Just wondering why the towing capacity is so different for the 2D(2000max) vs 4D(3500 max). I figure that the wheelbase matters somewhat but it seems like a big difference over a little longer vehicle.

 

Wheelbase is the main factor, the 4door is a bit heavier to though. Everything else is the same (engine, brakes, gearing).

 

I bought my '07 Sahara 2 dr with the optional towing pkg which included a Dana 44 rear, transmission cooler, and a supposedly heavier duty radiator. My capacity is 3500 lbs. according to the dealer/service dept. I think it was on the window sticker as well.

 

I have tow package also, but in '08 it was 3.73 gears instead of 4.10 and I thought it was 2000lbs, maybe because mine is a manual tranny.

 

MAX towing capacity on any 2dr is 2000lbs. It's all about the wheel base.

 

When I ordered my 08 Rubicon Unlimited with the tow package in August I asked the dealer if I came with a transmission cooler and heavier duty radiator. He told me the only difference was the hitch. I hope it does come with cooler and heavier radiator, but I doubt it. I would like to know if this is true or not. Hope to see the Jeep before the end of January.

 

All I can say is that my '07 has a transmission cooler right in front of the radiator and I have seen the 3500 lb rating (with these accessories) talked about online. I searched here and found others talking about it as well. I am not saying anyone is right or wrong, just saying this is what my dealer told me and I have found others mentioning it as well.

[edit] : I just called the dealer and spoke to the service dept (just to make sure), and was again told 3500 lbs.

I also understand that wheelbase is a huge factor, but if it was entirely dependent on this, how can older Liberty's be rated so much higher? I believe they were rated at around 5000 lbs if I remember correctly.

 

consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/2004-jeep-liberty.htm

According to the first paragraph in this article, the '04 Liberty had a towing capacity of 5000 lbs. The Liberty had a wheelbase of 104.3", the 2 dr jk has a wheelbase of 95.4", and the 4 dr is 116". With a 3.8 liter in the 4 dr jk, basing towing capacity entirely on wheelbase, it should be rated considerably higher than the Liberty, but it is rated 1500 lbs less out the door. There is more to it than just wheelbase.

I think I am going to stick to what my dealer/service dept have told me and go with 3500 lbs on my 2 dr.

 

Wheelbase actually has very little to do with it. Wranglers have a lower towing capacity due to suspension. The offroad suspension does not allow for a stable platform for heaver loads, thus allowing for more trailer sway which can be very dangerous. You can increase this by changing the suspension, but then off road ability would suffer. I have a friend with an '04 unlimited and has a camper that weighs just over 3500lbs loaded and even with load stabalizers, can't imagine hauling much more.

 

When comparing the JK to the Liberty I would agree that wheelbase is far from the only factor, as there are numerous differences between the platforms, but comparing the 2/4 door JK I think it is much more important since the rest of the platform is similar.