I have a 2014 JKU w 3.73's and max tow. Going on a fishing trip for a few days. The trip is about 2 1/2 hrs. I will b towing a 19 ft Triton bass boat that weighs 3500-3700 lbs. Will my rig b good to tow this????

 

Max capacity for a JKU is 3500. Will you be driving on flat or hilly roads. The biggest issue with the JK is wheel base and stopping ability. Does the boat have electronic brakes?

 

You will be fine. I tow my boat all over, which with a full tank of gas, it weighs about 3800 lbs. On my old Jeep with the 3.8L with 3.73 I drove from Ft. Lauderdale to Clearwater Beach, took me about 5 hours. On my 2014 which has the 3.6L and 4.10 gears, I have towed my boat from Fort Lauderdale to Marathon, that took about 3.5 hours, and as far as power, it was night and day difference from the 3.8L. Much more power and better fuel economy.

There are other threads on the 3500 lb limitation of the JKU. I can tell you that it has nothing to do with the wheelbase, engine, or transmission since other vehicles with shorter wheelbases have a higher capacity. In Europe, the JKU has a much higher max tow rating, closer to the Grand Cherokee here, but in the US it is set to 3500. One speculation for why is that the JKU is a convertible.

 

Yep boat has electric brakes. Thanks. I'm gonna let er eat.

 

Transmissions in these things overheat in 4wd alone so it is a factor. Braking power is also affected with the 35s. Bottom line the JKs we're not designed to tow but it can be done. FL is flat and low elevation so you have that going for you.

Safe travels with the boat.

 

Check out my picture. I tow a toyhauler shaped like a box, weighing in at about 5000 pounds. I've put almost 6000 miles of towing over the past 2.5 yrs. I recently upgraded the rear bumper to the smittybilt XRC which increases the receiver rating to 5000 pounds. I love it. Just be safe. Electric brakes with controller are absolute must. I also use weight distribution hitch and friction sway control.

 

Transmissions in 2012 and above all come with coolers. Are you saying they overheat?

 

The 3.8s yes but the new 3.6 has proved to be much better.

Sent from my iPad using JK-Forum

 

I was hoping you'd say this as they put this trans behind the hemi in the cars and the grand for a time. they've gone to the 8 speed now but if it can survive a 400 hp hemi I'm sure it'll survive a tow

 

Max tow package wrangler should be good up to 5000 pounds, although check to make sure the receiver is, and make sure you know HOW to drive when towing something first.

I know, you are thinking why would someone tow without knowing how, but people do stupid **** all the time like driving under the influence, or while using their phone, or while watching dvds on their lockpicked nav units.