if you're gonna re-gear, might as well go all the way. Especially if you ever plan to run bigger tires, etc.

 

not all of what you said is true. The Jeep Wrangler tow rating is NOT based on its physical tow capability in the US. I researched this a lot prior to ordering my JKU. In the US, the JKU is a convertible since the top and doors do not protect the occupants. This is a factor in the US keeping the rating artificially low. Some other countries rate the exact same JKU (not diesel) for up to 4400 pounds. Consider this: there are jeep liberties that are rated in the US to tow 5000 pounds. There is not one hint of evidence that says any Liberty should be able to tow more than any JKU. The Liberty weighs less, has a shorter and narrower wheelbase and has considerably less power.

 

Regardless, if you have an accident while towing over the rated amount from factory, you will be on the hook for civil responsibility and possibly criminal.

 

I meant no disrespect. I just wanted to make sure the OP knew that the factory bumper didn't include the receiver but aftermarket ones did.

 

I don't deny that what you say is true. However, I put a post on here a couple years ago reaching out to the community to see if anyone has real world specific examples of someone being sued or charged for towing a heavier load than the vehicle was rated for. I think the responses did not include any proven examples. But, people sue for anything so you are certainly not wrong that this could happen. I was willing to take the chance, knowing I did everything possible to ensure a safe tow, even though it was over the rated limit.

 

I think there are many safety factors one can drive with to ensure that they can compensate for being overloaded as well. As long as you're driving with those in mind I'd imagine there wouldn't be a problem. Also, i'm sure there is anywhere between a 20% and 50% safety margin in the tow rating......

 

I can agree with most of you on this topic, I've got plenty of experience pulling just never pulled anything with the Jeep cause it was bought for my wife originally but now we're going to get her another vehicle and I'm looking to get the Jeep and will probably be doing a lot of modifications to it, just looking for advice from outside experience

 

I'd say you should implement many of the actions rob_engineer did for his towing. While I think he's at the extreme end for towing (not sure I'd want that bumper pull toy hauler behind me on the way down a winding mountain pass), he does have the right idea on what equipment to use. So re-read his post. Take from it the equipment list. Make your own decision based on that.

 

Yeah by weighing out both options just a receiver hitch and an after market bumper, I definitely believe that a bumper would be better mainly because it would provide more stability than the receiver just bolting to the cross member. I never would have much faith in the cross member

 

I am sure many will bash me for this but I have towed my 2600 lb camper with my 2 door without an issue. My primary to vehicle is an Acura MDX but on occasion I need to run the camper somewhere in the Jeep and it does a great job.