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TOWING CAPACITY OVERVIEW
The 2024 Jeep Wrangler Sahara has a 3,500-pound towing capacity. This figure represents the weight of your trailer and its contents, so we recommend you calculate these figures accurately. For example, if you have a boat that weighs 2,000 pounds and the trailer weighs 1,500 pounds, you can safely tow this rig.
However, if you load the boat with 20 gallons of gas, fishing gear for four people, and several coolers with ice, drinks, and food, you will exceed your 3,500-pound capacity by several hundred pounds, making it unsafe to tow.
KEY FEATURES INFLUENCING TOWING CAPACITY
Sahara models have a body-on-frame design with a trailing-arm rear-suspension system. High-strength steel provides a rigid foundation for increased towing capabilities, while the suspension system improves on-road driving dynamics.
Engine horsepower and torque affect how much you can tow. A 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder turbocharged engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission come standard on the Sahara. This powertrain produces 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.
An optional 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine mated to the same transmission puts out 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Both engines produce the necessary power to tow 3,500 pounds.
The Sahara utilizes a four-wheel disc-braking system with anti-lock technology to help keep it and your trailer under control. You also have trailer-sway control and automatic trailer brake integration to help you to tow safely.
TOWING SAFETY AND BEST PRACTICES
Whether it’s your first time towing or you’re a veteran hauler, we always recommend you tow safely. Safe towing begins before you start driving. Hitching a trailer safely can be challenging when alone, so if possible, have a friend help guide you. The Sahara has a rear camera system that you can use to help guide you, but a spotter can help you navigate, especially in tight areas.
We suggest you create a pre-departure checklist. Your list should include checking your trailer’s brake lights, running lights, and directionals. We strongly recommend you inspect your trailer’s tires. Having the correct air pressure and adequate tread increases towing safety.
Whether you have an open trailer or an enclosed model, we recommend you secure items inside, as loose items can shift as you drive. Securing them will prevent damage and enhance safety. For example, if you have a small camper, you likely have camping gear and food inside. Securing these items will prevent them from damaging things such as your stove or fridge in an emergency stopping situation.
In open trailers, such as a boat or utility trailer, securing items protects others on the road. For instance, a loose life vest can cause an unsafe situation for vehicles behind you. The same can happen when hauling yard waste, such as brush and tree limbs falling out of your trailer.
No matter what you load in your trailer, we always recommend you distribute the weight evenly. Too much weight in the front or rear of the trailer brings everything out of balance. A balanced load tows smoothly and gives you greater control.
Towing a trailer takes a little more thought than driving without one. For example, the additional length makes cornering challenging, you need to take a wider approach to avoid hitting curbs or other obstacles, and backing up a trailer takes practice. We recommend you bring your trailer to an empty parking lot to practice these skills before hitting the road for the first time.
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS
Jeep makes its Wrangler in seven trim levels. You have two- or four-door options and a variety of powertrain configurations, including an impressive plug-in hybrid engine. The Wrangler’s towing capacity varies depending on the model you choose.
For instance, two-door models such as the Sport have a 2,000-pound towing capacity. On the other hand, the powerful Wrangler Rubicon has a larger engine and heavy-duty full float rear axle that enables up to 5,000 pounds of towing.
Opting for the hybrid Wrangler Sahara 4xe boosts your horsepower to 375 for more thrilling rides and better fuel economy. However, the hybrid powertrain doesn’t sacrifice towing capacity for economy, as you still get the 3,500 pounds of towing capability.
ACCESSORIES AND ADD-ONS
Jeep has various factory-installed options to improve your towing experience. The Trailer Tow and Auxilary Switch Group option for $1,195 adds a seven-pin and a four-pin wiring harness, receiver hitch, and auxiliary switches. You can use these switches to operate things such as exterior lighting systems or a WARN front winch.
Many aftermarket parts manufacturers make camera systems for Jeep vehicles. You can find cameras that mount to your spare tire that give you an excellent view of your trailer. Some kits will include a rearview mirror that streams this video for more convenience.
You can also find trailer mirrors made by MOPAR, the official parts manufacturer for Jeep. These mirrors provide wider angles so you can keep an eye on your trailer. Using trailer mirrors allows you to change lanes, turn, and back up more confidently.
