
The Jeep Wrangler is a popular vehicle for those who love to get off the beaten path. Its rugged endurance and off-road ability make it perfect for adventure enthusiasts who want to tow a camper on their travels. But what size camper can a Jeep Wrangler actually pull?
The towing capacity of a Jeep Wrangler depends on the model. Two-door models can generally tow up to 2,000 lbs, while four-door models have a maximum capacity of 3,500 lbs. Newer models, such as the 2024 Wrangler, can tow up to 5,000 lbs. So, when it comes to campers, the Wrangler is limited to smaller options such as teardrop trailers, pop-up trailers, and some lightweight travel trailers.
There are plenty of great camper options that fall within the towing capacity of a Jeep Wrangler. For example, the Scamp Trailer, Airstream Sport 16RB, and iCamp Elite are all lightweight and compact trailers that can be easily towed by a Wrangler. The Happier Camper HC1 is an innovative and versatile choice, with a dry weight of just 1,100 lbs. For those looking for something simple, the High Camp Teardrop Trailer offers a cosy sleeping space and an outdoor kitchen, all while weighing in at just 2,500 lbs.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Average size of pull-behind campers | 25 to 30 feet long |
Jeep Wrangler's towing capacity | 2-door models: 2,000 lbs; 4-door models: 3,500 lbs |
Jeep Wrangler's payload capacity | 800# to 1,351# |
Examples of campers that can be pulled by Jeep Wrangler | Rockwood Geo Pro 12SRK; Flagstaff Hard-Sided Pop-Up T12RBST; Scamp 16' Travel Trailer; Airstream Basecamp 16; High Camp Teardrop Trailer |
What You'll Learn
Jeep Wrangler towing capacity
The Jeep Wrangler is a rugged and enduring vehicle with impressive off-roading capabilities, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy exploring off the beaten path. Its towing capacity, however, is somewhat limited and depends on the specific model and year. Most Jeep Wranglers have a towing capacity of 2,000 to 3,500 pounds, with two-door models typically maxing out at 2,000 pounds, while four-door models can tow up to 3,500 pounds. It's important to note that you shouldn't tow the maximum capacity, and it's recommended to keep it under 2,800 pounds for a four-door model.
When considering the towing capacity, it's crucial to also factor in the payload capacity, which includes the weight of cargo, passengers, and the tongue weight of the trailer. Additionally, the condition of the trailer, such as its weight, lights, tires, and overall safety, should be assessed before towing.
With these factors in mind, the Jeep Wrangler can tow small campers, teardrop trailers, pop-up trailers, and some lightweight travel trailers. Here are some specific examples of trailers that can be towed by a Jeep Wrangler:
- Rockwood Geo Pro 12SRK: This single-axle trailer has an unloaded vehicle weight of 1,763 pounds and a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 2,898 pounds, making it suitable for a Jeep Wrangler. It features an outdoor kitchen and indoor storage but lacks a bathroom.
- Flagstaff Hard-Sided Pop-Up T12RBST: With a dry weight of 2,120 pounds and a GVWR of 3,500 pounds, this pop-up trailer is compatible with the Jeep Wrangler. It offers a flip-up bed, a dinette, a kitchenette, and ample storage but doesn't include a bathroom.
- Flagstaff Tent 206M: This pop-up trailer has a dry weight of 2,223 pounds and a GVWR of 3,240 pounds. It features two pop-out beds, a dinette, a kitchenette, ample storage, and soft sides but doesn't have a bathroom.
- Sunray 109 Sport: This compact trailer has a dry weight of 1,320 pounds and a GVWR of 2,620 pounds. It includes a convertible couch/bed, air conditioning, and a well-equipped outdoor kitchen. While it doesn't have a bathroom, you can opt for a rooftop tent and a Fantastic Fan as additional features.
- NuCamp TagXL: This teardrop-style trailer has a dry weight of 1,340 pounds and a gross axle weight rating (GAWR) of 2,200 pounds. It offers a functional layout, including a kitchen, sleeping space for two, and air conditioning. You can also add a convenience package for off-grid capabilities.
- MeerKat: This unique trailer has a dry weight of 1,180 pounds and a GVWR of 2,000 pounds. It features a pop-up top, U-shaped bench seating that converts into a dinette or bed, a sink, an icebox, a camp stove, storage, and a porta-potty.
- Little Guy Mini Max: This teardrop trailer has a dry weight of 2,320 pounds and a GVWR of 3,500 pounds. It boasts modern interior decor, a convertible dinette/queen bed, a kitchen, ample storage, and a wet bath with a shower and toilet.
- Aliner Scout: This hard-body pop-up trailer has a dry weight of 1,395 pounds and a GVWR of 3,000 pounds. It offers a convertible sofa/bed, a convertible dinette/bed, and storage shelves, making it a great upgrade from a tent.
- Aliner Grand Ascape ST: Weighing in at under 3,000 pounds GVWR, this trailer includes a wet bath, a kitchen, and a convertible dinette/bed. It's a great option if you're looking for indoor kitchen and bathroom facilities.
- Airstream Basecamp 16: This sleek and efficient trailer has a base weight of 2,860 pounds and a GVWR of 3,500 pounds. It provides a dedicated bed, a kitchen, a convertible dinette, and a bathroom, making it perfect for weekend adventures.
- Flagstaff E-Pro E15TB: With a vehicle weight of 2,483 pounds and a GVWR of 2,791 pounds, this trailer maximizes outdoor space with features like an awning, outdoor storage, and an outdoor grill. It sleeps two in a convertible dinette space.
- Lance 1475 Travel Trailer: This trailer is nearly 20 feet long and offers a mid-cabin sofa or chairs, a dedicated sleeping space, a large fridge, and a slide-out section. With a vehicle weight of 2,600 pounds and a GVWR of 3,700 pounds, it provides ample features but be mindful of your tow limits.
- R-Pod 171: This trailer is ideal for a small family, offering two separate sleeping spaces and a convertible dinette/bed. It has a vehicle weight of 2,504 pounds and a GVWR of 3,252 pounds, providing a good balance of features and towing capacity.
- Scamp 16' Travel Trailer: With a vehicle weight of 2,000 pounds and a GVWR of 2,700 pounds, this molded fiberglass camper is within the towing capacity of a Jeep Wrangler. It offers a cute dinette and, depending on the layout, can include a bathroom or a sofa that converts into bunks.
While the Jeep Wrangler's towing capacity is limited, there are still plenty of trailer options available. These trailers provide a range of features and amenities to suit your camping needs, ensuring you can enjoy your adventures with comfort and style.
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Camper trailer weight
The weight of a camper trailer varies depending on its size, features, and amenities. Small travel trailers typically weigh between 1,200 and 3,900 pounds, while large travel trailers can weigh up to 9,000 pounds. The weight of a trailer is important to consider when towing with a vehicle like a Jeep Wrangler, as exceeding the weight capacity can damage the vehicle and cause safety hazards.
When considering the weight of a camper trailer, it's important to distinguish between the unloaded or dry weight, which is the weight of the trailer without any cargo or fluids, and the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), which is the maximum weight the trailer is rated to carry, including cargo and fluids. The load capacity of a trailer refers to the total weight of cargo it can carry, and it's important not to exceed this limit to avoid overloading the trailer.
The weight of a camper trailer can vary depending on its length, with longer trailers generally weighing more than shorter ones. Additionally, the type of trailer also affects its weight. For example, teardrop trailers typically weigh between 500 and 3,200 pounds, while pop-up campers weigh between 1,400 and 4,000 pounds. The construction and materials used can also impact the weight, with trailers built with fibreglass and aluminium metal structuring tending to be lighter than those built with corrugated siding.
Amenities and features can also add significant weight to a trailer. For example, a 50-gallon fresh water tank can add 500 pounds to the trailer's weight. Other features like generators, air conditioning, refrigerators, and slide-outs can also increase the weight. It's important to consider the weight contribution of these features when calculating the total weight of a camper trailer.
When towing a camper trailer with a Jeep Wrangler, it's crucial to stay within the vehicle's towing capacity. The towing capacity of a Jeep Wrangler varies depending on the model and year, with 2-door models typically able to tow up to 2,000 pounds and 4-door models able to tow up to 3,500 pounds. However, it's important to note that the towing capacity is for ideal setups, and in practice, the actual towing capacity may be lower depending on the weight of the vehicle, passengers, and cargo.
To ensure safe towing, it's recommended to keep the trailer weight at around 80% of the Jeep Wrangler's towing capacity. This allows for a comfortable margin and helps prevent overloading the vehicle. Additionally, proper weight distribution is crucial to maintain stability and control while towing.
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Camper trailer options
The Jeep Wrangler is a great option for those who want to tow a small camper trailer. With a towing capacity of 2,000 to 3,500 pounds, depending on the model, the Wrangler can accommodate a variety of lightweight trailers. Here are some great options to consider:
- Rockwood Geo Pro 12SRK: This single-axle trailer has an unloaded vehicle weight of 1,763 pounds and a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 2,898 pounds, making it perfect for the Wrangler. It features an outdoor kitchen, a couch that doubles as a bed, and ample storage space.
- Flagstaff Hard-Sided Pop-Up T12RBST: With a dry weight of 2,120 pounds and a GVWR of just under 3,500 pounds, this pop-up trailer is a great choice. It offers a flip-up bed, a dinette that converts into a bed, indoor and outdoor cooking facilities, and ample storage.
- Flagstaff Tent 206M: This pop-up trailer has a dry weight of 2,223 pounds and a GVWR of 3,240 pounds. It features two pop-out beds, a dinette that folds into a bed, indoor cooking facilities, and ample storage.
- Sunray 109 Sport: With a dry weight of 1,320 pounds and a GVWR of 2,620 pounds, the Sunray 109 Sport is a compact yet feature-rich option. It offers a couch that converts into a bed, air conditioning, and a well-equipped outdoor kitchen. Optional extras include a rooftop tent and a power tongue.
- NuCamp TagXL: This cute and compact teardrop trailer has a dry weight of 1,340 pounds and a GVWR of 2,200 pounds. It features a spacious layout, a kitchen with all the essentials, sleeping space for two, and air conditioning. You can also add a convenience package for off-grid capabilities.
- MeerKat: The MeerKat is a unique single-axle trailer with a pop-up top that expands the interior height. With a dry weight of only 1,180 pounds and a GVWR of 2,000 pounds, it's a great lightweight option. It features a U-shaped bench that converts into a dinette or bed, a sink, an icebox, a camp stove, storage, and a porta-potty.
- Little Guy Mini Max: This teardrop trailer has a dry weight of 2,320 pounds and a GVWR of 3,500 pounds. It offers modern interior decor, a dinette that converts into a queen-size bed, a kitchen with all the essentials, ample storage, and a wet bath—a rare find in such a small trailer!
- Aliner Scout: The Aliner Scout is a hard-body pop-up trailer with a GVWR of 3,000 pounds. It has a dry weight of 1,395 pounds and can sleep up to four people. It features a sofa and dinette that convert into beds, as well as interior storage and shelves that double as end tables.
- Aliner Grand Ascape ST: This trailer stands out with its indoor kitchen and wet bath, all while weighing in at under 3,000 pounds. It has a GVWR of 2,450 pounds and offers a shower, cassette toilet, two-burner stove, sink, refrigerator, microwave, and a dinette that converts into a bed.
These trailers are perfect for short family trips or longer solo adventures. They allow you to enjoy the benefits of a camper while still being able to go off-road and explore with your Jeep Wrangler.
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Jeep Wrangler limitations
The Jeep Wrangler is a great vehicle for adventurers who want to explore off the beaten path. Its rugged endurance and off-roading capabilities make it a popular choice for those who want to venture beyond paved roads. However, its towing capacity is limited, and understanding its constraints is crucial before planning any camping trip. Here are the key limitations to consider:
Towing Capacity
The towing capacity of a Jeep Wrangler varies depending on the model year and specifications. The two-door models typically have a lower towing capacity of around 2,000 pounds, while the four-door models can usually tow up to 3,500 pounds. The newer Wrangler models, such as the 2024 Wrangler, boast an impressive 5,000-pound towing capacity. It's important to consult your specific model's user manual or online resources to determine its exact towing capacity.
Payload Capacity
Payload capacity is another critical factor to consider. It includes the weight of cargo, passengers, and the tongue weight of the trailer you intend to tow. Jeep Wranglers have varying payload capacities, typically ranging from 800 pounds to around 1,350 pounds. It's essential to check your vehicle's specific payload rating, usually found on the driver's side door or B-pillar, to ensure you don't exceed this limit.
"Death Wobble"
The "Jeep death wobble" is a phenomenon known to affect some Jeep models, including the Wrangler and Gladiator. It involves violent shaking and can be caused by worn components such as control arms and suspension parts, as well as tyre issues, wheel alignment problems, and modifications like suspension lifts. While not all Jeep Wranglers experience this issue, it's something to be aware of and can be mitigated by regular checks and maintenance.
Trailer Sway
When towing any type of trailer, trailer sway is a potential hazard. It occurs when side forces on the trailer are transmitted to the towing vehicle, which can result in a loss of control. The Jeep Wrangler, being a smaller and lighter vehicle with a shorter wheelbase, may be more susceptible to trailer sway. However, understanding how to mitigate this issue through proper techniques and equipment is essential for safe towing.
Matching Camper Size and Weight
When choosing a camper to tow with your Jeep Wrangler, it's crucial to select one that falls within its towing and payload capacity limits. This typically means opting for smaller, lightweight campers such as teardrop trailers, pop-up trailers, or small travel trailers. It's important to consider not only the dry weight of the camper but also its gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), which includes the weight of your gear, water, and other supplies.
Matching Camper Tongue Weight
In addition to the camper's weight, you need to consider the tongue weight, which is the amount of weight exerted on the hitch by the trailer. The tongue weight should not exceed 10-15% of the trailer's GVWR. Exceeding this limit can lead to unsafe towing conditions and put excessive strain on your Jeep Wrangler's hitch and towing components.
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Camper trailer benefits
A camper trailer is a great option for those who want to enjoy the fun of camping with added convenience. Here are some benefits of a camper trailer:
Comfort
You'll never have to sleep on an awkward slope again. In a camper trailer, you sleep off the ground on a flat platform with a proper bed. The kids can even sleep on the floor or in a tent outside, so they don't roll onto your mattress! Camper trailers also tend to have more headroom than tents, so you don't have to spend your holiday hunched over.
Convenience
Everything has its place in a camper trailer, with ample storage space. This makes packing and unpacking much quicker and more relaxed. Integrated camp kitchens also mean you can heat up food at lunch stops without any fuss.
Affordability
Camper trailers are generally cheaper than caravans, with a broad range of options to suit different budgets. They are also cheaper to hire than a caravan or motorhome.
Accessibility
Camper trailers are easier and safer to tow than caravans, and they are more fuel-efficient. Their compact size and weight mean you can access more locations off-road. They are also less daunting to reverse into sites and are often light enough to be moved into place manually once unhitched.
Flexibility
With a camper trailer, you can stay away for longer and go further off the beaten track. They typically have a decent-sized water tank and plenty of space for fresh provisions, so you don't have to restock the pantry every few days.
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Frequently asked questions
The towing capacity of a Jeep Wrangler depends on the model. Two-door Jeep Wranglers can tow up to 2,000 lbs, while four-door models have a maximum capacity of 3,500 lbs. Newer models, such as the 2024 Wrangler, can tow up to 5,000 lbs.
Jeep Wranglers can tow pop-ups, teardrops, hybrids, and small travel trailers.
It is important to know your Jeep's towing capacity and payload rating before choosing a camper. You should also consider the condition of the trailer, including its weight, lights, tires, and any damage or rust. Additionally, practice driving with a trailer attached to get a feel for how it handles.
Some campers that can be towed by a Jeep Wrangler include the Airstream Basecamp, Flagstaff E-Pro, Lance 1475 Travel Trailer, Scamp 16' Travel Trailer, and the iCamp Elite.