08JKWrangler

Anyone know how much more weight one can tow behind a JK with a Hemi swap? I know the JK can currently tow 3500 lbs with the 3.8. I'd like to upgrade to a bigger camper.

daubie

Towing capacity ratings are based on more than just engine power. You have to consider braking and GVW also

warlord

Im sure a hemi might pull more weight

but as far as insurance goes. If you pull more than the vehicles rating (3500 4-door) then they can deny you coverage if you get into an accident.

And it takes more than just a motor to determin towing


Im not sure if you even make the correct mods you can get the rating changed officially

but look into the jeep j8 as that has a higher rating

BIGJ

i was gonna say the same thing. motor size has nothing to do with towing capabilities. is about gross vehicle weight. that like asking if you drop a 650 detroit into a vw bug can you tow a HMMT trailor

0311sgt

The J8's higher tow rating is due inlarge to its leaf springs in the rear. That is not the only thing but one of the big reasons. But as stated earlier even with upgraded susp. and engine and brakes, ins will look at the tow rating and GVWR....good luck

easttnruby

If anything, you might lose some tow weight due to the engine being heavier....towing isnt about what you can pull, its about what you can STOP!

mjolnir

Then you need to buy a truck. Towing 7000 lbs with a JK would most likely kill someone either you/your passengers or someone else on the road. You would have absolutely no control over a trailer that size.

cajun01

It also depends if you have trailer brakes. This I highly recommend

AZJeeper

See this thread:

https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/show...p-to-7-716-lbs!

Clearly it CAN tow more, but I can't speak for the legal issues. It's rated for 3500 lbs in the US. Any more - surf this site or elsewhere on the web and get a variety of opinions.

08JKWrangler

Thanks all for the input but perhaps I did not share enough info. I'm no newbie when it comes to towing.

GVW refers to the maximum safe actual weight of both the tow vehicle and trailer. It is set by the Mfg so that the vehicle's engine, transmission, brakes, and so on will NOT be stressed beyond their design limits.

Clearly, if one were to use a an anti-sway bar, a load leveling hitch, trailer e-brakes, a tranny cooler, a hemi, and an upgraded tranny - the vehicle should be able to handle a larger load. Both pulling and stopping... I have all of the above except the hemi and tranny and am wondering how much more the JK can pull with an increase in power and torque. The e-brakes would take care of the braking issue that many of you have pointed out.