2008 JEEP WRANGLER Owners Manual

the front or rear axles has been exceeded, but the total
load is within the specified GVWR. If so, weight must be
shifted from front to rear, or rear to front, as appropriate
until the specified weight limitations are met. Store the
heavier items down low and be sure that the weight is
distributed equally. Stow all loose items securely before
driving.
Improper weight distributions can have an adverse affect
on the way your vehicle steers and handles, and the way
the brakes operate.CAUTION!
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the GVWR
or the maximum front and rear GAWR. If you do,
parts on your vehicle can break, or it can change the
way your vehicle handles. This could cause you to
lose control. Also, overloading can shorten the life of
your vehicle.
TRAILER TOWING
In this section you will find safety tips and information
on limits to the type of towing you can reasonably do
with your vehicle. Before towing a trailer carefully re-
view this information to tow your load as efficiently and
safely as possible.
To maintain warranty coverage, follow the requirements
and recommendations in this Owner’s Manual concern-
ing vehicles used for trailer towing.
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Common Towing Definitions
The following trailer towing-related definitions will as-
sist you in understanding the following information:
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The GVWR is the total allowable weight of your vehicle.
This includes driver, passengers, cargo and trailer tongue
weight. The total load must be limited so that you do not
exceed the GVWR.
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)
The GTW is the weight of the trailer plus the weight of all
cargo, consumables and equipment (permanent or tem-
porary) loaded in or on the trailer in itsloaded and
ready for operation condition. The recommended way to
measure GTW is to put your fully-loaded trailer on a
vehicle scale. The entire weight of the trailer must be
supported by the scale.
Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR)
The GCWR is the total permissible weight of your vehicle
and trailer when weighed in combination. (Note that
GCWR ratings include a 150 lbs (68 kg) allowance for the
presence of a driver).
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The GAWR is the maximum capacity of the front and rear
axles. Distribute the load over the front and rear axles
evenly. Make sure that you do not exceed either front or
rear GAWR.
WARNING!
It is important that you do not exceed the maximum
front or rear GAWR. A dangerous driving condition
can result if either rating is exceeded. You could lose
control of the vehicle and have an accident.
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Trailer Tongue Weight (TW)
The trailer tongue weight is the downward force exerted
on the hitch ball by the trailer. In most cases it should not
be less than 10% or more than 15% of the trailer load. You
must consider this as part of the load on your vehicle.
Frontal Area
The frontal area is the maximum height and maximum
width of the front of a trailer.
Trailer Sway Control
The trailer sway control is a telescoping link that can be
installed between the hitch receiver and the trailer
tongue. It typically provides adjustable friction associ-
ated with the telescoping motion to dampen any un-
wanted trailer swaying motions while traveling.
Weight-Carrying Hitch
A weight-carrying hitch supports the trailer tongue
weight, just as if it were luggage located at a hitch ball or
some other connecting point of the vehicle. This kind ofhitch is the most popular on the market today and is
commonly used to tow small and medium-sized trailers.
Weight-Distributing Hitch
A weight-distributing hitch system works by applying
leverage through spring (load) bars. It is typically used
for heavier loads, to distribute trailer tongue weight to
the tow vehicle’s front axle and the trailer axle(s). When
used in accordance with the manufacturers’ directions, it
provides for a more level ride, offering more consistent
steering and brake control thereby enhancing towing
safety. The addition of a friction/hydraulic sway control
also dampens sway caused by traffic and crosswinds,
and contributes positively to tow vehicle and trailer
stability. Trailer sway control and a weight-distributing
(load-equalizing) hitch are recommended for heavier
tongue weights (TW) and may be required depending on
vehicle and trailer configuration/loading to comply with
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) requirements.
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WARNING!
An improperly adjusted weight-distributing hitch
system may reduce handling, stability, braking per-
formance, and could result in an accident.
Weight-Distributing Hitch Systems may not be com-
patible with Surge Brake Couplers. Consult with
your hitch and trailer manufacturer or a reputable
Recreational Vehicle dealer for additional
information.
Weight-Distributing Hitch System
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Trailer Hitch Classification
The following chart provides the industry standard for
the maximum trailer weight a given trailer hitch class can
tow and should be used to assist you in selecting the
correct trailer hitch for your intended towing condition.Refer to the Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings) chart for the Max. GTW towable for your
given drivetrain.
Trailer Hitch Classification
Class Max. GTW (Gross Trailer Wt.)
Class I - Light Duty 2,000 lbs (907 kg)
Class II - Medium
Duty 3,500 lbs (1 587 kg)
All trailer hitches should be professionally installed on
your vehicle.
Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight
Ratings)
The following chart provides the maximum trailer
weight ratings towable for your given drivetrain.
Improper Adjustment of Weight-Distributing System
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Engine/
Transmission Axle Model GCWR (Gross
Combined Wt.Rating) Frontal Area Max. GTW
(Gross TrailerWt.) Max. Trailer
Tongue Wt. (See Note)
3.8L/Manual 3.21 2–Door X Model (4WD)4,987 lbs
(2 262 kg) 25 sq ft
(2.32 sq m) 1,000 lbs
(453 kg) 100 lbs (45 kg)
3.8L/Manual 3.73 2–Door X Model (4WD)5,987 lbs
(2 716 kg) 25 sq ft
(2.32 sq m) 2,000 lbs
(907 kg) 200 lbs (91 kg)
3.8L/
Automatic 3.73 2–Door X
Model (4WD) 6,032 lbs
(2 736 kg) 25 sq ft
(2.32 sq m) 2,000 lbs
(907 kg) 200 lbs (91 kg)
3.8L/Manual 3.21 2–Door Sahara Model (4WD)5,163 lbs
(2 342 kg) 25 sq ft
(2.32 sq m) 1,000 lbs
(453 kg) 100 lbs (45 kg)
3.8L/Manual 3.73 2–Door Sahara Model (4WD)6,163 lbs
(2 795 kg) 25 sq ft
(2.32 sq m) 2,000 lbs
(907 kg) 200 lbs (91 kg)
3.8L/
Automatic 3.73 2–Door Sahara
Model (4WD) 6,163 lbs
(2 795 kg) 25 sq ft
(2.32 sq m) 2,000 lbs
(907 kg) 200 lbs (91 kg)
3.8L/Manual 4.10 2–Door Rubi- con Model(4WD) 6,236 lbs
(2 829 kg) 25 sq ft
(2.32 sq m) 2,000 lbs
(907 kg) 200 lbs (91 kg)
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3.8L/
Automatic 4.10 2–Door Rubi-
con Model(4WD) 6,281 lbs
(2 849 kg) 25 sq ft
(2.32 sq m) 2,000 lbs
(907 kg) 200 lbs
(91 kg)
3.8L/Manual 3.21 4–Door X Model (2WD)5,121 lbs
(2 323 kg) 32 sq ft
(2.97 sq m) 1,000 lb
s (453 kg) 100 lbs
(45 kg)
3.8L/Manual 3.73 4–Door X Model (2WD)7,621 lbs
(3 457 kg) 32 sq ft
(2.97 sq m) 3,500 lbs
(1 587 kg) 350 lbs
(159 kg)
3.8L/
Automatic 3.73 4–Door X
Model (2WD) 7,647 lbs
(3 469 kg) 32 sq ft
(2.97 sq m) 3,500 lbs
(1 587 kg) 350 lbs
(159 kg)
3.8L/Manual 3.21 4–Door Sahara Model (2WD)5,277 lbs
(2 394 kg) 32 sq ft
(2.97 sq m) 1,000 lbs
(453 kg) 100 lbs
(45 kg)
3.8L/Manual 3.73 4–Door Sahara Model (2WD)7,777 lbs
(3 527 kg) 32 sq ft
(2.97 sq m) 3,500 lbs
(1 587 kg) 350 lbs
(159 kg)
3.8L/
Automatic 3.73 4–Door Sahara
Model (2WD) 7,803 lbs
(3 539 kg) 32 sq ft
(2.97 sq m) 3,500 lbs
(1 587 kg) 350 lbs
(159 kg)
3.8L/Manual 3.21 4–Door X Model (4WD)5,325 lbs
(2 415 kg) 32 sq ft
(2.97 sq m) 1,000 lbs
(453 kg) 100 lbs
(45 kg)
3.8L/Manual 3.73 4–Door X Model (4WD)7,825 lbs
(3 549 kg) 32 sq ft
(2.97 sq m) 3,500 lbs
(1 587 kg) 350 lbs
(159 kg)
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3.8L/
Automatic 3.73 4–Door X
Model (4WD) 7,825 lbs
(3 549 kg) 32 sq ft
(2.97 sq m) 3,500 lbs
(1 587 kg) 350 lbs
(159 kg)
3.8L/Manual 3.21 4–Door Sahara Model (4WD)5,481 lbs
(2 486 kg) 32 sq ft
(2.97 sq m) 1,000 lbs
(453 kg) 100 lbs
(45 kg)
3.8L/Manual 3.73 4–Door Sahara Model (4WD)7,981 lbs
(3 620 kg) 32 sq ft
(2.97 sq m) 3,500 lbs
(1 587 kg) 350 lbs
(159 kg)
3.8L/
Automatic 3.73 4–Door Sahara
Model (4WD) 8,027 lbs
(3 641 kg) 32 sq ft
(2.97 sq m) 3,500 lbs
(1 587 kg) 350 lbs
(159 kg)
3.8L/Manual 4.10 4–Door Rubi- con Model(4WD) 8,059 lbs
(3 655 kg) 32 sq ft
(2.97 sq m) 3,500 lbs
(1 587 kg) 350 lbs
(159 kg)
3.8L/
Automatic 4.10 4–Door Rubi-
con Model(4WD) 8,104 lbs
(3 676 kg) 32 sq ft
(2.97 sq m) 3,500 lbs
(1 587 kg) 350 lbs
(159 kg)
Refer to local laws for maximum trailer towing speeds.
NOTE: The trailer tongue weight must be considered as
part of the combined weight of occupants and cargo, and
should never exceed the weight referenced on the Tire and Loading Information placard. Refer to the “Tire
Safety Information” section in this manual.
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