We Don't Normally Test a Jeep Wrangler for Its "Towing Ability"...But Here's How Well It CAN Do It!

[@raystanton238]

If you tow with your Jeep and it has an automatic transmission make sure it has enough of a trans cooler. Check the trans fluid frequently for proper color and make sure it doesn't have a burnt odor. If it does, you probably need an additional trans cooler. The torque converter produces a lot of heat and can contribute to burnt trans fluid. FYI: the torque converter is the liquid coupling in the trans that allows your Jeep to stay in gear with the engine running while stopped. I

[@brentworls8509]

I put 4.88s in my JKU to help tow my camper. I also added airlift bags to the rear to help handle the dynamics of towing and carrying a load.

[@IndefiniteGentlemen]

I'm glad they finally conclude that the Wrangler isn't a tow vehicle. Towing with a lifted SUV isn't great. Towing with a Jeep isn't great. Towing with bigger-than-stock tires isn't great. so, Not Great^3. If you need to go get some stuff from home depot, fine. if you want to tow a quad or a snowmobile, fine. But please don't think you can tow a travel trailer. I was in a massive wreck last year even though I thought I'd done a great job setting up my tow. Let NOONE think you can tow more than a small tow or some lumber with a wrangler.

[@backwoodstherapy]

I saw a guy towing a massive pontoon boat last summer with a Wrangler. As a Wrangler owner, I was just sitting there like "😬."

[@RKmndo]

Towing with bigger tires can be fine. Gear accordingly. Use chromoly axleshafts. The 2024 Rubicons are rated to tow up to 5000lb, with their heavier hitch and their full-floater rear axle. Use airbags to avoid squat/sag when near max capacity.

[@IndefiniteGentlemen]

I wouldn't. The wheelbase just doesn't support towing that kind of weight. there's a reason they have to put software in these to limit trailer sway....@@RKmndo

[@RKmndo]

​@@IndefiniteGentlemen The Unlimited has plenty of wheelbase for 5000lb.

[@jacobeldredge803]

​@@IndefiniteGentlemenI mean, so did my 18 Sierra...

[@freedomisntfree_44]

I’ve pulled a 5000 pound boat with a 2003 rubicon. Doesn’t stop or handle worth crap

[@garballs1443]

I've towed 6000lbs in my JK on a 3.5" lift and 37s several times on 100 mile round trips. It's not the best time, but does it. (18' trailer, 3k lb little backhoe, box blade, tools, and scrap). I'm here to see how it would handle 3500 lb camper trailer which I would think is a totally different animal, even at a lower weight.

[@jimalton1564]

As the owner of a 2018 JKUR that tows a camper on a regular basis, including trips of thousands of miles (including a 2 week vacation from NH to Utah and back), I have a different view than some. Many are comparing a Jeep to a full size V8 pickup, and many assume all Jeeps are short wheelbase (a 4 door has the same wheelbase as a short bed full size pickup, many of which have far higher tow capacity than a Jeep). I've been pulling with this Jeep since it was new (102k miles now). When it was stock the weak links were the crappy brakes and gutless (high revving, low torque) engine. The Jeep handled the weight of our 3500lb trailer with ease (by 'handled' I do mean the handling, not power). When I tested stopping the trailer with only the Jeep brakes (brake controller turned off on an empty hill) it had a hard time. By the time we did our first long trip the Jeep had 35" tires and a small lift, some heavy body armor, and other modifications. The Jeep had less power due to the larger tires but otherwise handled the trailer fine, including Kentucky and Tennessee mountains. Fast forward another year and the Jeep had undergone surgery. It now has 38" E-rated tires, 1 ton axles (and 1 ton brakes), 5.38:1 axle gears, more weight in the form of more body armor and custom tire carrier, a large power steering cooler, and more mods. With this setup we went across the country to Utah and Colorado. While many thought the Jeep would never be able to tow again, it actually tows better than stock. Quality parts and setup means it handles well, and the low gears help it on hills, while the new brakes allows the Jeep to easily stop the trailer even without trailer brakes. The only weakness now is that crappy 3.6 V6. That will be solved with an engine swap. No, all this wasn't done just to tow- I use this Jeep very hard on trails and I built it to hold up (it handled Sand Hollow and Moab and still towed the trailer 2500 miles home). Here are some comparisons to an older full size vehicle. I used to use an 80s Grand Wagoneer for this comparison, but it applies to most half ton trucks which used similar parts (axles, brakes, engine power, weight, etc). I'll condense my list, but comparing a JKUR, with it's 3500 lb tow capacity to a Grand Wagoneer with a 5k lb capacity, the Wrangler has: 7" longer wheelbase; similar axle sizes (Wrangler Rubicon actually has a larger front axle), larger brakes, 4 wheel disk brakes, more power, and better transmission. They have similar track widths, overall length, and weights. The Wrangler has a shorter rear axle to hitch ball distance, which helps handle tongue weight better. The Wrangler has more HP and only slightly less torque, but that torque is at 4800rpm compared to the Wagoneer's 1500 RPM. Oh- and a huge factor when considering towing- is WHAT will you tow? a 3k lb flat trailer will pull much easier than a 3k lb camper or enclosed utility trailer that creates much higher wind resistance. In my case, the Jeep has no problem towing on secondary roads at lower speeds, but works MUCH harder at highway speeds due to the huge frontal area of the camper. Cross winds are more of a concern as well.

[@roderickhance2088]

What would be interesting to see is comparing your JK with the older transmission to a rubicon JL towing with the 8spd transmission.

[@IndefiniteGentlemen]

I put 33s on a 2021 gladiator, re-mapped the transmission shift points for the bigger tires, and attempted to tow a flatbed with 2000 lb on it and no significant aerodynamic losses west through wyoming, and the 8 speed spent the entire time shifting because the power *just didn't exist*. it never got above 5th gear unless i forced it, and MPG was a joke. The longer wheelbase of the gladiator made the tow alot smoother and I didn't feel like i was doing a stupid thing, but it took a looong time to get through wyoming, and used a lot of gas.

[@JEEP-N-DIRT]

@@IndefiniteGentlemen What gearing?

[@Julian-do7bv]

My 2015 Chrysler 300 tows really well it is AWD V6 with the 8spd and it wants to stay in 7th and 8th gear I tow with it a lot with at least 2k behind sometimes more

[@stacysid2]

@@JEEP-N-DIRT 4.10 it's a Rubicon

[@bryandepiazzy8679]

Seriously who asked if they should tow in 4WD?

[@yepyep6124]

Not sure what everyone is expecting for performance but it's only a 3.6L and you're not going to tow it at 75mph for 100 miles. I used to tow a 10k lb backhoe with a 1/2 ton V8. Granted i was going 30-40 miles max at 50mph but it got the job done. Changing gear ratios and a few engine mods and towing 5k lbs wouldn't be out of the picture.

[@pernell4351]

Well guys when I was in the service does Jeep can tow a lot capacity. They in the 90s we still had CJ, 5SP towing 6000 + and doing the speed limit 55 on road. I remember towing 150 K diesel generator in back of jeep. Then all our radio, satellite’s equipment Me and lieutenant. I don’t know why Jeep keeps the towing rated under when in the military the towing rating on those jeeps rated 6600 pounds. I know one thing both the front and rear had a limited slip axles.

[@EricCantin]

Military version of the JKU I found use rear leaf springs instead of coil overs. So basically a bigger Cherokee XJ, which can legally tow more than any civilian JK/JKU, JL/JLU.

[@MichaelMiller-rg6or]

I didn’t even know there was a military version of the JK! You learn something new everyday!

[@RKmndo]

J8 could tow around 9000lb.

[@fritty9927]

I’m curious how close to payload limit with three men and a trailer in tow.

[@Christri]

Payload is 1000lbs. 150 tongue weight, to dudes at 250, cameraman 150-200, AEV extras ??? Probably already at max payload.

[@FreakyT333]

I have a few performance tunes on my JKU (basically the same rig you have here on 37’s) and have towed my flat bed with it. The tunes definitely help in the get up and go department. It towed 2k lbs just fine for the little trips I did.

[@EricCantin]

What axle gearing? That’s what really matters, especially with 37s.

[@FreakyT333]

@@EricCantin I’m running 4.88 gears, I’m sure those help as much or likely more than the tunes for sure. But with a few mods these Wranglers (at least the longer wheelbase) can happily tow a few K lbs. I mean I’m grabbing one of my trucks if it’s going to be any real distance or I expect steeper grades etc. but the Jeep doesn’t struggle like some would expect.

[@EricCantin]

@@FreakyT333 the Wrangler tow rating is limited by their suspension and handling characteristics, and possibly smaller radiator size. Same engine, transmission and rear axle in a same year GC will legally tow 5000lbs.

[@holahansadventuretime1898]

Had a 2016 jku with a 6mt and 4.10’s. I pulled a 7’x14’ trailer with a rzr1000 and a Cfmoto 500 2 seater on it and it pulled it just fine.

[@qkg6297]

Approx weight?

[@mattperry129]

Would a 14 jku with 3:21 tow one sxs ?

[@brandonduke1903]

hahaha Andre, "That's slow as shh" 🤣

[@scottrichardson1271]

Slowish

[@JohnDoe-ht5iw]

You could see the bounce, that things only for small boats ATV towing?

[@Ram14250]

I'll laugh when the transmission burns out. Really not meant for towing anything. The vehicle looks very unstable, jerking from side-to-side.... going down the road.

[@1guyin10]

The same transmission was used in the Ram. Why would you think it is a weak point?

[@jimalton1564]

That's what people told me about the trans in my JKUR, but it has the same transmission as a 1 ton Sprinter van and many larger SUVs. Honestly the weakest links for a JK are the crummy brakes and high revving, low torque minivan engine.

[@APWare]

I tow a 19 foot R-Pod trailer (roughly 3200 lbs loaded) behind my 2" lifted 2015 JKUR with 35s. Andersen weight distributing hitch system and brake controller- these I consider mandatory. Towed it into the mountains to Yosemite from sea level on 100 degree days among numerous other mountain trips. No complaints for what it is. Stable with the hitch system, and tows all day at 65 mph on the freeway (well it would except your gas mileage is roughly 11 mpg). Yes it is slower up hill, but still holds its own. Some are surprised when they debate the wheelbase- it has the same wheelbase as the same year Chevy Tahoe and you see those towing all the time.

[@jayhiggins5239]

The Tahoe is a bit heavier at that wheelbase. So, it's actually wheelbase and TV weight. But most people just say Wheelbase.

[@tonyheymunkets]

I have a Nobo10.6 and a 2004 Jeep TJ. 4.0. Haven't got the tow package yet? I just had to replace the engine. Any suggestions would be helpful. I know it's pushing it a bit. Better just be short camping trips.

[@raystanton238]

If your Jeep is automatic you may need an additional transmission cooler besides the factory trans cooler. A tremendous amount of heat is produced inside the torque converter of the transmission. The torque converter is the liquid coupling that allows your engine to run with the transmission in gear. The trans fluid gets beat to death inside the torque converter especially when towing. So check the trans fluid color and smell for a burnt odor frequently.

[@gnd111]

Is that a Shop 67 phone mount?

[@nicksummerfield5408]

How about the V8 models would that be better?

[@tacitus7]

It's the short wheelbase and the higher center of gravity that limits your capacity to safely tow.

[@RKmndo]

​@@tacitus7J8, XJ, and KJ could tow way more than 3500lb.

[@incognito8p298]

I'm trying to decide if the jeeps towing capacity is capped by their length or engine power first.

[@RKmndo]

The hitch, tranny, and semi-floating rear axle, apparently. The 2024 Unlimited Rubicon is rated for up to 5000lb.

[@incognito8p298]

@@RKmndo I brought the question up because I'm building a very special vehicle and Ive used a 2006 ram as the Base. How ever I've shortend the wheelbase from 160" to 97" So it still has all the power but the length is now more comparable to the jeep is why I wonder

[@randallbatson611]

Thanks for the content wanting to use the jk with 35s to pull a landscape trailer

[@brainards11]

The JK just needs a Livernois towing tune and it changes it into a beast!

[@OverlandUSAHD]

What gear do you tow in? Drive or 4th?

[@Agent.K.]

I see many people towing with them … and it usually looks one pothole away from losing balance and probably flipping 🤦‍♂️

[@canamxmr4760]

Well I can’t say I wasn’t curious. Thanks for the video guys.

[@JustinKingOffroad]

i hooked up a 3700 pound cargo trailer to the bronco and it towed it beautifully. it was a short loop since i didn't have a brake controller in there yet. but i do now and further testing is required. i just have to take out a couple items and it's down to 3500.

[@PrincessTS01]

yall should have gotten the 2.0l turbo or the hemi but i hear people love the torque out of the wrangler ev

[@the_jarmel]

Happy WEDNESDAY EVERYONE ✌️ LOVE YA TFL 👏👏👏.....HAVE A BEAUTIFUL DAY

[@1hasbeen531]

On our next episode we take a 45 foot Prevost bus on the Rubicon Trail.

[@jareddodge1985]

The only thing my dad towed with a wrangler was a couple of snowmobiles and a small boat 12’ with a 10hp outboard

[@glaffoon1]

If you want to go at a high rate of speed, you don’t buy a brick.

[@Agent.K.]

8:04 LandCruiser has a shorter wheelbase and can tow double the weight 🤔

[@supersymun]

I haul a small camper with my 4Runner. Wouldn’t do it without the upgraded suspension again, but it does it. Doesn’t complain. Doesn’t like it, but it doesn’t complain.

[@Agent.K.]

@@supersymun Yeah it’s usually not about the engine power.

[@clydeholiday5907]

This is like watching The three stooges

[@johnnie5442]

So... towing a 5-7 thousand pound boat is out of the question? I really want a Jeep but 2000lbs towing is nothing

[@pernell4351]

Price you pay for that you could’ve borrowed a good gladiator that we’re done towing for y’all and also been a good recovery vehicle. Yeah I could’ve got a like a willies. Bass bottle gladiator with roll down windows real reasonable price.

[@christopherallen1138]

I was hoping it was the 3.8 liter just to see a really good fight

[@Agent.K.]

The transmission would shit itself 😂

[@Cooldibs]

I towed my ranger crew with my 2014 manual jeep wrangler. Total weight was about 4200 lbs. even took it up the mountain in Oklahoma and it did it well. Had to put it in 4Lo to take it up the mountain though.

[@XXPS60]

In an attempt to make content for revenue what a waste of time.... Taller tires throw gear ratio out of whack making it impossible to do a real towing TEST! Not to mention, this is the older Jeep without the benefit of the 8 speed transmission............ A total waste!

[@TFLnow]

Hmmm? That’s right we are the only people in the history of the world to ever tow with a lifted JK🤦‍♂️

[@Agent.K.]

It’s a realistic test. Many owns similarly modified JK’s and tow every now and then.

[@XXPS60]

@@TFLnow REREAD the comment! Your gear ratio is destroyed with the taller tires! Not too smart on gear ratio I guess!

[@XXPS60]

@@Agent.K. Realistic is stock tires with the less weight............ That's how Jeep tested and built it! BS!

[@rustyshackleford324]

@@XXPS60 take your meds

[@dannyeugenewaits9486]

I have a 2013 jk v6 5 spd transmission....it's a pos... my tacoma is superior in all aspects

[@Weshax]

I sold my 2008 Tacoma for a 2018 rubicon jku, I would disagree

[@jimalton1564]

I had a Tacoma before my JKUR and both have equally crappy engines, but the Jeep is superior in all other ways. I hated my Tacoma, especially for towing!

[@chuckles2040]

never buy a jeep to tow anything, jeeps are the worst outdoor vechical out there. Tacoma & Ranger spanks it in towing, and space.