Just wondering what the realistic towing capacity of my '08 JK 4dr is? Got it a month ago so it's completely stock so far. I plan on doing all the normal performance upgrades to gain some hp(hopefully soon).

So, I guess the question is, Whatcha towing and how's the JK handling it?

 

The most I've pulled with mine is a 2 place quad trailer with a couple quads. The trailer is 700 and the quads are about 600 ea,so just shy of 2000lbs.

At that weight,its not terrible,but I can't see towing 3500lbs (actual rating) with a JK.

I know some guys do it,but IMO it doesn't have the power,suspension,or wheelbase to do it well.

 

It really depends on the gearing you have.
If you have 3.73 or 4.10 with the 6speed than I think the tow capacity of 3500lbs is realistic.

If you have the 6 speed with 3.21 gearing then the tow rating is only 1000lbs. Realistically you could probably tow 2000lbs but its definately a lot easier with 3.73s or 4.10s.

With the auto you get either 3.73 or 4.10s so the autos are a little better and probably ok with 3500lbs.

 

3500 #'s max with a 4 door, 2000 #'s with a 2 door.

otherwise you might not have insurance coverage if something happened.

 

likely about 2000 lbs and still be able to make the hills and not have the engine coming out of the hood and be in the way of traffic. these jk's have a hard time to hall there own weight up a hill and not be in the way of traffic.

 

A Toyota Sequoia is a little heavy, starting to drag the JK down this hill when my friend in the Toy let off the brakes.......Land Rover Discovery is ok on flat land however.....

 

I disagree, I know what they are rated for and the reasons for the ratings, but as far as the jk having a hard time to pull their own weight well i think they have ample power. i make hay every year and use the jk to pull the wagons out of the fields and to the barn, some pretty good hills and no problems. My 08 X had the 3.21 gears and regularly towed 10000 lbs. obviously I would not be foolish enough to do it on the hiway. got a rubicon now and really don't notice much difference between the 3.21 and the 4.10.

 

Thanks for the info! I think I'll keep it under 2500#'s til all the upgrades are done. Sounds like I should be fine with that weight.

 

I have a light duty 16' flatbed trailer, that weighs about 1,000 lbs. I put 4 quads, 3 full size, 1 kids 90 with all our weekend gear such as ice chests, tools, fire wood, chairs, etc. Have had no problems. Just keep at a safe speed and it does a great job. BTW, I'm guessing I'm at the tow capacity with my JKU Rubicon.

 

I regularly tow my racecar behind my '10 unlimited. There has'nt been any problem in the 10k km or so that I've been doing it. Of course my car carrier is equipped with electric brakes, wich help releive stress on the truck. All in all the car carrier, the car ( 05 Tiburon V6) and the gear weigh just under 5500 lbs.