Wrangler Unlimited Towing Capacity
#11
I thjnk it is based on a few things:
-Engine and transmission strength and cooling capacities
-Wheelbase since a shorter wheelbase can lead to jackknifing
-Suspension - even with the stiffest springs the jk sags a decent amount in the back with a load
-Engine and transmission strength and cooling capacities
-Wheelbase since a shorter wheelbase can lead to jackknifing
-Suspension - even with the stiffest springs the jk sags a decent amount in the back with a load
#12
JK Enthusiast
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I'm afraid the answer is no. While 3500 is ridiculously low rating compared to what it can actually tow, in my experience 7000 pounds is certainly a show stopper. My toy hauler has a dry weight of around 3500. Loaded I figure it is around 4500 pounds once the Harley goes inside. I just got back from an 1100 mile trip towing the trailer. 65mph is the fastest it will go. Simply runs out of power to go any faster. So 7,000 pounds will be worse. I have a 2012 with manual trans and max tow package. My jeep tows the 4500 pound trailer ok, but I would not go any higher than that.
#13
JK Enthusiast
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Wheelbase on the JKU is perfect for towing, it's a 1/2 ton frame and axle set up and a decent load bearing frame mounted bumper hitch will increase your tow capacity. I'd also get a load bearing hitch set up with good anti sway. Also, towing faster than 65 mph is asking for trouble in mho.
#14
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#15
JK Junkie
Yep, exactly why I bought a new 2012 in 2012. I normally hate to buy new vehicles as the depreciation sucks, however I knew I wanted to tow a heavy load and it was worth it to spend more money and get the 2012 that has more horsepower, more torque, an better gas mileage.
#16
You're right about that. But it's not a power issue. Both the Durango and GC are rated to tow more than double what the JKU can. I suspect with it's relatively light weight, higher center of gravity and conventional axles on both ends testing by Chrysler revealed a squirrly MOFO during panic maneuvers.
#17
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You're right about that. But it's not a power issue. Both the Durango and GC are rated to tow more than double what the JKU can. I suspect with it's relatively light weight, higher center of gravity and conventional axles on both ends testing by Chrysler revealed a squirrly MOFO during panic maneuvers.
#19
Maybe it's our culture to always blame someone else when we do stupid things in this country. No other country has more lawyers per capita then we do. Go buy a ladder in Brazil and it doesn't have 12 warning labels on it.
#20
I thought the biggest factor in limiting the towing capacity of the Wrangler was how the hitch is bolted to a crossmember of the frame. In other words unless you strengthen that weak link it doesn't matter what engine or transmission or gears you have.