2012 JEEP WRANGLER Axle

Inflation Pressure
This is the cold tire inflation pressure for your vehicle for
all loading conditions up to full GAWR.
Curb Weight
The curb weight of a vehicle is defined as the total weight
of the vehicle with all fluids, including vehicle fuel, at full
capacity conditions, and with no occupants or cargo
loaded into the vehicle. The front and rear curb weight
values are determined by weighing your vehicle on a
commercial scale before any occupants or cargo are
added.
Loading
The actual total weight and the weight of the front and
rear of your vehicle at the ground can best be determined
by weighing it when it is loaded and ready for operation.The entire vehicle should first be weighed on a commer-
cial scale to ensure that the GVWR has not been ex-
ceeded. The weight on the front and rear of the vehicle
should then be determined separately to be sure that the
load is properly distributed over front and rear axle.
Weighing the vehicle may show that the GAWR of either
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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Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR)
The GCWR is the total permissible weight of your vehicle
and trailer when weighed in combination.
NOTE:The GCWR rating includes 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. Refer to “Vehicle Loading/Vehicle Certifica-
tion Label” in “Starting and Operating” for further
information.
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 a collision.
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.
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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 of
hitch 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 trailerstability. 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.
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.
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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/Trans-
mission Axle Model GCWR (Gross
Combined Wt.Rating) Frontal Area Max. GTW
(Gross TrailerWt.) Max. Trailer
Tongue Wt. (See Note)
3.6L/
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)
3.6L/
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)
3.6L/
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)
3.6L/
Manual 3.21 Two–Door
Sahara Model(4WD) 5,430 lbs (2 463 kg) 25 sq ft (2.32 sq m) 1,000 lbs
(453 kg)100 lbs (45 kg)
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Engine/Trans-
mission Axle Model GCWR (Gross
Combined Wt.Rating) Frontal Area Max. GTW
(Gross TrailerWt.) Max. Trailer
Tongue Wt. (See Note)
3.6L/
Manual 3.73 Two–Door
Sahara Model(4WD) 6,430 lbs (2 916 kg) 25 sq ft (2.32 sq m) 2,000 lbs
(907 kg)200 lbs (91 kg)
3.6L/
Auto- matic 3.73 Two–Door
Sahara Model(4WD) 6,454 lbs (2 927 kg) 25 sq ft (2.32 sq m) 2,000 lbs
(907 kg)200 lbs (91 kg)
3.6L/
Manual 4.10 2–Door Rubi-
con Model(4WD) 6,507 lbs (2 951 kg) 25 sq ft (2.32 sq m) 2,000 lbs
(907 kg)200 lbs (91 kg)
3.6L/
Auto- matic 4.10 Two–Door
Rubicon
Model (4WD) 6,533 lbs (2 963 kg) 25 sq ft (2.32 sq m) 2,000 lbs
(907 kg)200 lbs (91 kg)
3.6L/
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)
474 STARTING AND OPERATING

Engine/Trans-
mission Axle Model GCWR (Gross
Combined Wt.Rating) Frontal Area Max. GTW
(Gross TrailerWt.) Max. Trailer
Tongue Wt. (See Note)
3.6L/
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)
3.6L/
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)
3.6L/
Manual 3.21 Four–Door
Sahara Model(4WD) 5,782 lbs (2 623 kg) 32 sq ft (2.97 sq m) 1,000 lbs
(453 kg)100 lbs (45 kg)
3.6L/
Manual 3.73 Four–Door
Sahara Model(4WD) 8,282 lbs (3 757 kg) 32 sq ft (2.97 sq m) 3,500 lbs
(1 587 kg)350 lbs
(159 kg)
3.6L/
Auto- matic 3.73 Four–Door
Sahara Model(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/Trans-
mission Axle Model GCWR (Gross
Combined Wt.Rating) Frontal Area Max. GTW
(Gross TrailerWt.) Max. Trailer
Tongue Wt. (See Note)
3.6L/
Manual 4.10 Four–Door
Rubicon
Model (4WD) 8,406 lbs (3 813 kg) 32 sq ft (2.97 sq m) 3,500 lbs
(1 587 kg)350 lbs
(159 kg)
3.6L/
Auto- matic 4.10 Four–Door
Rubicon
Model (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.
476 STARTING AND OPERATING

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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