeep Wranglers and has a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds.
One of its limiting factors in its capacity to tow is because the Jeep has a short wheelbase.
Jeep Wrangler TJ
The Jeep Wrangler TJ produced in 1996 and 2006 was the first Jeep Wrangler with a round headlight.
It has a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds with a wheelbase of 93.4 inches which is the reason for its low towing capacity.
Jeep Wrangler JK
Jeep Wrangler JK and the Jeep Wrangler JK Unlimited produced 2007-2018 also have a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds surprisingly.
This is also because of its short wheelbase which is a major limiting factor for Jeep Wrangler towing capacity.
However, the larger Jeep Wrangler JK Unlimited with a wheelbase of 116 inches has a much higher towing capacity than the short-wheelbase Jeep Wrangler JK.
The larger Jeep Wrangler JK Unlimited has a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.
Jeep Wrangler JL
The Jeep Wrangler JL produced in 2018 also has a short wheelbase just like some of the other Jeep Wranglers produced and has a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds but the Jeep Wrangler JL Unlimited a four-door Jeep has a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds because of its long wheelbase.
Materials Needed to Enable a Jeep Wrangler Tow
Trailer Hitch Receiver
Two different hitches are to be mounted on a Jeep for the Jeep to be able to tow.
Bumper Hitch: It is a replacement for the factory bumper. This replacement also depends on your personal preference.
Receiver Hitch: This sits under the bumper; it has one-quarter or two-inch openings. It also has a bolt in place using existing holes.
Ball Mount, Pin, and Clip
The ball mount which is also called the drawbar is fixed into the hitch opening. To get the accurate ball for your Jeep, the measurement from the top of the receiver hitch opening to the ground is taken.
Also, measurements from the bottom of the trailer coupler to the ground after leveling the trailer are also collected. Taking this measurement will let you know if there is a need for a ball mount rise or a drop.
The ball mount in the trailer hitch receiver is secured using the pin and clip to hold them. The size of the pin and clip needed to hold the ball mount in the trailer hitch is dependent on the size of the trailer hitch receiver.
Transmission Cooler
The Jeep Wrangler automatic transmission works overtime when towing and this can cause overheating of the transmission fluid in the Jeep Wrangler so using a transmission cooler helps to keep the fluid at its accurate temperature during towing.
Wire Harness
This is an external cost made of thermoplastic materials used to cover some type of electrical wire. It is attached to the Jeep electrical system which is needed to power the rear turn and brake lights on the trailer.
Brake Controller
A brake controller is required for trailers with electric brakes. So towing a trailer with electric brakes, a brake controller is needed.
The brake controller works by sending signals back to the trailer brake that corresponds with the Jeep Wrangler brake.
Before using a brake controller, check to get the accurate one needed for your use.
Trailer Hitch Ball
The trailer hitch ball consists of three different sizes 1.7/8 inches, 2 inches and 2 5/16 inches.
These trailer hitch ball measurements are the size of the hitch ball which must be attached to the coupler of the trailer that has been towed.
It is necessary for the trailer coupler to be stamped with the ball size needed.
FAQs for 2023 Jeep Wrangler Towing Capacity
Is the Jeep Wrangler good for towing?
For towing, the Jeep Wrangler Model Grand Cherokee, Gladiator and Cherokee are best for towing reasons because other models have a towing capacity of around 2,000 lbs. The 2021 model of the Jeep Wrangler has about 3,500lbs of towing capacity. Although, the towing capacity varies with the various models. If you want a Jeep that can be able to tow, you should keep in them that all 2-door Jeep Wranglers can tow about 2,000lbs. The 4-door models tow way higher than, we are looking at close to 4,000.
Which Jeep Wrangler has a high towing capacity?
The towing capacity of a Jeep Wrangler depends greatly on the model and make. A two-door Jeep Wrangler with a short wheelbase will have a lower towing capacity than a four-door Jeep Wrangler with a longer wheelbase. Where a two-door Jeep Wrangler’s towing capacity is 2,000 pounds a four-door Jeep Wrangler’s towing capacity is 3,500 pounds.
How much will a Jeep Tow with a Tow package?
Jeep Wrangler’s capacity to tow with a low package is 2,000 pounds for two-door Jeep Wrangler Models and 3,500 pounds for four-door Jeep Wrangler Models. Although the Unlimited Model 2019 has a capacity to pull up to 5,500 pounds when it is fully equipped.
Towing with a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, How many pounds can it Tow?
A Jeep Wrangler Unlimited has a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds which allows it easy to tow a couple of Jet skis, a lightweight travel trailer. Not all Jeep Wranglers can tow that amount of weight, some have a lower towing capacity. You should know your Jeep’s towing capacity before you begin using it towing anything.
What is a Towing Package made of and what happens if I exceed Tow capacity?
A heavy-duty package should include stronger brakes, an upgraded battery, a transmission cooler and a heavy-duty shock. Having this package is important to keep your Jeep in good shape. You shouldn’t take your tow capacity lightly. Every Jeep Wrangler is made to tow a maximum weight, exceeding that weight will strain and wear out your engine, tires, transmission, and chassis. It can turn into something catastrophic while driving the Jeep, and you run a risk of losing your entire Jeep due to severe damage.
Final Thoughts
To enjoy a smooth ride during towing, having the correct weight distribution is important because a correct weight distribution during towing will enable stability.
Therefore, it is advisable not to tow a trailer equal to or equivalent to the capacity of your Jeep towing power. Always ensure you have an idea of the towing capacity of your Jeep before you take on any challenge.
This will keep you from having to go through so much trouble.
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