Jeep Wranglers: Camper Towing Capabilities Explored

Jeep Wrangler owners have been discussing the possibility of towing a camper for years. The general consensus is that it depends on the model of your Jeep Wrangler, the weight of the camper, and whether you have a 2-door or 4-door model. The 2-door Jeep Wrangler has a towing capacity of 2,000 lbs, while the 4-door model can tow up to 3,500 lbs. Some owners of the 4-door Jeep Wrangler have reported towing campers that weigh around 3,000 lbs without any issues, while others have found that towing any kind of trailer is a challenge and have opted to upgrade to a truck or an RV. Owners of the 2-door Jeep Wrangler have mostly advised against towing a camper, with a few exceptions of those who have successfully towed lightweight campers or trailers. When it comes to towing a camper with a Jeep Wrangler, it's important to consider the tongue weight, wind load, wheelbase, and gearing, in addition to the weight of the camper. Some Jeep Wrangler owners have also recommended upgrading the brakes, adding a brake controller, and re-gearing to improve the towing capacity and performance. Overall, while it is possible to tow a camper with a Jeep Wrangler, it's important to stay within the towing capacity limits and consider the specific model and modifications of your vehicle.

Towing capacity of a Jeep Wrangler

The towing capacity of a Jeep Wrangler depends on the model year and the configuration of the vehicle. The 2024 Jeep Wrangler has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, a significant improvement over previous models, which had a maximum capacity of 3,500 pounds. However, this capacity is only achievable with certain configurations.

The towing capacity is affected by factors such as the engine and transmission, the number of doors, and the trim level. For example, the 2024 Wrangler Rubicon with a four-door configuration, a 3.6-litre Pentastar V-6 or 2.0-litre turbo engine, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and a 4.10 rear axle ratio can achieve the maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. Other trims may have a lower maximum capacity of 3,500 or 2,000 pounds.

The two-door models have a lower towing capacity than their four-door counterparts due to their shorter wheelbase, with a maximum capacity of 2,000 pounds. The four-door Wrangler Unlimited, also known as the Wrangler Unlimited, has a higher capacity of 3,500 or 5,000 pounds, depending on the configuration.

When considering towing a camper trailer with a Jeep Wrangler, it is important to verify the towing capacity for your specific model and configuration. Some sources recommend staying 500 pounds below the capacity for safety. Additionally, factors such as terrain, driving speed, and weight distribution can impact the towing experience. It is recommended to consult official specifications and seek expert advice before attempting to tow a camper trailer with a Jeep Wrangler.

Camper trailer options for a Jeep Wrangler

The Jeep Wrangler is a popular choice for towing camper trailers, thanks to its four-wheel-drive power, rugged dependability, and off-road capabilities. The towing capacity of a Jeep Wrangler varies depending on the model, with two-door versions having a lower capacity than their four-door counterparts. For example, the two-door Jeep Wrangler Sport has a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds, while the four-door Jeep Wrangler Sport can tow up to 3,500 pounds.

When considering a camper trailer for a Jeep Wrangler, it is recommended to stay within 65-80% of the vehicle's towing capacity to avoid overloading the transmission and ensure safe towing. With that in mind, here are some camper trailer options for a Jeep Wrangler:

• Riverside Retro 511: This trailer has a vintage aesthetic with modern amenities. It features a fold-out sofa, an exterior kitchen and shower, a double-welded aluminum frame, and a roof rack. With a GVWR of 2,780 pounds, it is well within the towing capacity of a Jeep Wrangler.
• Taxa TigerMoth: This off-road-focused RV is perfect for the Wrangler, offering flexibility and versatility. It has room for two inside and a three-person rooftop tent. The axle-less suspension provides stability, and it comes with a Lock N’ Roll hitch that rotates 360 degrees.
• ProLite Plus S: This ultra-light travel trailer offers a surprising amount of features, including a kitchen, dinette, bathroom, bed, fridge, and cabinets. With a dry weight of 995 pounds, it is well within the towing capacity of a Wrangler.
• Scamp 13': Scamp offers a range of lightweight, customizable trailers with over half a century of experience. The 13' model comes in Standard and Deluxe editions, with multiple floor plan options. Scamp trailers maximize interior space and are tailor-made for lightweight towing.
• Airstream Basecamp: The Basecamp is an off-grid camper with two floor plan options. It features 360W of solar power, a rugged build, and reduced aerodynamic drag. It also offers optional amenities focused on boondocking and off-grid living.
• Forest River Viking 1706XLS: This hybrid travel trailer/pop-up is perfect for lightweight towing vehicles like the Wrangler. While it lacks a bathroom, this can be solved with a composting toilet and an aftermarket exterior shower. When the pop-up wings are up, it offers spacious interior living with a full kitchen, storage, and dining accommodations.
• NuCamp Tab 400: This teardrop-style trailer has the look and feel of a traditional travel trailer. It offers counter space, a stovetop, a compact fridge, and a convertible dinette/bed. With a dry weight of 1,800 pounds, it can be towed by a Wrangler, but additional weight should be carefully considered.
• Meaner Beaner: This off-road-focused camper is a natural companion for the Wrangler. It features a durable, marine-grade gel-coat structure and a powder-coated, steel tube frame. It has a robust electrical system for off-grid living and boondocking, and the interior bed can be folded into a dinette.
• Happier Camper Traveler: The Happier Camper offers a unique, modular interior design that allows for customization. With a dry weight of 1,100 pounds, it can be towed by a Wrangler, and its massive carrying capacity makes it a great choice for those who need to bring a lot of gear.
• Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro E12RK: This small, lightweight travel trailer sleeps two and features an outside kitchen. With a dry weight of 1,164 pounds, it is easily towed by a Wrangler. Features include a TV, DVD player, stereo system, outdoor speakers, and a Coleman stove/grill combo.
• TAXA Outdoors Cricket Camper: The Cricket Camper is a rugged and lightweight option, sleeping two adults and two children. It features integrated plumbing and electrical systems, a pop-up roof, a V-berth bed with under-bed storage, picture windows, and a kitchen with a large counter.
• Safari Condo Alto: The Alto is a sleek, modern ultralight trailer with an aircraft-inspired design and an aerodynamic profile. It features a retractable roof that adds headspace, a durable shell, and a gorgeous interior. Some models include a fixed flush toilet and an interior shower.
• Sylvan Sport GO: The Sylvan Sport GO is a unique, tent-like trailer that functions as a utility vehicle, camper, and gear hauler. It offers multiple bed/dining configurations and can be customized with Thule accessories. It is a functional and capable option for those seeking an ultralight trailer for their Wrangler.
• Aliner Scout-Lite: The Aliner Scout-Lite is a pop-up or expandable trailer that offers a compact frame for towing and improved aerodynamics and road comfort. With a dry weight of 1,180 pounds, it is within the towing capacity of a Wrangler, but its GVWR of 3,000 pounds is close to the Wrangler's limit, so careful loading is necessary.
• Armadillo RV Trailer: The Armadillo is a durable, fiberglass trailer that can handle off-road conditions while also offering the comforts of a traditional RV. It has a dry weight of 1,800 pounds and comes with features like fresh water outlets, a 12V RV absorption refrigerator, rear stabilizer jacks, rock guards, and a tongue crank jack.

Towing a camper with a Jeep Wrangler manual transmission

Towing a camper with a Jeep Wrangler is possible, but it's important to keep in mind the weight and size limitations of your vehicle. The towing capacity of a Jeep Wrangler depends on the model year and configuration, but generally, the 4-door versions have a higher capacity of around 3500 lbs, while the 2-door versions are limited to 2000 lbs or less. When considering a camper trailer, it's crucial to take into account its gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and ensure it doesn't exceed your Jeep's towing capacity. Keep in mind that you should stay within 75% of the capacity to avoid overloading your vehicle.

Now, let's get into the details of towing a camper with a Jeep Wrangler manual transmission:

Tow Bar and Safety Chains:

• A tow bar is the primary piece of hardware you'll need for flat towing your camper. There are different types of tow bars available, ranging from simple and affordable options like the Reese Class III to more expensive options like the Blue Ox. Choose one that is rated to tow more than the weight of your camper.
• Safety chains are essential as a backup in case the tow bar or hitch fails during towing. You'll need attachment points on the Jeep, such as tow hooks or D-rings, to secure the safety chains. Curt tow hooks are a good option and can also be used for recovery if you ever get stuck off-roading.

Towing Lights:

You have two options for meeting legal requirements:

• Removable tail lights: This is the quickest and cheapest option.
• Permanent wiring: You can tap into the Jeep's tail light wiring using a hard-wire diode kit. This option provides a more permanent and discreet solution, but make sure to use flex tubing to protect the wiring in the engine compartment, as it can get hot during vehicle operation.

Supplemental Brakes:

The need for supplemental brakes depends on the laws of your state. Some states, like Arizona, don't require them, but it's always a good idea to consider adding them for increased safety. A system like the Brake Buddy can provide supplemental braking and give you peace of mind.

Hitch Box Extension:

A hitch box extension may be necessary if you're towing with a truck camper that extends beyond the rear bumper. Choose an extension that provides the required clearance between the Jeep and the camper during sharp turns. Also, ensure that the hitch ball is the correct size and that the shank is large enough to support the weight of your Jeep.

Jeep Wrangler Flat Towing Setup:

The Jeep Wrangler is designed for flat towing, and here are the steps to set it up properly:

• Depress the brake pedal.
• Depress the clutch pedal.
• Shift the transfer case into Neutral (N).
• Place the manual transmission into gear, preferably second or third gear. Do not leave it in Neutral, as this will prevent lubrication of the transmission and cause it to burn up during towing.
• Release the brake pedal to ensure no movement.
• Shut off the engine and place the ignition key in the unlocked OFF position. This allows the steering wheel to turn while being towed.
• Attach the Jeep to the tow vehicle.
• Release the parking brake.

Note: Always refer to your Jeep Wrangler's owner's manual for specific instructions and guidelines on flat towing. Additionally, make sure to comply with local highway speed towing laws and regulations.

Jeep Wrangler wheelbases and their impact on towing

The Jeep Wrangler's towing capacity is affected by three main factors: the engine and transmission, the configuration (two- or four-door), and the wheelbase.

Engine and Transmission

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler offers four engine options:

• 3.6-Liter Pentastar V-6: 285 horsepower/260 pound-feet of torque – Standard in the Sport, Sport S, Willys, Rubicon, and Rubicon X trim levels
• 2.0-Liter Turbo Four-Cylinder: 270 horsepower/295 pound-feet of torque – Standard in the Sahara trim; available in the Sport, Sport S, Willys, Rubicon, and Rubicon X trim levels
• 6.4-Liter HEMI V8: 470 horsepower/470 pound-feet of torque – Standard in the Rubicon 392 trim level
• Plug-in Hybrid 2.0-Liter Turbo Four-Cylinder: 375 horsepower/470 pound-feet of torque – Standard in all Wrangler 4xe trim levels

The first two engines, the Pentastar V-6 and the 2.0-Liter Turbo Four-Cylinder, offer the highest towing capacity of 5,000 pounds when paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The HEMI V-8 and the plug-in hybrid engine options have a lower towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.

Configuration (Two- or Four-Door)

The number of doors on a Jeep Wrangler also affects its towing capacity. Two-door models have a lower towing capacity of 2,000 pounds, while four-door models, also known as the Wrangler Unlimited, can tow up to 3,500 or 5,000 pounds, depending on the engine and transmission configuration. The four-door configuration provides a longer wheelbase, which offers more stability for towing heavier loads.

Wheelbase

The wheelbase of a vehicle is the distance between the center of the front and rear wheels. A longer wheelbase provides more stability when towing, as it reduces the impact of the weight being towed. The Jeep Wrangler's wheelbase varies depending on the model year and configuration. For example, the 2024 Jeep Wrangler Sport two-door model has a shorter wheelbase than the four-door Wrangler Unlimited model. The longer wheelbase of the four-door configuration contributes to its higher towing capacity compared to the two-door model.

In summary, the Jeep Wrangler's wheelbase, along with the engine, transmission, and configuration, play a significant role in determining its towing capacity. The four-door models with longer wheelbases and specific engine and transmission configurations offer the highest towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds.

Jeep Wrangler cooling systems and towing

The Jeep Wrangler's cooling system is not suited for towing, especially in hot climates or hilly terrain. When pushed to its limits, the Wrangler can experience limp mode, where it loses power and is forced to slow down. This is a common issue, especially in places like Arizona, where the climate is hot and the terrain mountainous.

The Wrangler's cooling system comprises six main parts: inlet and outlet tanks, a thermostat, a radiator, a radiator fan, a water pump, and a pressure cap. The radiator is mounted behind the grille of the Jeep, and newer models may not require a radiator fan. The Wrangler's radiator fan is typically mounted directly to the engine.

The density of the fins in the radiator (fin density) determines its effectiveness as a heat exchanger. Newer radiators typically have a fin density of 18 to 20 fins per inch (FPI), whereas older YJ Jeeps used 9 to 15 FPI. A greater FPI leads to increased cooling capabilities, but a high FPI can also restrict airflow in a dirty radiator.

The Jeep Wrangler's cooling system can be improved by adding an aftermarket oil cooler, which helps regulate the temperature of the oil. This is especially useful for off-roading, racing, or driving in hot weather.

When towing with a Jeep Wrangler, it is important to monitor the temperature of the engine and the coolant. Continuing to drive with an overheating engine can lead to warped cylinder heads, decreased power, oil leaks, misfiring, and excessive burning of oil. It can also damage the fuel pump, steering column, and other internal components. If your Wrangler starts to overheat, it is important to pull over, open the hood, and turn on the heater to full blast. Do not open the radiator pressure cap, as this could result in serious burns.

To improve the Wrangler's cooling capacity when towing, consider upgrading the radiator to a larger, heavy-duty option or installing electric fans. While these solutions may help with daily driving, they may not be sufficient for heavy-duty towing or off-road use. In these cases, a supplemental radiator, such as the Bullet Proof Diesel Supplemental Radiator, can be added to increase the cooling capacity and improve towing performance. This radiator is designed specifically for the Jeep Wrangler 3.0L EcoDiesel (2020 and newer models) and the Jeep Gladiator 3.0L EcoDiesel (2020-2023). It provides additional surface area and coolant volume to work alongside the main radiator, helping to reduce engine coolant temperatures and improve engine performance and longevity.

Frequently asked questions