2009 JEEP WRANGLER Owners Manual

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 — If Equipped
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
performance, and could result in an accident.
•Weight-Distributing Hitch Systems may not be
compatible with Surge Brake Couplers. Consult
with your hitch and trailer manufacturer or a
reputable Recreational Vehicle dealer for addi-
tional information.
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 DefinitionsClass Max. Trailer Hitch Industry Standards
Class I - Light Duty 2,000 lbs (907 kg)
Class II - Medium
Duty 3,500 lbs (1 587 kg)
Class III - Heavy Duty 5,000 lbs (2 268 kg)
Class IV - Extra
Heavy Duty 10,000 lbs (4 540 kg)
Refer to the “Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum
Trailer Weight Ratings)” chart for the Maximum
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) towable for your given
drivetrain.
All trailer hitches should be professionally installed on
your vehicle.
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Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)
The following chart provides the maximum trailer weight ratings towable for your given drivetrain.
Engine/
Transmis- sion Axle Model GCWR (Gross
Combined Wt.Rating) Frontal Area Max. GTW
(Gross TrailerWt.) Max. Trailer
Tongue Wt. (See Note)
3.8L/
Manual 3.21 Two–
Door XModel
(4WD) 5,049 lbs (2 290 kg) 25 sq ft (2.32 sq m) 1,000 lbs (453 kg) 100 lbs (45 kg)
3.8L/
Manual 3.73 Two–
Door XModel
(4WD) 6,049 lbs (2 744 kg) 25 sq ft (2.32 sq m) 2,000 lbs (907 kg) 200 lbs (91 kg)
3.8L/
Automatic 3.73 Two–
Door XModel
(4WD) 6,051 lbs (2 745 kg) 25 sq ft (2.32 sq m) 2,000 lbs (907 kg) 200 lbs (91 kg)
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Engine/
Transmis- sion Axle Model GCWR (Gross
Combined Wt.Rating) Frontal Area Max. GTW
(Gross TrailerWt.) Max. Trailer
Tongue Wt. (See Note)
3.8L/
Manual 3.21 Two–
Door
Sahara Model
(4WD) 5,231 lbs (2 373 kg) 25 sq ft (2.32 sq m) 1,000 lbs (453 kg) 100 lbs (45 kg)
3.8L/
Manual 3.73 Two–
Door
Sahara Model
(4WD) 6,231 lbs (2 826 kg) 25 sq ft (2.32 sq m) 2,000 lbs (907 kg) 200 lbs (91 kg)
3.8L/
Automatic 3.73 Two–
Door
Sahara Model
(4WD) 6,233 lbs (2 827 kg) 25 sq ft (2.32 sq m) 2,000 lbs (907 kg) 200 lbs (91 kg)
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Engine/
Transmis- sion Axle Model GCWR (Gross
Combined Wt.Rating) Frontal Area Max. GTW
(Gross TrailerWt.) Max. Trailer
Tongue Wt. (See Note)
3.8L/
Manual 4.10 2–Door
RubiconModel
(4WD) 6,365 lbs (2 887 kg) 25 sq ft (2.32 sq m) 2,000 lbs (907 kg) 200 lbs (91 kg)
3.8L/
Automatic 4.10 Two–
Door
Rubicon Model
(4WD) 6,366 lbs (2 887 kg) 25 sq ft (2.32 sq m) 2,000 lbs (907 kg) 200 lbs (91 kg)
3.8L/
Automatic 3.73 Four–
Door XModel
(2WD) 7,734 lbs (3 508 kg) 32 sq ft (2.97 sq m) 3,500 lbs
(1 587 kg)350 lbs (159 kg)
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Engine/
Transmis- sion Axle Model GCWR (Gross
Combined Wt.Rating) Frontal Area Max. GTW
(Gross TrailerWt.) Max. Trailer
Tongue Wt. (See Note)
3.8L/
Automatic 3.73 Four–
Door
Sahara Model
(2WD) 7,893 lbs (3 580 kg) 32 sq ft (2.97 sq m) 3,500 lbs
(1 587 kg)350 lbs (159 kg)
3.8L/
Manual 3.21 Four–
Door XModel
(4WD) 5,431 lbs (2 463 kg) 32 sq ft (2.97 sq m) 1,000 lbs (453 kg) 100 lbs (45 kg)
3.8L/
Manual 3.73 Four–
Door XModel
(4WD) 7,931 lbs (3 597 kg) 32 sq ft (2.97 sq m) 3,500 lbs
(1 587 kg)350 lbs (159 kg)
3.8L/
Automatic 3.73 Four–
Door XModel
(4WD) 7,932 lbs (3 598 kg) 32 sq ft (2.97 sq m) 3,500 lbs
(1 587 kg)350 lbs (159 kg)
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Engine/
Transmis- sion Axle Model GCWR (Gross
Combined Wt.Rating) Frontal Area Max. GTW
(Gross TrailerWt.) Max. Trailer
Tongue Wt. (See Note)
3.8L/
Manual 3.21 Four–
Door
Sahara Model
(4WD) 5,625 lbs (2 551 kg) 32 sq ft (2.97 sq m) 1,000 lbs (453 kg) 100 lbs (45 kg)
3.8L/
Manual 3.73 Four–
Door
Sahara Model
(4WD) 8,125 lbs (3 685 kg) 32 sq ft (2.97 sq m) 3,500 lbs
(1 587 kg)350 lbs (159 kg)
3.8L/
Automatic 3.73 Four–
Door
Sahara Model
(4WD) 8,127 lbs (3 686 kg) 32 sq ft (2.97 sq m) 3,500 lbs
(1 587 kg)350 lbs (159 kg)
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Engine/
Transmis- sion Axle Model GCWR (Gross
Combined Wt.Rating) Frontal Area Max. GTW
(Gross TrailerWt.) Max. Trailer
Tongue Wt. (See Note)
3.8L/
Manual 4.10 Four–
Door
Rubicon Model
(4WD) 8,248 lbs (3 741 kg) 32 sq ft (2.97 sq m) 3,500 lbs
(1 587 kg)350 lbs (159 kg)
3.8L/
Automatic 4.10 Four–
Door
Rubicon Model
(4WD) 8,249 lbs (3 742 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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