2012 JEEP WRANGLER Owners Manual

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 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/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)
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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 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.
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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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NOTE:Remember that everything put into or on the
trailer adds to the load on your vehicle. Also, additional
factory-installed options, or authorized dealer-installed
options, must be considered as part of the total load on
your vehicle. Refer to the “Tire Safety Information/Tire
and Loading Information Placard” in “Starting and Op-
erating” for the maximum combined weight of occupants
and cargo for your vehicle.
Towing Requirements
To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle drive-
train components, the following guidelines are recom-
mended:
NOTE: Trailer towing requires special rear axle lubri-
cant. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for the correct fluid type.
CAUTION!
•Do not tow a trailer at all during the first 500 miles
(805 km) the new vehicle is driven. The engine,
axle or other parts could be damaged.
•Then, during the first 500 miles (805 km) that a
trailer is towed, do not drive over 50 mph
(80 km/h) and do not make starts at full throttle.
This helps the engine and other parts of the
vehicle wear in at the heavier loads.
WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to a collision. Follow these
guidelines to make your trailer towing as safe as
possible:
(Continued)
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