2011 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 multiplied by the
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 a collision.
•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
Sport
Model
(4WD) 5,329 lbs (2 417 kg) 25 sq ft (2.32 sq m) 1,000 lbs (453 kg) 100 lbs (45 kg)
3.8L/
Manual 3.73 Two–Door
Sport
Model
(4WD) 6,329 lbs (2 871 kg) 25 sq ft (2.32 sq m) 2,000 lbs (907 kg) 200 lbs (91 kg)
3.8L/
Auto- matic 3.73 Two–Door
Sport
Model
(4WD) 6,353 lbs (2 881 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
SaharaModel
(4WD) 5,430 lbs (2 463 kg) 25 sq ft (2.32 sq m) 1,000 lbs (453 kg) 100 lbs (45 kg)
3.8L/
Manual 3.73 Two–Door
SaharaModel
(4WD) 6,430 lbs (2 916 kg) 25 sq ft (2.32 sq m) 2,000 lbs (907 kg) 200 lbs (91 kg)
3.8L/
Auto- matic 3.73 Two–Door
SaharaModel
(4WD) 6,454 lbs (2 927 kg) 25 sq ft (2.32 sq m) 2,000 lbs (907 kg) 200 lbs (91 kg)
3.8L/
Manual 4.10 2–Door Ru-
bicon
Model
(4WD) 6,507 lbs (2 951 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/
Auto- matic 4.10 Two–Door
RubiconModel
(4WD) 6,533 lbs (2 963 kg) 25 sq ft (2.32 sq m) 2,000 lbs (907 kg) 200 lbs (91 kg)
3.8L/
Manual 3.21 Four–Door
Sport
Model
(4WD) 5,742 lbs (2 604 kg) 32 sq ft (2.97 sq m) 1,000 lbs (453 kg) 100 lbs (45 kg)
3.8L/
Manual 3.73 Four–Door
SportModel(4WD) 8,242 lbs (3 738 kg) 32 sq ft (2.97 sq m) 3,500 lbs
(1 587 kg)350 lbs
(159 kg)
3.8L/
Auto- matic 3.73 Four–Door
Sport
Model
(4WD) 8,257 lbs (3 745 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
SaharaModel
(4WD) 5,782 lbs (2 623 kg) 32 sq ft (2.97 sq m) 1,000 lbs (453 kg) 100 lbs (45 kg)
3.8L/
Manual 3.73 Four–Door
SaharaModel
(4WD) 8,282 lbs (3 757 kg) 32 sq ft (2.97 sq m) 3,500 lbs
(1 587 kg)350 lbs
(159 kg)
3.8L/
Auto- matic 3.73 Four–Door
SaharaModel
(4WD) 8,297 lbs (3 763 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
RubiconModel
(4WD) 8,406 lbs (3 813 kg) 32 sq ft (2.97 sq m) 3,500 lbs
(1 587 kg)350 lbs
(159 kg)
3.8L/
Auto- matic 4.10 Four–Door
RubiconModel
(4WD) 8,431 lbs (3 824 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
(ie. the GVWR), and the GVWR should never exceed the weight referenced on the Tire and Loading Infor-
mation placard. Refer to “Tire Safety Information” in “Starting and Operating” for further information.
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Trailer And Tongue Weight
Always load a trailer with 60% to 65% of the weight in
the front of the trailer. This places 10% to 15% of the
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) on the tow hitch of your
vehicle. Loads balanced over the wheels or heavier in the
rear can cause the trailer to swayseverelyside-to-side
which will cause loss of control of vehicle and trailer.
Failure to load trailers heavier in front is the cause of
many trailer collisions.
Consider the following items when computing the
weight on the rear axle of the vehicle:
•The trailer tongue weight.
•The weight of any other type of cargo or equipment
put in or on your vehicle.
•The weight of the driver and all passengers.
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