Would love to get a trailer/camper someday. The manual for my 2010 JK 2-door 6-speed says I can tow 2,000 lbs. max. That doesn't seem like a lot for a 3.8L V6, even if it really is hamster-powered. Really limits the trailer selection. Is it a safety thing? A torque thing? If I don't have 3 additional passengers up front, does that buy me anything? On the other hand, sometimes it seems like it has trouble making it up the hill without a trailer...

 

Do you have 3.21 or 3.73 gears in your axles?

3.21 = 1000 lbs. tow limit.

3.73 = 2000 lbs tow limit.

The tow limit for the 2dr is more wheel base driven, considering that may be the only difference between the 2dr and 4dr, which can tow up to 3500 lbs. with 3.73 or 4.10 gears.

 

I have 3.73's. I can live with 2,000 lbs it's just that it doesn't seem like a lot...
[Edit: Correction... I had 3.21's. But that's moot now since they're now 4.10's on a 4-door]

 

People have towed more, and gotten away with it, only because nothing went wrong.
It's when the unexpected maneuver comes along that it would be nice to know you have not been negligent.

 

I towed a small U-haul over the Cascade Mountains with a Ford Bronco II about 20 years ago. The Bronco II had a wheelbase about an inch and a half shorter than a 2 dr JK. The experience was nerve wracking, even with a carefully loaded trailer.

I can't imagine towing a conventional 16 to 20 foot travel trailer with a 2dr Wrangler or anything else with a wheelbase under 100". It's just not a pleasant experience and one that will make you wish we still had the 55mph limit.

However, something like a Scamp, Casita, or a 8 to 10 foot folding tent trailer will tow just fine and weigh below the 2,000 limit.

 

It's not about whether you can, but whether you should...

I'm sure you could pull two or even three times that weight with your two door, but what do you figure the insurance company would have to say about it when you get into an accident? A big ole 'claim denied'...

 

I actually just saw a 2 door on the hiway the other day trying to tow a large trailer. It was a scary sight to watch. The guy was in the slow lane, doing under the speed limit and he still looked borderline. It was the "tail wagging the dog" syndrome. The trailer was completely overpowering the tiny wheelbase of the wrangler, pulling it all over the road! I wont be towing anything more than a decent pop-up camper after seeing that!@

 

Before going over recommended limits, I definitely would look into the liability issue. Not even addressing the safety issue I would hate to see you lose your shirt in a law suit by towing more weight than recommended by the manufacture.

 

you have to consider stopping power, not just pulling power.

 

All good points, thanks. Definitely want to play it safe. Thinking of a 8-foot, single-axle cargo trailer. Local place can put together pretty much anything you want - with RV doors, windows where you want them, and even aluminum frame instead of steel. Will look into it.