Tow capacity
JK Freak
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 899
Likes: 2
From: Canada
until you get in an accident and a dip shit attorney holds the person responsible for knowingly overloading a trailer. Unfortunately, being a prosthetist in practice, I had quite a few patients, who lost limbs in accidents. They all won their cases due to negligence on the trailer owner's part. Yeah, the vehicle might be able to do it, but most people don't have experience pulling heavy trailers. Personally, I don't do it, even having the experience. Between the potential for vehicle damage, liability and well being of others, just not for me to push the limit.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 462
Likes: 0
From: theodore,al
JK Freak
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 537
Likes: 2
From: Houston, Texas, United States
until you get in an accident and a dip shit attorney holds the person responsible for knowingly overloading a trailer. Unfortunately, being a prosthetist in practice, I had quite a few patients, who lost limbs in accidents. They all won their cases due to negligence on the trailer owner's part. Yeah, the vehicle might be able to do it, but most people don't have experience pulling heavy trailers. Personally, I don't do it, even having the experience. Between the potential for vehicle damage, liability and well being of others, just not for me to push the limit.
JK Freak
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 766
Likes: 3
From: Fort Benning, GA
Euro Spec JKs have a higher tow rating the US but require brakes be installed on the trailer (somewhere around 4k lbs). I see the OP has an Auto, per the manual, turn the OD off when towing. the 3300# trailer is GTG, but as someone else mentioned watch tongue weight and trailer position.
I just sold my boat and had a Master tow hitch which was height adjustable from 0" drop to 7 3/4" drop, just needed a 3/8" socket or 7/8 wrnech to adjust. Great setup, makes getting your trailer level a breeze. (you may have to remove your spare if you need it raised up really high.) Master 2841AT is the model, ~$80-120 online.
"Master Lock's Adjustable Height, Zero Tilt Ball Mount infinitely adjusts from 7-3/4" drop to 6–1/4" rise for level towing every time. The EZ adjust feature allows the ball mount to be raised or lowered with a 7/8" wrench, socket, or a 3/8" ratchet drive while the trailer is attached. The ball mount height is automatically retained by a patented spring clip and has a capacity of 5,000 lb trailer, 500 lb tongue. The hitch ball is not included"
The mfg is misleading, regarding the infinitely adjusts to 6 1/4" rise. You would need to remove the ball and reintsall it flipped to make the change once you go from drop to rise. Possible, but not quickly. I also used a replaceable 1 7/8" / 2" ball for versatility.
If your JKU came with a tow bar installed, chances are your also have trailer dampening programmed in to your CPU, it uses the brakes when the trailer sways to stabilize the rear end. Always load the front of the trailer more than the back.
Go slow, predict your stops, give yourself plenty of room. Have a great trip.
I just sold my boat and had a Master tow hitch which was height adjustable from 0" drop to 7 3/4" drop, just needed a 3/8" socket or 7/8 wrnech to adjust. Great setup, makes getting your trailer level a breeze. (you may have to remove your spare if you need it raised up really high.) Master 2841AT is the model, ~$80-120 online.
"Master Lock's Adjustable Height, Zero Tilt Ball Mount infinitely adjusts from 7-3/4" drop to 6–1/4" rise for level towing every time. The EZ adjust feature allows the ball mount to be raised or lowered with a 7/8" wrench, socket, or a 3/8" ratchet drive while the trailer is attached. The ball mount height is automatically retained by a patented spring clip and has a capacity of 5,000 lb trailer, 500 lb tongue. The hitch ball is not included"
The mfg is misleading, regarding the infinitely adjusts to 6 1/4" rise. You would need to remove the ball and reintsall it flipped to make the change once you go from drop to rise. Possible, but not quickly. I also used a replaceable 1 7/8" / 2" ball for versatility.
If your JKU came with a tow bar installed, chances are your also have trailer dampening programmed in to your CPU, it uses the brakes when the trailer sways to stabilize the rear end. Always load the front of the trailer more than the back.
Go slow, predict your stops, give yourself plenty of room. Have a great trip.
JK Junkie
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 2,482
Likes: 1
From: Denver, CO
actually, we don't " love suing". I am heavily opposed to it. Unfortunately, our laws allow some frivolous suits to go through, which makes headlines. With that said, having a country with people who don't exercise responsibility and accountability, would you want another idiot out there, pushing limits and jeopardizing your safety? Careful what you say bud, I travel globally, assholes and morons aren't only in the US.
JK Junkie
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2,318
Likes: 12
From: New Hampshire
if you dont like america and its laws go back to the country your
:family originated ! these people who bash america are the ones usualy bleeding the system . this thread was about towing and his point is its dangerous to over load a trailer or carry more than what the jeep is designed to pull . if it lets go while going down the road and kills other people due to your ignorance . you deserve to be sued in America as far as the idiot thst dosent live here . hes just mad cuz he cant find a way to stay here more than 30 days on a visa 
use common sence when towing , remember thers people behind you and they dont know your a looser that goes beyond what the jeep is rated
funny every bike week all we get is people comming from canada into the usa to enjoy newhampshire and all usa has to offer and they like to buy thier parts here as well due to the overpriced market in canaaaa daa! ill say this ive met some dam nice folks from canada but thiers certainly always one in the bunch ! We love our Country and God Blesses it we dont need your Negativity about people suing . where some live i suppose they just lop off the hand:
use common sence when towing , remember thers people behind you and they dont know your a looser that goes beyond what the jeep is rated
funny every bike week all we get is people comming from canada into the usa to enjoy newhampshire and all usa has to offer and they like to buy thier parts here as well due to the overpriced market in canaaaa daa! ill say this ive met some dam nice folks from canada but thiers certainly always one in the bunch ! We love our Country and God Blesses it we dont need your Negativity about people suing . where some live i suppose they just lop off the hand:
Last edited by jeepmojo; Feb 16, 2014 at 01:22 PM.
JK Super Freak
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,331
Likes: 0
From: Dallas, TX
The tow ratings are conservative. I've personally discussed with an engineer on the JK project who advised they were rated primarily on their ability to maintain speed on certain grades. The JK failed. These included Davis dam and I70 west out of Denver. They also had to maintain temp towing through Death Valley, which in stock configuration, they could not.
The wheel base and springs are certainly a consideration, this is why the 2-door is much lower. The drivetrain, springs, and frame ARE up to the task, properly equipped with transmission cooler and appropriate load range tires (usually a "C" for a midsized SUV).
Jeep lowered the rating in the US to meet general standards. Also they lowered it so that a caveman couldn't get it wrong.
Many argue the brakes aren't up to it. I disagree. Go compare most any small SUV that has a 5,000 rating and it's brakes are quite comparable. Stopping 5,000lbs is more dependent on your trailer and having trailer brakes of some sort. Many states require them over about 3,000lbs.
A good comparison is our Montero Sport we had before the JK. With an even more gutless 3.0L engine, axles equal in strength to a dana44 in the rear and D30 in front, smallish radiator, 2" lift, 33" tires, ~140hp and torque to the ground, pulled just fine. Steep grades were awful and imvolved 10mph up Raton Pass. The JK pulled it at ~40mph. I have trailer brakes, they are your friend!
Sent from some string and a few tin cans.
The wheel base and springs are certainly a consideration, this is why the 2-door is much lower. The drivetrain, springs, and frame ARE up to the task, properly equipped with transmission cooler and appropriate load range tires (usually a "C" for a midsized SUV).
Jeep lowered the rating in the US to meet general standards. Also they lowered it so that a caveman couldn't get it wrong.
Many argue the brakes aren't up to it. I disagree. Go compare most any small SUV that has a 5,000 rating and it's brakes are quite comparable. Stopping 5,000lbs is more dependent on your trailer and having trailer brakes of some sort. Many states require them over about 3,000lbs.
A good comparison is our Montero Sport we had before the JK. With an even more gutless 3.0L engine, axles equal in strength to a dana44 in the rear and D30 in front, smallish radiator, 2" lift, 33" tires, ~140hp and torque to the ground, pulled just fine. Steep grades were awful and imvolved 10mph up Raton Pass. The JK pulled it at ~40mph. I have trailer brakes, they are your friend!
Sent from some string and a few tin cans.
JK Freak
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 537
Likes: 2
From: Houston, Texas, United States
The tow ratings are conservative. I've personally discussed with an engineer on the JK project who advised they were rated primarily on their ability to maintain speed on certain grades. The JK failed. These included Davis dam and I70 west out of Denver. They also had to maintain temp towing through Death Valley, which in stock configuration, they could not. The wheel base and springs are certainly a consideration, this is why the 2-door is much lower. The drivetrain, springs, and frame ARE up to the task, properly equipped with transmission cooler and appropriate load range tires (usually a "C" for a midsized SUV). Jeep lowered the rating in the US to meet general standards. Also they lowered it so that a caveman couldn't get it wrong. Many argue the brakes aren't up to it. I disagree. Go compare most any small SUV that has a 5,000 rating and it's brakes are quite comparable. Stopping 5,000lbs is more dependent on your trailer and having trailer brakes of some sort. Many states require them over about 3,000lbs. A good comparison is our Montero Sport we had before the JK. With an even more gutless 3.0L engine, axles equal in strength to a dana44 in the rear and D30 in front, smallish radiator, 2" lift, 33" tires, ~140hp and torque to the ground, pulled just fine. Steep grades were awful and imvolved 10mph up Raton Pass. The JK pulled it at ~40mph. I have trailer brakes, they are your friend! Sent from some string and a few tin cans.
As for the brakes on the jk they are more than adequate, but trailer brakes are very necessary.
Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 195
Likes: 0
From: Buena Park, CA
Euro Spec JKs have a higher tow rating the US but require brakes be installed on the trailer (somewhere around 4k lbs). I see the OP has an Auto, per the manual, turn the OD off when towing. the 3300# trailer is GTG, but as someone else mentioned watch tongue weight and trailer position.
I just sold my boat and had a Master tow hitch which was height adjustable from 0" drop to 7 3/4" drop, just needed a 3/8" socket or 7/8 wrnech to adjust. Great setup, makes getting your trailer level a breeze. (you may have to remove your spare if you need it raised up really high.) Master 2841AT is the model, ~$80-120 online.
"Master Lock's Adjustable Height, Zero Tilt Ball Mount infinitely adjusts from 7-3/4" drop to 6–1/4" rise for level towing every time. The EZ adjust feature allows the ball mount to be raised or lowered with a 7/8" wrench, socket, or a 3/8" ratchet drive while the trailer is attached. The ball mount height is automatically retained by a patented spring clip and has a capacity of 5,000 lb trailer, 500 lb tongue. The hitch ball is not included"
The mfg is misleading, regarding the infinitely adjusts to 6 1/4" rise. You would need to remove the ball and reintsall it flipped to make the change once you go from drop to rise. Possible, but not quickly. I also used a replaceable 1 7/8" / 2" ball for versatility.
If your JKU came with a tow bar installed, chances are your also have trailer dampening programmed in to your CPU, it uses the brakes when the trailer sways to stabilize the rear end. Always load the front of the trailer more than the back.
Go slow, predict your stops, give yourself plenty of room. Have a great trip.
I just sold my boat and had a Master tow hitch which was height adjustable from 0" drop to 7 3/4" drop, just needed a 3/8" socket or 7/8 wrnech to adjust. Great setup, makes getting your trailer level a breeze. (you may have to remove your spare if you need it raised up really high.) Master 2841AT is the model, ~$80-120 online.
"Master Lock's Adjustable Height, Zero Tilt Ball Mount infinitely adjusts from 7-3/4" drop to 6–1/4" rise for level towing every time. The EZ adjust feature allows the ball mount to be raised or lowered with a 7/8" wrench, socket, or a 3/8" ratchet drive while the trailer is attached. The ball mount height is automatically retained by a patented spring clip and has a capacity of 5,000 lb trailer, 500 lb tongue. The hitch ball is not included"
The mfg is misleading, regarding the infinitely adjusts to 6 1/4" rise. You would need to remove the ball and reintsall it flipped to make the change once you go from drop to rise. Possible, but not quickly. I also used a replaceable 1 7/8" / 2" ball for versatility.
If your JKU came with a tow bar installed, chances are your also have trailer dampening programmed in to your CPU, it uses the brakes when the trailer sways to stabilize the rear end. Always load the front of the trailer more than the back.
Go slow, predict your stops, give yourself plenty of room. Have a great trip.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
From: North Little Rock, Arkansas
Tow capacity in a JKU with 3.21 gears is 2000 lbs. Tow capacity JKU with 3.73s or 4.10s is 3500 lbs.
The tow ratings did not change with the new motor. My last Jeep had the 3.8 and the owners manual said the exact same ratings as my new 2014.
The tow ratings did not change with the new motor. My last Jeep had the 3.8 and the owners manual said the exact same ratings as my new 2014.
Last edited by Curt's JK; Feb 19, 2014 at 10:18 AM.