So I thought that at first but the weight difference is like 70# (or 31.8kg for all no Americans)Because all the extras that the Overland has weigh more. The more options you put on a vehicle the more it takes away from the carrying capacity. I haven't looked at the numbers but I would bet that the Rubicon is even lower.
Why does lifting it change the payload rating? I'm not disagreeing, but i just don't know why.The suspension, vehicle weight, axle width, gearing and tire size cause the differences. Also, just remember, if you lift it, those numbers go out the window.
Maybe not the payload, but the towing could be affected. Also bigger tires would mean you have to re-gear it to keep the max tow, as max tow between the 3.73 and 4.10 is different in the specs listed on here.Why does lifting it change the payload rating? I'm not disagreeing, but i just don't know why.
Please remember that the Rubicon trim level comes standard with the "tow package" set up if I remember correctly. At least the axles for sure.Gecko nailed it. The difference is the hardware.
Given the same vehicle, axles, suspension, etc., the only differences you'll find in payload relate to options on each vehicle. An Overland or Rubicon will have less payload because they've got more equipment.
THEN you have the Max Tow package, which is only available on the Sport, that includes different axles, brakes, cooling, etc. Heck, even the wheels are stamped with higher load capacity. It's a specific package that's engineered for more heavy duty work.
So, there are two things going on here.