Tow Capacity - Double Check the Math

[Reddog]

When any company, Ford, Jeep, Chevy, Toyota, whatever, advertise "best in class", the fine print is always "when appropriately equipped" or similar words. They can get by saying that because it is best in class - IF you get a basic Sport S with the max tow package and don't load it up with other options.
To show how cut-throat that market segment is - Ford was caught running their tests without a spare tire or rear bumper. That gave them a slight edge - lighter truck for more payload.

Even the best max tow package won't get you 1 ton of payload.
I can't say that even my Silverado was rated quite that good.
My F250 4x4 was loaded down with about 2200 pounds of antique engine and 3 people in the cab and it rode down on the auxiliary springs.

All that you said true. Then there are the Home Depot contractors who cant speak english that believe if it fits in the bed….sort of, they can haul it. Amazing how many sheets of 5/8” sheetrock they can haul

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[bgott]

The 6000# tow rating with the tow package is for 2022 and older. The owner's manual for my 2023 Willys (Sport S) with the tow package states that the rating is 4500#. I, for one, would like to know why they lowered the rating for what is basically the same vehicle.

 

[Jaxmax]

Do you have an automatic or manual transmission?

 

[Stan H]

The 6000# tow rating with the tow package is for 2022 and older. The owner's manual for my 2023 Willys (Sport S) with the tow package states that the rating is 4500#. I, for one, would like to know why they lowered the rating for what is basically the same vehicle.

Cause they found out it couldn't handle it . Transmission wise that is .

 

[bgott]

The 6000# tow rating with the tow package is for 2022 and older. The owner's manual for my 2023 Willys (Sport S) with the tow package states that the rating is 4500#. I, for one, would like to know why they lowered the rating for what is basically the same vehicle.

I just read the 2023 chart again and it doesn't actually give a rating for the standard tow package in the gassers, Sport, Sport S or Overland. It does give it for diesels. I have done some research and have found literature stating both figures. The errors and ommissions in Jeep's literature really pisses me off at times.

 

[bgott]

Do you have an automatic or manual transmission?

Automatic

 

[bgott]

Automatic

And I verified that it does have the tow package.Stated in the window sticker, verified through the part# on the 240 amp alternator and 850 watt fan. Then again, for what that's worth, being that it has the DC to AC inverter.

 

[RickD]

On my '21 Sport S I have the "tow package". It has everything the "Max Tow package" has except the 4.10 axels. Mine are 3.73 therefore towing capacity is 6000#

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I looked up the specs for a 2025 Mojave X and it's rated at 7,000 pounds towing -
https://www.jeep.com/gladiator/specs.mojave-x.html

The payload is for a stripped down Mojave X - tonneau cover, bed liner, other stuff take away from that 1,100 pounds- mine is 840 if I recall correctly.

Sport S is 6,00 pounds
https://www.jeep.com/gladiator/specs.sport-s.html

Willys is 6,000 with a lower payload of 950 (before options - LOOK AT THE DOOR STICKER) -
https://www.jeep.com/gladiator/specs.willys.html

Rubicon and Rubicon X - 7,000/1200
https://www.jeep.com/gladiator/specs.rubicon.html

 

[UTRocky]

Ok, Ill tow 3500# or less there, we can all agree if it came with a hitch from the factory the Glady can at least do that much? - so for a camper Ill understand my max weight is 3500# haha.

 

[Wheelin98TJ]

Ok, Ill tow 3500# or less there, we can all agree if it came with a hitch from the factory the Glady can at least do that much? - so for a camper Ill understand my max weight is 3500# haha.

I’ll concur you’re safe with 3,500 lbs.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Ok, Ill tow 3500# or less there, we can all agree if it came with a hitch from the factory the Glady can at least do that much? - so for a camper Ill understand my max weight is 3500# haha.

Bottom line - you'll be fine.

 

[dakota_man]

Payload is set on your door sticker.
You subtract cooler, dog, gas cans, straps, winch and whatever other accessories you add or bolt on or carry with you.

I am getting something mixed up here myself.. So, three questions:

1. Doesn't the weight of the tongue take away from the payload? Subtract the tongue weight of 600lbs from a 1150lbs payload will leave you with 550lbs of room for yourself and gear?
2. Also if the tongue can only handle 600lbs, the trailer really shouldn't can't weigh more than 4000lb GVWR(.15*6000)<-- tongue taking 15% of the weight.
3. What about the left over towing capacity? If you can't exceed 4000lb of trailer GVWR due to the limitations of the tongue, this would leave you with 1800lbs of spare towing space. Can you just move your gear in the trailer and free up your payload?

 

[JTdiRtyD]

I am getting something mixed up here myself.. So, three questions:

1. Doesn't the weight of the tongue take away from the payload? Subtract the tongue weight of 600lbs from a 1150lbs payload will leave you with 550lbs of room for yourself and gear?
2. Also if the tongue can only handle 600lbs, the trailer really shouldn't can't weigh more than 4000lb GVWR(.15*6000)<-- tongue taking 15% of the weight.
3. What about the left over towing capacity? If you can't exceed 4000lb of trailer GVWR due to the limitations of the tongue, this would leave you with 1800lbs of spare towing space. Can you just move your gear in the trailer and free up your payload?

Tongue weight will vary depending on the type of trailer. Yes the general rule of thumb is 15-20% of your trailer weight on the tongue, but your axle location is going to play a role in managing that tongue weight. Car trailers for example are often times naturally tongue heavy because once you load a vehicle you should be adjusting the load to balance it properly.

 

[DylanM]

I am getting something mixed up here myself.. So, three questions:

1. Doesn't the weight of the tongue take away from the payload? Subtract the tongue weight of 600lbs from a 1150lbs payload will leave you with 550lbs of room for yourself and gear?
2. Also if the tongue can only handle 600lbs, the trailer really shouldn't can't weigh more than 4000lb GVWR(.15*6000)<-- tongue taking 15% of the weight.
3. What about the left over towing capacity? If you can't exceed 4000lb of trailer GVWR due to the limitations of the tongue, this would leave you with 1800lbs of spare towing space. Can you just move your gear in the trailer and free up your payload?

1) Yes, tongue weight counts as payload.
2) Tongue weight should be 10-15% of the trailer weight. With this in mind a 600lb tongue is sufficient for towing 6000lbs. If you choose to use the higher percentage figure, then yes, that limits the trailer weight to less than 6000lbs.
3) The most common problem folks will run into is running out of payload before reaching tow capacity. You can shift some weight from the truck to the trailer (provided you don't exceed its payload/GVWR) or shift load weight in the trailer to be closer to the axle so as to get the tongue weight within the safe 10-15% range. Regardless, the reality is you will never be able to carry full rated payload and pull the full rated tow capacity because then the vehicle will be over its GCWR.

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