Jeep Wrangler Towing Capacity By Year (All Models)
The towing capacity of a Jeep Wrangler often raises a lot of questions. Today, let’s settle this and understand what it can handle.
A Jeep Wrangler isn’t just built to handle rough trails; it’s also ready for towing.
If you want to bring a camper, an ATV, or even a small boat, the Wrangler has enough towing power to support your plans.
Let’s explore what kind of travel trailer works with a Wrangler so you can load up your gear and head out for your next adventure.
Tow Capacity of a Jeep Wrangler
The towing capacity of a Jeep Wrangler depends on its model year and type.
Generally, Wranglers can tow between 2,000 to 3,500 pounds, but some 2024 models, if equipped right, can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
Wranglers have been made in various models over the years.
Even though they all fall under the SUV category, some are compact, and others are mid-sized, so their towing capacities vary.
A simple way to remember this is that two-door Wranglers typically handle lighter loads, around 2,000 pounds. Four-door models can usually tow more, often reaching around 3,500 pounds.
To get the exact towing capacity of your Jeep, it’s best to check the specific year, model, and trim.
You can find this information on the sticker in the driver’s door jamb or by contacting a local Jeep dealer for the specs.
Jeep Wrangler Towing Capacity Chart by Year
Take a look at this comparison if you’re curious about how the Jeep Wrangler’s towing capacity has changed over the years.
Remember that the towing limits can vary based on the SUV’s specific features.
| Year | Wrangler Sport 2-Door | Rubicon 4-Door |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 Rubicon’s First Year | 2,000 pounds | 3,500 pounds |
| 2004-2014 | 2,000 pounds | 3,500 pounds |
| 2015 – 2023 | 2,000 pounds | 3,500 pounds |
| 2024 | 2,000 pounds | Up to 5,000 pounds |
What Can You Tow With a Jeep Wrangler?
The average Jeep Wrangler can tow about 2,000 pounds, which works for smaller campers.
But what does that mean if you want to pull a travel trailer or camper? Can it handle the weight? Well, it depends.
A Jeep Wrangler can usually handle a small pop-up or teardrop camper weighing between 1,000 and 1,500 pounds.
It might also be able to tow a very light hybrid travel trailer.
But remember, the weight adds up fast when you consider everything you’ll bring along.
For instance, water weighs eight pounds per gallon.
If your camper’s fresh water tank holds 20-30 gallons, that alone adds 160 to 240 pounds.
Then you have to think about all the other items you’ll pack:
- Propane
- Clothing
- Bedding
- Food
- Lawn chairs
- Toiletries
- Dishes
On top of that, you need to add your weight, along with any family members and pets. As you can see, these extra pounds add up quickly.
Tow With A 4-door Jeep Wrangler
The Jeep website lists a 5,000-pound towing limit for some 2024 models if they’re equipped right, we’ll focus on the older limit since many of us don’t have the newest model.
Below are weight estimates for different towing options, so you can see what a Jeep Wrangler with a stronger tow package might pull.
I’ve also highlighted items that push the Jeep closer to or over its towing limit.
- Two Touring Motorcycles (~700 lbs each) on a Trailer (~500 lbs)
- Teardrop Trailer (~1,700 lbs + water + supplies)
- Pop-up Trailer (~2,300 lbs + water + supplies)
- Utility Trailer (~1,000–2,700 lbs + cargo)
- Small Fiberglass Fishing Boat (~1,700 lbs) + Motor (~80-130 lbs) on a Trailer (~600 lbs)
- 20-Foot Aluminum Fishing Boat (~2,000 lbs) + Motor (~80-130 lbs) on a Trailer (~600 lbs)
- Two ATVs (~630 lbs each) on a Trailer (~500 lbs)
- Small Camper Trailer (~2,800 lbs + water + supplies)
- Jet Skis (~700 lbs each) on a Trailer (~300-500 lbs)
- Snowmobiles (~500 lbs each) on a Trailer (~300-500 lbs)
- Tow Dolly (~600 lbs) with a Small Vehicle (~2,500 lbs)
- Small Horse Trailer (~2,900 lbs) + Horse (~1,500-2,200 lbs)
A Jeep Wrangler should be able to tow a lightweight teardrop or pop-up camper, but it’s essential to keep an eye on extra weight.
Stopping by a certified scale when fully loaded will help make sure you’re under the tow rating.
Equipment Needed For Jeep Towing
Once you know that your Jeep Wrangler can handle your travel trailer’s weight, you’ll need the right towing equipment.
Towing Hitch Receiver
A towing hitch receiver is the most common type of hitch.
This hitch bolts to the underside of your Jeep, creating a place to attach a ball mount.
Receiver hitches are also called tow hitches, and they come in five different classes, each designed for specific types of vehicles, uses, and weight limits.
This means there’s a hitch made to fit the exact needs of your Jeep or truck.
Ball Mount
The ball mount is a part of the receiver hitch.
It has a shank that slides into the hitch and a flat spot for attaching the trailer ball.
This is one of the main parts used in trailer hitch setups.
Ball mounts come in various styles and can handle different weights.
Some ball mounts let you adjust the height, while others are solid and can’t be changed.
They have a hole in the shank for a pin or clip to keep the ball steady.
People sometimes call ball mounts ball hitches.
Trailer Hitch Ball
Trailer balls, also known as hitch balls, come in standard sizes, which makes it easy to match them with your trailer coupler.
They act as the link between your towing vehicle and trailer.
Each trailer ball is a metal ball on a threaded stem or shank, and its round shape helps you make smooth turns and travel over bumps and hills more easily.
Some trailer balls are secured with pins, clips, or a nut and washer.
Some people add a locking pin to prevent theft, while others have trailer balls that are welded directly in place.
Final Thoughts
Generally, it’s easy to remember how much a Jeep Wrangler can tow.
Two-door models can pull up to 2,000 pounds, while four-door Wranglers can handle 3,500 pounds (or even 5,000 pounds in some 2024 models).
If you’re interested in more tips about RVing, take a look at our complete guide.
