Jeep Wrangler Towing Capacity: How Much Can This Off-Road Icon Tow?

Curious about the jeep wrangler towing capacity? This guide offers ten essential tips to maximize its towing potential, from engine choices to off-road setups. Perfect for hauling trailers, boats, or gear, these insights ensure Wrangler drivers tow confidently and safely on any adventure.

Safety Warning: Towing is hazardous. Secure trailers properly, verify weights, and use safety chains to prevent accidents or vehicle damage.

1. Base Towing Capacity

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler two-door models have a base towing capacity of 2,000 pounds with the 3.6L V6 engine. This suits light towing tasks like small trailers or jet skis, ideal for weekend getaways or off-road adventures.

Base towing is practical. Here’s what it offers.

• 2,000-pound limit. Tows small utility trailers or bikes, costing $0-$200 to hitch.

• 3.6L V6 engine. 285 horsepower, standard on Sport and Willys trims, costing $0.

• Tongue weight. Supports 200 pounds, ensuring safe balance, costing $0 to verify.

• Light use. Hauls 5×6-foot trailers for camping, saving $100-$300 on rentals.

2. Maximum Towing Capacity

The jeep wrangler towing capacity peaks at 3,500 pounds for four-door Unlimited models with the Max Tow Package. This allows towing small campers or boats, making it versatile for longer trips or heavier loads.

Max capacity is robust. Here’s how to achieve it.

• 3,500-pound capability. Tows 15-foot campers or boats, saving $200-$800 on rentals.

• Max Tow Package. Includes Class II hitch, costing $300-$600 to add.

• Four-door Unlimited. Offers added stability, costing $2,000-$5,000 over two-door.

• 4×4 standard. Enhances traction for towing, included across all trims.

3. Towing Accessories Needed

Towing with the Wrangler requires a Class II hitch, wiring harness, and ball mount. Optional accessories like a trailer brake controller enhance safety for heavier loads, ensuring a smooth towing experience.

Accessories ensure reliability. Here’s what you need.

• Class II hitch. Supports 2,000-3,500 pounds, costing $200-$500 to install.

• Wiring harness. Powers trailer lights, costing $20-$100 for installation.

• Ball mount. Secures trailer connection, costing $20-$50 to replace.

• Brake controller. Optional for loads over 2,000 pounds, costing $0-$300.

4. Engine Options Impact

The Wrangler offers multiple engines: 3.6L V6 (285 horsepower), 2.0L turbo (270 horsepower), 6.4L V8 (470 horsepower), and 2.0L plug-in hybrid (375 horsepower). The 3.6L V6 and 2.0L turbo maximize towing capacity for most trims.

Engines shape towing. Here’s their role.

• 3.6L V6. 285 horsepower, tows 3,500 pounds in Unlimited, standard on most trims.

• 2.0L turbo. 270 horsepower, also tows 3,500 pounds, costing $1,500-$3,000.

• 6.4L V8. Limited to 2,000 pounds in Rubicon 392, costing $10,000-$15,000.

• Fuel efficiency. Drops to 12-15 MPG towing, costing $50-$90 per 300-mile trip.

5. Trim and Model Variations

The Wrangler’s trims—Sport, Willys, Sahara, Rubicon, and Rubicon 392—offer towing capacities from 2,000 to 3,500 pounds. Four-door Unlimited models with the Max Tow Package achieve the maximum, while two-door models suit lighter loads.

Trims affect capability. Here’s how they differ.

• Sport two-door. Tows 2,000 pounds, costing $0-$200 for basic hitch.

• Unlimited Sahara. Tows 3,500 pounds with Max Tow, costing $300-$600.

• Rubicon 392. Limited to 2,000 pounds, costing $10,000-$15,000 over base.

• Verify setup. Check trim and hitch via VIN, costing $0, to confirm capacity.

6. Balancing Payload and Towing

The Wrangler’s payload capacity, up to 1,351 pounds for Unlimited models, complements its towing ability. Balancing payload and towing weight is critical to stay within the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) for safe operation.

Balance prevents damage. Here’s how to manage it.

• 1,351-pound payload. Carries 33 40-pound bags in cargo area, costing $0.

• Towing reduces payload. A 3,500-pound trailer lowers cargo capacity, requiring checks.

• GCWR limits. Ranges from 5,300-8,100 pounds, avoiding $1,000-$3,000 in damage.

• Weigh loads. Use a scale ($0-$20) at truck stops to ensure compliance.

7. Compatible Trailer Types

The jeep wrangler towing capacity supports lightweight trailers and small campers. Selecting the right trailer ensures safe towing, especially for off-road adventures or recreational trips.

Choose trailers carefully. Here’s what fits.

• Light trailers. 1,000-2,000-pound jet skis or bikes, hitching in 10-20 minutes.

• Small campers. 2,000-3,500-pound trailers, costing $2,000-$10,000 to buy.

• Boats. 3,500-pound loads with Unlimited, costing $300-$600 for hitch.

• Check weights. Verify trailer weight to avoid $500-$2,000 in vehicle damage.

8. Towing Safety Features

The Wrangler includes Trailer Sway Control, ParkView rear camera, and off-road traction systems to enhance towing safety. These features improve control, especially on rugged terrain or for novice towers.

Safety boosts confidence. Here’s what’s available.

• Trailer Sway Control. Brakes to stabilize trailers, standard with Max Tow Package.

• ParkView camera. Aids hitching, standard on most trims, saving $100-$300.

• Off-road traction. Enhances towing on rough terrain, standard, costing $0.

• Inspect connections. Check hitch and chains before towing, costing $0, preventing accidents.

9. Fuel Economy While Towing

Towing reduces the Wrangler’s fuel efficiency, dropping from 20 MPG combined (3.6L V6) to 12-15 MPG with heavy loads. Planning for reduced MPG is essential to manage trip costs effectively.

Fuel impacts budgeting. Here’s the effect.

• Base efficiency. 20 MPG combined drops to 12-15 MPG with 3,000 pounds.

• Cost increase. Heavy towing adds $50-$90 per 300-mile trip in fuel costs.

• Plan routes. Avoid steep grades to save 1-2 MPG, costing $0 to map.

• Monitor usage. Use trip computer to optimize fuel, saving $20-$60 per trip.

10. Real-World Towing Scenarios

The Wrangler handles real-world towing, from off-road camping to light utility tasks. Proper setup ensures success, with owners reporting reliable performance for various loads on and off the trail.

Real-world towing excels. Here’s how to optimize it.

• Recreational gear. Tow 1,500-pound jet skis, hitching in 10-20 minutes, costing $0-$200.

• Campers. Haul 2,500-3,500-pound trailers, like teardrops, taking 20-40 minutes.

• Utility trailers. Tow 2,000-pound loads, saving $100-$400 on rentals.

• Avoid overloading. Exceeding 3,500 pounds risks $1,000-$3,000 in suspension damage.

Conclusion

The jeep wrangler towing capacity, from 2,000 to 3,500 pounds, powers adventures with trailers, boats, or gear. Tow safely with careful planning. At STUCK, our 24-hour towing service in Mankato, Minnesota ensures Wrangler drivers receive dependable support whenever it’s needed.