JKs max tow weight
- Thread starter Septu
- Start date
mhiscox
Exp. Leader Emeritus
Sure would depend on whether it was the 2012 model with the 285 horsepower engine, which ought to work pretty well, versus the old 202 horsepower engine.
Beyond that, though, it's not like the engine's going to die from the exertion. It's more likely you're going to die from the boredom. Speed will drop considerably on any significant grade, and if you are on a two-lane where people can't get around you, prepare to be viewed with modest hostility. That said, though, there's a lot of stuff slower than a 2007-11 JK pulling 3500 pounds. (And I've owned some of it.
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Beyond that, though, it's not like the engine's going to die from the exertion. It's more likely you're going to die from the boredom. Speed will drop considerably on any significant grade, and if you are on a two-lane where people can't get around you, prepare to be viewed with modest hostility. That said, though, there's a lot of stuff slower than a 2007-11 JK pulling 3500 pounds. (And I've owned some of it.
)
I was going to say ... everyone balked when I purchased a 2011 jeep with the 202 horsepower to pull my offroad trailer, but what everyone failed to realize, ... I was pulling it before with a 1996 Land Rover Discovery I- (16 year old technology). So, it was a big upgrade for me not only the bump in HP, but the huge leap in technology.
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schmugboy
Observer
Well for my 09' I've pulled a neon pop up (~500lbs) with a loaded jeep of family and gear. It tracked well, I avg'd about 70mph, until some Steep sections, then down to 60mph. Also towes a camplite (~1500lbs & high profile), with loaded jeep and family, it tracked well also, no jerking of the jeep, although stopping was sketchy. I was pushing it to stay at 60mph on I-25, then down to 30-40mph and sometimes down to 2nd gear for the mountain passes. On a stockish jkur. You can search for my thread for more info and responses. More than likely if I stay with my current jeep, I'll be regearing
mhiscox
Exp. Leader Emeritus
Looks like you're in good shape. Maybe not so good as a pulling with a 700+ lb.-foot diesel pickup, but I suspect you'll get there fine. (But as you apparently realize, the regearing will be valuable with tires that big; you'd want lower gearing even if you weren't towing.)
Dendy knows what I'm talking about. Ever since my 16,000 pound, 120 horsepower Unimog camper, every other vehicle has seemed like a rocket ship. Start wimpy enough and you can feel good about the power in everything you own thereafter. :sombrero:
Depends on your gearing.. All JK(U)'s with 3.21 gearing are only rated to tow 1K..
4.10's and 35's are actually fine.. You could go to 4.56's if you like but to me the difference wouldn't be worth it..
4.10's and 35's are actually fine.. You could go to 4.56's if you like but to me the difference wouldn't be worth it..
The only reason I'd do it is for the towing aspect. I suspect that the DD part will be fine. The hills might make it a pain in the ***, but that's not usually a huge issue. I've lived with 33s and 3.21 gears for the last two years. And the test drive was an Arctic (32s and 3.21s) and while I noticed that it was geared a bit high, it wasn't the end of the world.
jeep-N-montero
Expedition Leader
A JKU is better suited for towing than my ZJ, so you will be fine towing up to 3500lbs.
Hilldweller
SE Expedition Society
Tow ratings are funny things; every manufacturer is using their own pet standard right now for rating their trucks. In some eyes, tow ratings rule and determine the choice of rig.
That will change next year; all of the big manufacturers have agreed to adopt the same standard. Apples will compare to apples.
But, are we shopping for oranges in the overlanding market? Is our criteria different?
I think it is.
The new standard says that the towpig has to be able to climb 3000 feet in elevation over an 11 mile stretch and maintain 40 mph. There are additional standards that address static lauch capabilities in each direction.
That's all well and good but we as overlanders have more critical concerns. How well can the vehicle articulate with a load? How well will it stop on a slick surface with a trailer behind it? How much trailer brake is enough? Or too much? How much will tongue weight influence the front-end dynamics of our truck on the trail?
I believe that tow limits are severely overstated, especially for the JK. You might be able to get away with the rated amount. For a while.
My 2008 JK, a 2-door Sahara with 4.56 gears, 33s, & autotrans, was a miserable towpig.
BTW, the 285 HP 2012 JK barely gets more ponies to the tarmac than the 3.8L got. The autotrans is MUCH better but the HP and torque are more hype than reality.
That will change next year; all of the big manufacturers have agreed to adopt the same standard. Apples will compare to apples.
But, are we shopping for oranges in the overlanding market? Is our criteria different?
I think it is.
The new standard says that the towpig has to be able to climb 3000 feet in elevation over an 11 mile stretch and maintain 40 mph. There are additional standards that address static lauch capabilities in each direction.
That's all well and good but we as overlanders have more critical concerns. How well can the vehicle articulate with a load? How well will it stop on a slick surface with a trailer behind it? How much trailer brake is enough? Or too much? How much will tongue weight influence the front-end dynamics of our truck on the trail?
I believe that tow limits are severely overstated, especially for the JK. You might be able to get away with the rated amount. For a while.
My 2008 JK, a 2-door Sahara with 4.56 gears, 33s, & autotrans, was a miserable towpig.
BTW, the 285 HP 2012 JK barely gets more ponies to the tarmac than the 3.8L got. The autotrans is MUCH better but the HP and torque are more hype than reality.
