Jeep is an iconic off-roader, synonymous with rugged durability and a perfect partner for exploring the undiscovered.
With its history dating back to World War II, it was developed to carry armed soldiers and artillery to the battlefield. Comfort, luxury, and technology were alien terms for the Jeep up then. It was sturdy and robust enough to handle rough terrains and tow heavy equipment.
Years have passed, and although the developers have added artistic features, the key element of sturdiness and towing capacity has remained the same.
So, if you are an adventurer and love being outdoors. In that case, Jeep can be a fantastic companion to tow things like campers, trailers, and even boats.
Let’s check out this article together to get other information.
Key Takeaways
- The towing capacity of the Jeep Wrangler ranges between 2,000 pounds to 3,500 pounds, which can be maximized up to 4,000 pounds.
- Equipment needed for towing includes trailer hitch receiver, ball mount and pin and clip, trailer hitch ball, and wiring harness.
How much weight can a jeep wrangler tow?
The jeep wrangler is a trusted vehicle that can carry a variety of loads depending on the type of engine, model, and axle ratio. But generally carries loads from 2000 lbs. to 3500 lbs. easily, which is sufficient for a camper. This capacity can be maximized using proper equipment like a trailer hitch and wiring harness.
Secondly, the general rule of thumb is that the towing capacity of 4-door Wrangler is greater than the 2-door Wrangler. Thus, if your sole purpose is towing weight, you must go for a 4-door Wrangler with gears of 3.73 or 4.10.
Jeep wrangler towing capacity with respect to engine
These weights are theoretical weights, according to the manuals. They include dry trailer weight and the trailer’s cargo weight.
Engine | Model | Max. Gross Trailer Weight |
2.0L | 2-Door | 2,000 lbs. |
4-Door | 3,500 lbs. | |
3.6L | 2-Door | 2,000 lbs. |
4-Door | 3,500 lbs. | |
3.0L | 4-Door | 3,500 lbs. |
Jeep wrangler towing capacity with respect to models
Year | 2-Door Model | 4-Door Model |
2012-2022 | 2,000 lbs. | 3,500 |
Jeep wrangler 2-door towing capacity
Models that come under the banner of JL 2-door Jeep wrangler are Wrangler Rubicon, Rubicon Sport, and Sport-S. It is a two-door variant with a 6-liter Pentastar VVT V6 gasoline standard engine and a six-speed automated transmission. This pair of units build 285 hp/260 lb-ft of torque at 4800 revolutions per minute.
All these specifications are chosen to tow a capacity of 2,000 lbs. along with a total of seating four passengers.
Jeep wrangler 4-door towing capacity
Models under this banner include Wrangler Sport, Sport-S, Sport Altitude, Sahara, Rubicon, Sahara Altitude, and Moab. Although it offers the same height and vehicle weight, it can tow 3,500 lbs.
These models are equipped with a seven- and four-pin wiring harness, class II tow receiver hitch, programmable aux switches, 700-amp maintenance–free battery, and 240-amp alternator.
How to increase jeep wrangler towing capacity?
When it comes to towing heavy weight, the Jeep Wrangler is no slouch.
It is always ready to give in all the efforts in your support, just that you need to keep in mind to maintain the health and well-being of your Jeep by lubricating and servicing it when needed.
If you intend to tow some heavy parts with your Jeep Wrangler, give it a pre-prep routine by buying good-quality aftermarket parts to accessorize it for handling extra stress.
Equipment needed for towing
1. Trailer hitch receiver
There are two types of hitches that can be used on the Jeep for towing purposes
Receiver hitch:
The receiver hitch is fastened on the Jeep frame or rear crossbar, positioned under the bumper, using a 1-1/4 inch or 2-inch bolt.
Bumper hitch:
The bumper hitch replaces the factory bumper and works as a towing gear. Several other bumper replacement options are available in the aftermarket, depending on your need for towing.
2. Ball mount with pin and clip
The ball mount fits in the hitch opening. Measure from the receiver hitch opening to the ground to select the right Jeep ball. Measure from the trailer coupler to the ground after leveling. The difference between these two figures evaluates the need for a rise or drop ball mount.
Pin and clip are used to keep the ball mount intact with the trailer hitch perfectly, where the sizes depend on the size of the hitch selected.
3. Trailer hitch ball
The trailer hitch attaches to the ball mount while the trailer attaches to the ball. There are three sizes of hitch balls depending upon the coupler of the trailer to be towed.
Make sure to check the coupler sizes as they are stamped with the ball size requirements by the manufacturer.
4. Wiring harness
The wiring harness connects the electrical system of the Jeep, which includes the rear turn and brake light. It is better to read your owner’s manual to get the manufacturer’s suggested harness for towing purposes.
FAQs
Can a jeep wrangler tow 5000 pounds?
No, the Jeep Wrangler cannot tow 5,000 pounds. The towing capacity ranges between 2,000 and 3,500 pounds, which can be maximized up to 4,000 pounds.
How much can a jeep wrangler safely tow?
Jeep Wrangler can easily tow between 2,000 to 3,500 pounds. The 2-door model is suitable for towing 2,000 pounds, and the 4-door is ideal for 3,500 pounds due to the improved power train and axle ratio.
Are jeeps any good for towing?
Jeeps are the best vehicle if your towing range lies between 2,000 and 3,500 pounds. However, the preferred models for towing include Wrangler, Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, and Gladiator.
Here are the few things you should know before you plan to tow.

Final Words
Being an adventurer myself, Jeep Wrangler has proved to be a true companion in towing basics for a camping event. However, staying within the towing limit is always recommended, as going against it, will strain your engine, transmission, and brake system. Even exceeding capacity can lead to tire wear and an unstable driving experience.
Thus, I advise you to be safe even if you have an adventurous nature.
Till next time have a safe drive!

Hey there, My name is Joe Martin & I’m the author of OffroadersGuild.com. I’ve been hitting the dirt for a while now. I’ve been off-roading in all sorts of vehicles, from Jeeps to trucks and everything in between.
I’ve also built and modified a few off-road vehicles of my own, so I know what works and what doesn’t when it comes to upgrading and modifying off-road vehicles. I started this website to share my experience and help others get the most out of their off-roading adventures. Let’s hit the trails!