In this section you will find safety tips and information on limits to the type of towing you can reasonably do with your vehicle. Before towing a trailer carefully review this information to tow your load as efficiently and safely as possible.
To maintain warranty coverage, follow the requirements and recommendations in this manual concerning vehicles used for trailer towing.
The following trailer towing related definitions will assist you in understanding the following information:
The GVWR is the total allowable weight of your vehicle. This includes driver, passengers, cargo and tongue weight. The total load must be limited so that you do not exceed the GVWR.
The Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) is the weight of the trailer plus the weight of all cargo, consumables and equipment (permanent or temporary) loaded in or on the trailer in its "loaded and ready for operation" condition. The recommended way to measure GTW is to put your fully loaded trailer on a vehicle scale. The entire weight of the trailer must be supported by the scale.
The Gross Combination Weight rating (GCWR) is the total permissible weight of your vehicle and trailer when weighed in combination. (Note that GCWR ratings include a 150 lbs (68 kg) allowance for the presence of a driver).
The GAWR is the maximum capacity of the front and rear axles. Distribute the load over the front and rear axles evenly. Make sure that you do not exceed either front or rear GAWR.
WARNING:
It is important that you do not exceed the maximum front or rear GAWR. A dangerous driving condition can result if either rating is exceeded. You could lose control of the vehicle and have an accident.
The downward force exerted on the hitch ball by the trailer. In most cases it should not be less than 10% or more than 15% of the trailer load. You must consider this as part of the load on your vehicle.
The maximum height and maximum width of the front of a trailer.
The trailer sway control is a telescoping link that can be installed between the hitch receiver and the trailer tongue that typically provides adjustable friction associated with the telescoping motion to dampen any unwanted trailer swaying motions while traveling.
A weight-carrying hitch supports the trailer tongue weight, just as if it were luggage located at a hitch ball or some other connecting point of the vehicle. These kind of hitches are the most popular on the market today and they're commonly used to tow small- and medium-sized trailers.
A weight-distributing system works by applying leverage through spring (load) bars. They are typically used for heavier loads, to distribute trailer tongue weight to the tow vehicle's front axle and the trailer axle(s). When used in accordance with the manufacturers' directions, it provides for a more level ride, offering more consistent steering and brake control thereby enhancing towing safety. The addition of a friction/hydraulic sway control also dampens sway caused by traffic and crosswinds and contributes positively to tow vehicle and trailer stability. Trailer sway control and a weight distributing (load equalizing) hitch are recommended for heavier Tongue Weights (TW) and may be required depending on Vehicle and Trailer configuration/loading to comply with Gross Axle weight Rating (GAWR) requirements.
WARNING:
An improperly adjusted Weight Distributing Hitch system may reduce handling, stability, braking performance, and could result in an accident.
Weight Distributing Systems may not be compatible with Surge Brake Couplers. Consult with your hitch and trailer manufacturer or a reputable Recreational Vehicle dealer for additional information.
The following chart provides the industry standard for the maximum trailer weight a given trailer hitch class can tow and should be used to assist you in selecting the correct trailer hitch for your intended towing condition. Refer to the Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings) chart for the Max. GTW towable for your given drivetrain.
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Trailer Hitch Classification
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Class
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Max. GTW (Gross Trailer Wt.)
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Class I - Light Duty |
2,000 lbs (907 kg) |
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Class II - Medium Duty |
3,500 lbs (1587 kg) |
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Class III - Heavy Duty |
5,000 lbs (2268 kg) |
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Class IV - Extra Heavy Duty |
10,000 lbs (4540 kg) |
All trailer hitches should be professionally installed on your vehicle.
The following chart provides the maximum trailer weight ratings towable for your given drivetrain.
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Engine/Transmission
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Axle
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Model
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GCWR (Gross Combined Wt. Rating)
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Frontal Area
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Max. GTW (Gross Trailer Wt.)
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Max. Tongue Wt. (See Note 1)
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3.8L/Manual |
3.21 |
2 Door X Model (4WD) |
4,910 lbs (2 227 kg) |
25 sq. ft. (2.32 square meters) |
1,000 lbs (453 kg) |
100 lbs (45 kg) |
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3.8L/Manual |
4.10 |
2 Door X Model (4WD) |
4,910 lbs (2 227 kg) |
25 sq. ft. (2.32 square meters) |
2,000 lbs (907 kg) |
200 lbs (91 kg) |
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3.8L/Automatic |
4.10 |
2 Door X Model (4WD) |
5,935 lbs (2 692 kg) |
25 sq. ft. (2.32 square meters) |
2,000 lbs (907 kg) |
200 lbs (91 kg) |
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3.8L/Manual |
3.21 |
2 Door Sahara Model (4WD) |
5,101 lbs (2 314 kg) |
25 sq. ft. (2.32 square meters) |
1,000 lbs (453 kg) |
100 lbs (45 kg) |
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3.8L/Manual |
4.10 |
2 Door Sahara Model (4WD) |
6,101 lbs (2 767 kg) |
25 sq. ft. (2.32 square meters) |
2,000 lbs (907 kg) |
200 lbs (91 kg) |
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3.8L/Automatic |
4.10 |
2 Door Sahara Model (4WD) |
6,126 lbs (2 779 kg) |
25 sq. ft. (2.32 square meters) |
2,000 lbs (907 kg) |
200 lbs (91 kg) |
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3.8L/Manual |
4.10 |
2 Door Rubicon Model (4WD) |
6,254 lbs (2 837 kg) |
25 sq. ft. (2.32 square meters) |
2,000 lbs (907 kg) |
200 lbs (91 kg) |
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3.8L/Automatic |
4.10 |
2 Door Rubicon Model (4WD) |
6,279 lbs (2 848 kg) |
25 sq. ft. (2.32 square meters) |
2,000 lbs (907 kg) |
200 lbs (91 kg) |
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3.8L/Manual |
3.21 |
4 Door X Model (2WD) |
5,014 lbs (2 274 kg) |
32 sq. ft. (2.97 square meters) |
1,000 lbs (453 kg) |
100 lbs (45 kg) |
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3.8L/Manual |
4.10 |
4 Door X Model (2WD) |
7,514 lbs (3 408 kg) |
32 sq. ft. (2.97 square meters) |
3,500 lbs (1 587 kg) |
350 lbs (159 kg) |
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3.8L/Automatic |
4.10 |
4 Door X Model (2WD) |
7,539 lbs (3 420 kg) |
32 sq. ft. (2.97 square meters) |
3,500 lbs (1 587 kg) |
350 lbs (159 kg) |
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3.8L/Manual |
3.21 |
4 Door Sahara Model (2WD) |
5,204 lbs (2 360 kg) |
32 sq. ft. (2.97 square meters) |
1,000 lbs (453 kg) |
100 lbs (45 kg) |
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3.8L/Manual |
4.10 |
4 Door Sahara Model (2WD) |
7,704 lbs (3 494 kg) |
32 sq. ft. (2.97 square meters) |
3,500 lbs (1 587 kg) |
350 lbs (159 kg) |
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3.8L/Automatic |
4.10 |
4 Door Sahara Model (2WD) |
7,729 lbs (3 506 kg) |
32 sq. ft. (2.97 square meters) |
3,500 lbs (1 587 kg) |
350 lbs (159 kg) |
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3.8L/Manual |
3.21 |
4 Door X Model (4WD) |
5,225 lbs (2 370 kg) |
32 sq. ft. (2.97 square meters) |
1,000 lbs (453 kg) |
100 lbs (45 kg) |
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3.8L/Manual |
4.10 |
4 Door X Model (4WD) |
7,725 lbs (3 504 kg) |
32 sq. ft. (2.97 square meters) |
3,500 lbs (1 587 kg) |
350 lbs (159 kg) |
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3.8L/Automatic |
4.10 |
4 Door X Model (4WD) |
7,750 lbs (3 515 kg) |
32 sq. ft. (2.97 square meters) |
3,500 lbs (1 587 kg) |
350 lbs (159 kg) |
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3.8L/Manual |
3.21 |
4 Door Sahara Model (4WD) |
5,419 lbs (2 458 kg) |
32 sq. ft. (2.97 square meters) |
1,000 lbs (453 kg) |
100 lbs (45 kg) |
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3.8L/Manual |
4.10 |
4 Door Sahara Model (4WD) |
7,919 lbs (3 592 kg) |
32 sq. ft. (2.97 square meters) |
3,500 lbs (1 587 kg) |
350 lbs (159 kg) |
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3.8L/Automatic |
4.10 |
4 Door Sahara Model (4WD) |
7,944 lbs (3 603 kg) |
32 sq. ft. (2.97 square meters) |
3,500 lbs (1 587 kg) |
350 lbs (159 kg) |
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3.8L/Manual |
4.10 |
4 Door Rubicon Model (4WD) |
7,965 lbs (3 613 kg) |
32 sq. ft. (2.97 square meters) |
3,500 lbs (1 587 kg) |
350 lbs (159 kg) |
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3.8L/Automatic |
4.10 |
4 Door Rubicon Model (4WD) |
7,990 lbs (3 624 kg) |
32 sq. ft. (2.97 square meters) |
3,500 lbs (1 587 kg) |
350 lbs (159 kg) |
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Refer to local laws for maximum trailer towing speeds. |
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NOTE: The trailer tongue weight must be considered as part of the combined weight of occupants and cargo, and should never exceed the weight referenced on the Tire and Loading Information placard. Refer to the Tire–Safety Information section in this manual.
Always load a trailer with 60% to 65% of the weight in the front of the trailer. This places 10% to 15% of the Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) on the tow hitch of your vehicle. Loads balanced over the wheels or heavier in the rear can cause the trailer to sway severely side to side which will cause loss of control of vehicle and trailer. Failure to load trailers heavier in front is the cause of many trailer accidents.
Consider the following items when computing the weight on the rear axle of the vehicle:
NOTE: Remember that everything put into or on the trailer adds to the load on your vehicle. Also, additional factory-installed options, or dealer-installed options, must be considered as part of the total load on your vehicle. Refer to the Tire and Loading Information placard in the Tire Safety Information Section of this manual for the maximum combined weight of occupants and cargo for your vehicle.
To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle drivetrain components the following guidelines are recommended:
NOTE: Trailer towing requires special rear axle lubricant. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in Section 7 for more information.
CAUTION:
Avoid towing a trailer for the first 500 miles (805 km) of vehicle operation. Doing so may damage your vehicle.
Perform the maintenance listed in Section 8 of this manual. When towing a trailer, never exceed the GAWR, or GCWR, ratings.
WARNING:
Improper towing can lead to an injury accident. Follow these guidelines to make your trailer towing as safe as possible:
Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer and will not shift during travel. When trailering cargo that is not fully secured, dynamic load shifts can occur that may be difficult for the driver to control. You could lose control of your vehicle and have an accident.
CAUTION:
If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (454 kg) loaded, it should have its own brakes and they should be of adequate capacity. Failure to do this could lead to accelerated brake lining wear, higher brake pedal effort, and longer stopping distances.
WARNING:
Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle's hydraulic brake lines. It can overload your brake system and cause it to fail. You might not have brakes when you need them and could have an accident.
Towing any trailer will increase your stopping distance. When towing you should allow for additional space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. Failure to do so could result in an accident.
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size, stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are required for motoring safety.
The Trailer Tow Package may include a 4 and 7 pin wiring harness. Use a factory approved trailer harness and connector.
NOTE: Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicles wiring harness.
The electrical connections are all complete to the vehicle but you must mate the harness to a trailer connector. Refer to the following illustrations.
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping and backing the trailer in an area away from heavy traffic.
If using a manual transmission vehicle for trailer towing, all starts must be in FIRST gear to avoid excessive clutch slippage.
The “D” range can be selected when towing. However, if frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the “3” range should be selected.
NOTE: Using the “3” range while operating the vehicle under heavy operating conditions will improve performance and extend transmission life by reducing excessive shifting and heat build up. This action will also provide better engine braking.
The automatic transmission fluid and filter should be changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than 45 minutes of continuous operation. See “Schedule B” in section 8 of this manual for transmission fluid change intervals.
NOTE: Check the automatic transmission fluid level before towing.
To reduce potential for automatic transmission overheating, turn the “O/D OFF” feature OFF when driving in hilly areas or shift the transmission to Drive position 2 on more severe grades. Refer to “Transmission Shifting” in this section.
To reduce potential for engine and transmission overheating, take the following actions: