Community Forums

Dr Obbins · 01-26-2021, 03:36 AM

The Jeep wrangler JK 2 door and JKU 4 door have the same power train, suspension, and braking systems. Yet the JK is rated at 2,000lbs and the JKU 3,500lbs. So the only other variable I can think of is the JKU has the longer wheel base. But if a trailer's tongue weight is the same (200lb) then the extra 21" length of the JKU isn't needed to keep the front end on the ground. The curb weight is only a bit over 200lbs difference for the Rubicon. So why can the JKU tow 1,500lbs more weight than the JK?
https://www.quadratec.com/c/referenc...ngler-jk-specs

Also, why is the abbreviation for pound - lb? There is not a l or a b in pound.

laj · 01-26-2021, 04:40 AM

lb is the abbreviation for libra. The ancient roman/ latin word for scales/balances.

The weight difference is what jeep perceives the stability is of the longer wb.

tuffr2 · 01-26-2021, 05:25 AM

Wheelbase is very important to control a trailer and this is a good example. Also the frame might be better on the 4 door jeep. Better means stiffer which usually means thicker.

A two door jeep has a very short wheelbase. It is made to go places that other vehicles can't go but not not built to tow.

chunker · 01-26-2021, 10:56 AM

Also depends on transmission. Our 2012 short Wrangler with manual transmission had a 1000# tow rating.

Dr Obbins · 01-26-2021, 11:21 AM

I also posted on a wrangler forum. For some reason in 2016, the 2 door went from 2000 to 3500 depending on the gears without a model change.

tuffr2 · 01-26-2021, 11:32 AM

Just an FYI - when I see 3,500 I think 2,000.

Same for trucks, when I see 10,000lb towing I think 6,000lb towing.

Arch Hoagland · 01-26-2021, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tuffr2

Just an FYI - when I see 3,500 I think 2,000.

Same for trucks, when I see 10,000lb towing I think 6,000lb towing.

Exactly!!

Dave Pelletier · 01-26-2021, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tuffr2

Wheelbase is very important to control a trailer and this is a good example. Also the frame might be better on the 4 door jeep. Better means stiffer which usually means thicker.

A two door jeep has a very short wheelbase. It is made to go places that other vehicles can't go but not not built to tow.

Yep, this.

Dave

TheLex · 01-26-2021, 11:52 PM

If you're gonna tow, get the Gladiator Sport S with Max Tow package. The tow capacity is much higher and the longer wheelbase makes for much smoother towing.

vsheetz · 01-27-2021, 01:36 AM

Wheelbase makes the difference for towing. It's a stability thing. Same with TJ, rated for 2000 lb vs LJ, rated for 3500 lb.

Mike M. · 01-29-2021, 10:08 AM

Since Jeep does not follow the SAE J2807 towing standard testing, their marketing departments can still make up any towing numbers they like. They probably just look at what the closest competitor publishes and follow that. A throw back to the 1970 "towing ratings".