2008 JEEP WRANGLER UNLIMITED 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.

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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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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.

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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)
350 STARTING AND OPERATING

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