pentastar and potential towing limit
JK Super Freak
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,117
Likes: 1
From: Piscataway,NJ
There have been Cherokees and Grand Cherokees with the exact same drivetrain as the wrangler with much higher towing capacities. When the unlimited became available I figured it would at least have an equal tow capacity as those cherokees and Grand cherokees as the length is almost the same.
JK Junkie
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,944
Likes: 0
From: Gilbert, AZ
There have been Cherokees and Grand Cherokees with the exact same drivetrain as the wrangler with much higher towing capacities. When the unlimited became available I figured it would at least have an equal tow capacity as those cherokees and Grand cherokees as the length is almost the same.
Also, for those mentioning the European difference, I think a lot of that has to do with their trailers are required by law to have brakes and a few other safety features that we don't require. Thus allows for a higher load rating. Here the manufacturer has to go with the lowest common factor (no brakes, questionalble suspension on teh trailer, etc.) and factor that in less they potentially end up being responsiible for an accident with a poor trailer but because it was under the weight rating, someone pulled it.
JK Super Freak
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,117
Likes: 1
From: Piscataway,NJ
As stated above, it has little to do about the drivetrain. The #1 factor is the suspension. Wranglers are meant to have more flex and roll for off roading, the last thing youwant when pulling a trailer however. I belive my Cherrokee had a 5000lb rating with the I6, 3500 (Unlimited) to 5000 is not that much difference, while sounds like a lot, it's really not that much gear or trailer size difference. The Grand Cherrokee is a totally different vehicle so comparing the two really is not accurate.
Also, for those mentioning the European difference, I think a lot of that has to do with their trailers are required by law to have brakes and a few other safety features that we don't require. Thus allows for a higher load rating. Here the manufacturer has to go with the lowest common factor (no brakes, questionalble suspension on teh trailer, etc.) and factor that in less they potentially end up being responsiible for an accident with a poor trailer but because it was under the weight rating, someone pulled it.
Also, for those mentioning the European difference, I think a lot of that has to do with their trailers are required by law to have brakes and a few other safety features that we don't require. Thus allows for a higher load rating. Here the manufacturer has to go with the lowest common factor (no brakes, questionalble suspension on teh trailer, etc.) and factor that in less they potentially end up being responsiible for an accident with a poor trailer but because it was under the weight rating, someone pulled it.
I think 3500 to 5000 matters more if you're looking at camper trailers. There are many that are about 3900 to 4500 lbs, very very few under 3500.
JK Junkie
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,262
Likes: 1
From: Des Moines, Iowa
I think the point to my post was to say that I don't think a more powerful engine was going to cause an increase in towing capacity.
I think 3500 to 5000 matters more if you're looking at camper trailers. There are many that are about 3900 to 4500 lbs, very very few under 3500.
I think 3500 to 5000 matters more if you're looking at camper trailers. There are many that are about 3900 to 4500 lbs, very very few under 3500.
JK Super Freak
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,117
Likes: 1
From: Piscataway,NJ
That is true. It is the TOTAL weight LOADED. It is VERY easy to load 1500 lbs of stuff into a trailer.
JK Newbie
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: Texas City
As stated above, it has little to do about the drivetrain. The #1 factor is the suspension. Wranglers are meant to have more flex and roll for off roading, the last thing youwant when pulling a trailer however. I belive my Cherrokee had a 5000lb rating with the I6, 3500 (Unlimited) to 5000 is not that much difference, while sounds like a lot, it's really not that much gear or trailer size difference. The Grand Cherrokee is a totally different vehicle so comparing the two really is not accurate.
Also, for those mentioning the European difference, I think a lot of that has to do with their trailers are required by law to have brakes and a few other safety features that we don't require. Thus allows for a higher load rating. Here the manufacturer has to go with the lowest common factor (no brakes, questionalble suspension on teh trailer, etc.) and factor that in less they potentially end up being responsiible for an accident with a poor trailer but because it was under the weight rating, someone pulled it.
Also, for those mentioning the European difference, I think a lot of that has to do with their trailers are required by law to have brakes and a few other safety features that we don't require. Thus allows for a higher load rating. Here the manufacturer has to go with the lowest common factor (no brakes, questionalble suspension on teh trailer, etc.) and factor that in less they potentially end up being responsiible for an accident with a poor trailer but because it was under the weight rating, someone pulled it.
For example, the Chrysler town & country with tow package and the 3.8 6 speed auto tows the same as the 4.0 with the tow package and the 6 speed auto. Which is only a hundred pounds more than the unlimited (3600)
The longer wheelbase and suspension make 3.8 minivan rating higher (I guess?) than the 3.8 wrangler, but wheel base and suspension hold back the 4.0. Again this a guess
http://www.chrysler.com/en/2010/town...rmance/towing/
Last edited by tommy35SS; Feb 26, 2010 at 05:40 PM. Reason: grammer & clarification