Towing vs non towing package differences

[steven1955]

We bought our 23 Rubicon Ecodiesel off the lot, so it was missing a few things we wanted including missing the factory tow package. And because we may tow in the future I thought I'd ask a few questions now. (Disclaimer: I didn't find my answers in search.)

In the gasser JTs there are differences, towing vs. non towing packages, in cooling (I believe fan only), alternator, and sometimes axle ratios.

In our diesels what are the differences between the trucks with and without towing packages? Other than having a Class 4 receiver hitch.

For example, and unlike the gassers, I know we all share 3.73 axle ratios.

In our case we have the 220A alternator due to having the upgraded stereo with the 8.4 inch screen. (This is confirmed per the build sheet.)

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[Vtur]

220a vs 240a alternator.

 

[snowbear]

Locking underseat storage bin?

 

[steven1955]

Any differences in the cooling system?

220a vs 240a alternator.

My understanding is that the gasser with a towing package has the big alternator to drive the more powerful cooling fan, and that there is not an upgraded radiator for towing. Does this apply for the diesel?

Does the diesel have a different radiator than the gasser?

Locking underseat storage bin?

Sorry. Not really useful when trying to determine towing capabilities.

 

[snowbear]

No but a difference in the packages.

 

[DylanM]

The only differences between with or without the tow package on the ecodiesel is with you get the class IV receiver hitch and trailer zoom feature on the backup camera, that's it. The charging and cooling system are unchanged.

 

[steven1955]

The only differences between with or without the tow package on the ecodiesel is with you get the class IV receiver hitch and trailer zoom feature on the backup camera, that's it. The charging and cooling system are unchanged.

Thank you. That's exactly the information I was looking for.

I did see in the owners manual there was, specific to the ecodiesel, no mention of towing limits that varied with towing vs non towing package. Towing limits did vary with trim level (Sport, Willy's, Rubicon, etc).

 

[Mr._Bill]

The Ecodiesel drive train only has one configuration, so there are no towing differences to mention. The options it is equipped with will result in payload capacity variations.

The diesel model comes equipped with all factory options available for maximum cooling, which is barely adequate for standard driving. The current body design doesn't allow it to shed enough heat, so the engineers did the best they could with what they had to work with.

 

[vicsvx]

Oil temps are thr biggest issue you will encounter with the diesel. Not enough oil cooling capacity. Some people have added aftermarket aux oil coolers on the chassis with success

 

[Dave-in-RI]

Thank you. That's exactly the information I was looking for.

I did see in the owners manual there was, specific to the ecodiesel, no mention of towing limits that varied with towing vs non towing package. Towing limits did vary with trim level (Sport, Willy's, Rubicon, etc).

I saw a chart in here somewhere that supported this in terms of limits by weight, but the frontal area of the trailer was reduced without the towing package (from I think 55 down to 40). BUT, I came here like you to find this information. There's a great deal on a leftover Willy's diesel but doesn't have the towing package. Dealership said they'd run the wires and hitch, but I wanted to be sure I wouldn't be missing something else.

 

[Jaxmax]

I would not be surprised if the hitch wiring is mostly there already, take a peek under any gladiator with the tow hitch and compare to the one you are looking at, it could be plug and play almost….Jack

 

[BearFootSam]

Your OEM GVWR.

 

[raypla]

I’ve towed my boat a few times in the Adirondacks, it de-rated once, put it manual mode to a gear less and didn’t de-rate again.

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