I have a 2012 JKU hardtop and will be re-gearing to 4.10's before. I am running almost 33's and MAY switch to 35's but no bigger. I know I have a 3000lb towin capability but not sure how that translates. I will be getting an RV soon and need help on how big I can go. Does 3000lb on my Jeep = 3000 GVWR of the RV? Please help me understand

 

You have a 3500 lb towing capacity. Which means you can tow 3500 lbs. no that does not mean you can put 3500 lbs in your jeep a 3500 lb trailer will have approx 350 lb tongue weight. You can buy an rv with a 3500 lb gvwr.

 

Ok thank you. I thought that was the case but not positive. I will probably end up pulling it a lot. Should I get large transmission radiator for it? I Do NOT have tow package so what else should I get on top of the hitch, harness and what is mentioned above?

 

The 2012 already has a good external transmission cooler.
Trailer brakes would be good to have.

 

You also have a maximum Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR). Its the weight of the Jeep loaded up the way you use it, plus the weight of whatever you are towing.

Pretty sure the GCWR for your Jeep is 8257. If the trailer weighs 3500 then the most the Jeep can weigh is 4757. For every pound your Jeep is over 4757 you must take a pound off the towing capacity.

Bottom line: Unless your Jeep is almost empty and you run without bumpers or armor, the only way to know your tow capacity for sure is to weigh the Jeep loaded with people, fuel, tools, etc.

This is probably the least understood part of figuring out towing capacity.

 

Try telling that to the people who tow 4 -5 thousand pounds with their JKs.

I still haven't figured out why the Euro Jk tow rating is twice what we have, with the same engine/transmission as we have.

 

Yes, I do understand. I was just explaining how the numbers work for anyone who cares.

Like you, its a mystery to me how the Euro JK can have a GCWR of 11,000 to 12,000 pounds with a minivan engine in a 1/4 ton truck chassis. (Actually I guess the payload of the JK is closer to 1/2 ton these days, but its still a very light duty truck.)

 

Thanks Freewill. I guess I'll have to take a trip to the scales. I have about 200lb of dogs to add in as well. I thought those numbers for euro's were for the diesels.

 

Not a couple years ago, anyway. It was for the same engine/transmission combination we had.

 

That's crazy. I would have thought it was due to the diesel combo as well.

That being said....if you are slightly over by say 500-700 lbs and you have load range D or better tires, and the proper gearing, are we really talking about something that becomes dangerous, or just Jeep being sissys?