Towing Package Confusion

[netster]

I picked up a rubicon yesterday and I'm not sure if I can tow 7000lbs or not. I purchased the vehicle only expecting to be able to tow 4500lbs since it doesn't have the max-tow package. It does have the trailer tow package. Then I realized that max tow isn't even an option for the rubi. The owners manual says 7000lbs with automatic transmission, but I'm still not sure. How do I find out?

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[sdk131]

I picked up a rubicon yesterday and I'm not sure if I can tow 7000lbs or not. I purchased the vehicle only expecting to be able to tow 4500lbs since it doesn't have the max-tow package. It does have the trailer tow package. Then I realized that max tow isn't even an option for the rubi. The owners manual says 7000lbs with automatic transmission, but I'm still not sure. How do I find out?

Your owners manual has the answer....

 

[JTBurns]

I picked up a rubicon yesterday and I'm not sure if I can tow 7000lbs or not. I purchased the vehicle only expecting to be able to tow 4500lbs since it doesn't have the max-tow package. It does have the trailer tow package. Then I realized that max tow isn't even an option for the rubi. The owners manual says 7000lbs with automatic transmission, but I'm still not sure. How do I find out?

7000 should be your limit on the Rubi, it is in the owner's manual for sure. You have the same 4.10 gearing and wide axels as the max tow package that one can option for the sport. That configuration can tow a little more, mainly because it is lighter than the rubicon

 

[netster]

Thanks for the replies!

 

[sdk131]

7000 should be your limit on the Rubi, it is in the owner's manual for sure. You have the same 4.10 gearing and wide axels as the max tow package that one can option for the sport. That configuration can tow a little more, mainly because it is lighter than the rubicon

The sport max tow has stiffer springs and improved cooling among other things...it's not just about the 4.10 axles. COuld you tow more than the 4,000 listed in the manual...yes. Does FCA endorse it or recommend it...no.

 

[JTBurns]

The sport max tow has stiffer springs and improved cooling among other things...it's not just about the 4.10 axles. COuld you tow more than the 4,000 listed in the manual...yes. Does FCA endorse it or recommend it...no.

The trailer tow package gets the same cooling and alternator as the max tow. My Sport S with trailer tow, 3.73, and an auto could tow 6000 if I wanted. It's in the manual. A Rubicon with trailer tow, 4.10s and an auto trans can tow 7000. Look it up if you don't believe me. The manual trans is what limits you to 4500

 

[Rummie]

The sport max tow has stiffer springs and improved cooling among other things...it's not just about the 4.10 axles. COuld you tow more than the 4,000 listed in the manual...yes. Does FCA endorse it or recommend it...no.

The Rubicon in automatic is rated at 7000 lbs towing.

 

[sdk131]

The trailer tow package gets the same cooling and alternator as the max tow. My Sport S with trailer tow, 3.73, and an auto could tow 6000 if I wanted. It's in the manual. A Rubicon with trailer tow, 4.10s and an auto trans can tow 7000. Look it up if you don't believe me. The manual trans is what limits you to 4500

Turns out we were both correct...just at different moments in time. This has been a somewhat confusing/tangled web to follow as FCA improved/revised guidance. Seems Jeep/FCA significantly updated the manual between the 2020 and 2021 version with respect to towing. My screenshot above was a 2020 manual. Here is the greatly expanded 2021 manual. Its just off the bottom of the page but Rubicon with auto trans and towing is in fact listed as 7,000lbs. Bottom line - follow the manual that came with your vehicle.

 

[kevman65]

The only difference between Max Tow and Rubicon when it comes to towing is the base weight of each vehicle. The Rubicon weighs a little more, so has a reduced capacity.
You are good for just a tick under 7000.

Drivers door, open it, there is a sticker that lists exactly what you can haul/tow in stock form.

 

[JRobes]

7000 lbs is correct for the gasser automatic rubi. The max tow gets a bit more towing ability/payload from the smaller lighter tires, stiffer springs, and less weight (no steel bumper/rails, standard equipment/etc). Otherwise it has the same axles, gears, brakes, and cooling as the rubi.

 

[DailyMoparGuy]

I do see your confusion because everything outside of the manual says 3.6L Rubicon w/ 8 speed auto can tow 7,000lbs. This is also what I’ve seen some popular YouTube channels say as well. I’d imagine 7,000lbs is your limit.

 

[sdk131]

I do see your confusion because everything outside of the manual says 3.6L Rubicon w/ 8 speed auto can tow 7,000lbs. This is also what I’ve seen some popular YouTube channels say as well. I’d imagine 7,000lbs is your limit.

Yep it has been very confusing to follow...and clearly I was confused up until an hour or so ago because I had not researched this in over a year. In the end I am glad to see that FCA uodated the 2021 manual rather extensively to clear it up.

 

[yolo]

Also, Diesel Rubi's max tow is 6500. I'm assuming because of the extra weight from the engine and cooling. And from experience, I highly advise a weight-distribution hitch and brake controller on anything over 2.5-3k pounds. It makes a world of difference.

In fact, my ecodiesel rubi is far more comfortable to drive when I am towing 5k with my anderson style hitch than it is without a load. Tracks straighter, less bounce, etc. The anderson style hitches include anti-sway too. Kinda pricey for a hitch, but worth it.

 

[CerOf]

Also, Diesel Rubi's max tow is 6500.

It’s actually only 6,000.

 

[Geekjeep]

I’ve seen different amounts published for the sport s. What are the ratings for sport s From my understanding. The only difference between tow and max tow is the wide axle and gear ratio. I know the axles are wider but don’t know if they are stronger. Someone can chime in.

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