The Jeep Wrangler is one of the sturdiest models in its lineup. It has numerous features that give it its stellar off-roading capabilities. That said, like any other vehicle, it has its limitations.
Towing more than your Jeep allows can result in hefty damages. This is why it’s important to know your vehicle’s towing capacity, so damages can be prevented before they happen.
Keep reading to learn more about the Jeep Wrangler’s towing capacities and whether or not it can pull a camper.
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About the Jeep Wrangler
The Wrangler is one of Jeep’s most iconic vehicles. Since its introduction in 1987, it has proven its value as a reliable vehicle on the tarmac and off-roading.
The latest generation of the Wrangler, which starts in 2018, boasts features never before seen in the Jeep lineup.
| Model | Transmission | Drivetrain | Fuel | MPG |
| 2018 | Manual | 4WD | Unleaded V-6 3.6 L/220 | 17 City / 25 Hwy |
| 2019 | Manual | 4WD | Unleaded V-6 3.6 L/220 | 23 MPG city and 25 MPG highway |
| 2020 | Manual | 4WD | Unleaded V-6 3.6 L/220 | 23 MPG city and 25 MPG highway |
| 2021 | Manual | 4WD | Unleaded V-6 3.6 L/220 | 23 MPG city and 25 MPG highway |
| 2022 | Manual | 4WD | Unleaded V-6 3.6 L/220 | 17 City / 25 Hwy |
| 2023 | Manual | 4WD | Unleaded V-6 3.6 L/220 | 17 City / 25 Hwy |
As you can see, the specifications for the Jeep Wrangler have largely remained the same over the years. However, there have been changes in the look of the Wrangler and the door dimensions.
The Jeep Wrangler’s capabilities have remained consistent and up to par with the industry standards, solidifying it as a fan-favorite with off-roaders.
What is the Jeep Wrangler’s Towing Capacity?
Despite being otherwise sturdy vehicles, Jeep Wranglers do not have a remarkable towing capacity. Jeep Wranglers come in a 2.0L and a 3.6L engine. Your towing capacity will be higher if you have a 3.6L engine. All Jeep Wranglers have a 2-door and 4-door option. A 4-door Wrangler of the same year can tow more than a 2-door.
| Year | Towing Capacity for 2-door | Towing Capacity for 4-door |
| 2018 | 2000 pounds | 3500 pounds |
| 2019 | 2000 pounds | 3500 pounds |
| 2020 | 2000 pounds | 3500 pounds |
| 2021 | 2000 pounds | 3500 pounds |
| 2022 | 2000 pounds | 3500 pounds |
| 2023 | 2000 pounds | 3500 pounds |
Can the Jeep Wrangler Tow a Camper?
As we’ve seen, the Jeep Wrangler does not have remarkable towing capacity. Other sports utility vehicles at around the same price range can tow much heavier weights.
Whether or not your Jeep Wrangler can tow a camper depends on what kind of camper you’re talking about.
Campers can range anywhere between 1000-9000 pounds in weight. It’s a good idea to add 1500 pounds to the weight of the camper you’re thinking of towing to account for furniture and other added mass.
Unfortunately, this means you can only tow campers between 1000-2000 pounds with a 4-door Wrangler. With a 2-door, you can only tow campers weighing 500-1000 pounds.
Also Read:
- How Much Can A Jeep Wrangler Tow?
- Can a Jeep Wrangler Tow 5000 lbs?
- Towing Capacity Of The 2022 Jeep Gladiator
Dangers of Overtowing
Towing more than your vehicle allows can adversely impact your car and lead to costly repair damages.
If you overtow multiple times for an extended period, your brakes will wear out rapidly. A telltale sign that your brakes are worn, besides the obvious fact that they will not bring your car to a halt as quickly as they used to, will be that you may notice squealing. You’ll also find that your brake pedal vibrates when it’s pressed. Worn-out brakes are also a safety hazard, leading to an increased risk of car accidents.
Overtowing harms your wallet just as much as it harms your vehicle. This is because towing more than your vehicle allows will lead to a massive increase in fuel consumption. Your fuel economy will be reduced by 20 percent for every 1000 pounds you tow.
Overtowing also puts more pressure on your engine and causes it to overheat. Over time, consistent overheating of your engine will damage its components. This will also cause your vehicle to consume more fuel.
What do I Need for Towing?
To tow, there are a few pieces of equipment that you’ll be needing.
First, you should have a wiring harness. This will connect to the Jeep’s electrical system and supply power to your camper’s brake lights and rear turn signals.
You should also have a trailer hitch receiver. What this will do is hook onto the underside of your vehicle.
You also need to have a trailer hitch ball. The size of this will depend on what your towing hitch size is. Usually, the ball size will be specified on the hitch itself.
You’ll also require a ball mount, clamp, and pin. The clip and pin will ensure your ball mount does not fall out while towing.
Is it Possible to Increase the Jeep Wrangler’s Towing Capacity?
While you can’t improve your vehicle’s towing capacity considerably, there are a few steps that you can take to make it easier for your car to handle higher loads.
- Upgrading to a larger radiator will help your vehicle handle larger loads without overheating.
- Keeping your brakes in good condition and checking on them regularly will minimize the risk of them wearing out.
- Upgrading to heavy-duty axles will also allow your vehicle to tow larger loads with ease.
- Use a vehicle programmer to adjust your vehicle’s horsepower and torque so that you can tow heavier loads.
Conclusion
The Jeep Wrangler has remained a classic off-roading vehicle over the years, thanks to its extensive features. That said, its towing capacity is a disappointment. If you’re looking to tow a camper, you’re short of luck with the Jeep Wrangler, as its capacity means you’ll only be able to tow the lightest of campers.
FAQS
Can the Jeep Wrangler tow a boat?
The Jeep Wrangler can tow smaller boats weighing between 1000-2000 pounds.
Can you tow while off-roading?
It is generally not advisable for you to tow while off-roading. This is because the hitch may come undone, and you could harm your vehicle and whatever it is you’re towing.
Does the Jeep Wrangler have removable doors?
Yes, all models of the Jeep Wrangler from 2018 onwards have removable doors. You must pull off the retainer strap, grab hold of the lip under the door armrest, and detach the door.
Can you overtow just once without causing harm to your vehicle?
As long as you don’t over exceed your towing capacity by too much, you can safely overtow without damaging your vehicle. That said, make sure it doesn’t become a habit.
