Soon to be R-pod owner, Jeep Wrangler question - Event Date: 27 Sep 2017

Originally posted by Dirt Road Warrior I tried towing with a 2013 Wrangler Unlimited with max tow and it did okay, barely. It was very slow going up the steep Bumblebee hill on I-17 north of Phoenix and the engine got quite hot when the outside temp hit 100 plus. We changed to a Grand Cherokee 3.6 liter with max tow and it’s a real pleasure. I might consider using the Wrangler again if I camp off the grid and want to go fourwheeling as well, but for long trips the GC is much better.

One guy brought his 2012 Wrangler Unlimited to the shop for new shocks and XRC smittybilt bumper installation. He mentioned he towed 179 with it without any issue until he got a new Dodge truck and turn the Wrangler as off road toy.

I tried towing with a 2013 Wrangler Unlimited with max tow and it did okay, barely. It was very slow going up the steep Bumblebee hill on I-17 north of Phoenix and the engine got quite hot when the outside temp hit 100 plus. We changed to a Grand Cherokee 3.6 liter with max tow and it’s a real pleasure. I might consider using the Wrangler again if I camp off the grid and want to go fourwheeling as well, but for long trips the GC is much better.

Same one we have in our Doge Grand Caravan. We towed our 171 and then our 179 up and down the east coast many times for many years. It had the power, but we final upgraded to an F-150 with the 5.0 v-8. The extra power and tow capacity make a really big difference. 

Do you have the 3.6 pentastar engine in your jeep?

Some pull with jeeps and claim its ok. Me personally, I wouldnt. With the probability that you will be over the tow weight, definitely exceed the tongue weight, and have a very short wheel base and high center of gravity, the odds are not leaning your way. I err on the side of caution. I had a 3200 tow capacity vehicle when I bought my 172, and by the numbers it would work, but I feared what would happen if I had an accident. I now have a 6500 # tow capacity vehicle. They need little excuse to find you in violation of laws today. Its a real liability risk that you could open yourself up to.