There's a huge debate about what my vehicle can tow or not. I can't seem to get an accurate answer through Google and I'm getting a ton of anecdotal replies.Does anyone here have a Jeep Wrangler TJ that they use to tow? Anyone with a Jeep newer than 2006 has a JK and that has a different towing capacity, especially the 4 door models. So anyone out there with a 1999 to 2006 Jeep TJ (not an LJ) with the 4 liter inline 6 cylinder engine (we have a standard transmission and our Jeep has a 2" lift and 31" mudding tires), what do you tow and what's your towing experience like? I'm not worried about fuel economy, our Jeep already does horribly on that when it's not even pulling anything haha.We have a pop-up trailer that weighs about 1,350 lbs unloaded and a class 3 hitch on our Jeep. We won't be putting anything more into our trailer than bedding. We keep our gear in the Jeep (years of tent camping means we're light packers). We would never tow more than 1,500 lbs because I don't think it can handle that.We're looking to replace our second vehicle since it's dying (first owners of a 2002 Civic that we've run into the ground) and will be getting a vehicle that can tow between 3,500 to 5,000 lbs but until we find the right secondary vehicle all we have is our Jeep TJ.

Wranglers are rated to tow anywhere from 2000# to 5000#, depending on how it is configured. The VAST majority are at the 2000# limit. There is a website I got off the Jeep Wrangler forum that you input your VIN and it will tell you just how that Jeep was built and how much it can tow.

The lift and larger tires will reduce the towing capacity from the factory ratings. We had a 1999 TJ automatic, I6, 4WD, with a 3" lift and 33" tires. If I remember right the factory limit was a 2000 pound popup. We had one that weighed about 1400, and totally empty was manageable but not a lot of fun. I towed it empty and with me alone in the Jeep to the campsite, then made a second trip for supplies and people. Contact Jeep customer support with the VIN and they can tell you the capacity as shipped from the factory, and de-rate from there for the lift, etc.

The differences in tow ratings you are seeing are the 4 cyl. vs. 6 cyl. and 3.21 gears vs. 3.73 gears. A 6 cyl 3.73 geared TJ will pull up to 2000 lbs. according to specs. Also note the tongue weight max of 200 lbs. Recommendation is to either plan on long breaking distances or have supplemental braking. And don't expect to maintain speed going up a long hill. When packing, watch your GVWR - passengers, stuff, and tongue weight add up fast and typically there is less than 1K lb. to play with before the lift kit, the tires, the winch, the custom bumper...Ex owner of a TJ and current owner of a JK.

Way too much wobble in the butt to make it a pleasurable run unless you are not going too far.

I have a 2003 Rubicon, standard transmission, 4" lift, 33" tires and occasionally tow an off-road trailer that weighs about 900 lb packed and ready to go. The gearing is 4.11, and I wouldn't want to tow anything much heavier than that. Not enough power, and the Jeep isn't heavy enough to control a heavier trailer. The 4-door Wranglers are much better, but your wheelbase is too short to handle much of a trailer.

2006 Jeep Wrangler TJ | Good Sam Community

15 Replies

PRodacy
Explorer
Sep 29, 2015
I have a 2003 Rubicon, standard transmission, 4" lift, 33" tires and occasionally tow an off-road trailer that weighs about 900 lb packed and ready to go. The gearing is 4.11, and I wouldn't want to tow anything much heavier than that. Not enough power, and the Jeep isn't heavy enough to control a heavier trailer. The 4-door Wranglers are much better, but your wheelbase is too short to handle much of a trailer.
ADUS
Explorer
Sep 29, 2015
Way too much wobble in the butt to make it a pleasurable run unless you are not going too far.
dahkota
Explorer
Sep 28, 2015
The differences in tow ratings you are seeing are the 4 cyl. vs. 6 cyl. and 3.21 gears vs. 3.73 gears.

A 6 cyl 3.73 geared TJ will pull up to 2000 lbs. according to specs. Also note the tongue weight max of 200 lbs. Recommendation is to either plan on long breaking distances or have supplemental braking. And don't expect to maintain speed going up a long hill. When packing, watch your GVWR - passengers, stuff, and tongue weight add up fast and typically there is less than 1K lb. to play with before the lift kit, the tires, the winch, the custom bumper...

Ex owner of a TJ and current owner of a JK.
ramgunner
Explorer
Sep 28, 2015
The lift and larger tires will reduce the towing capacity from the factory ratings.

We had a 1999 TJ automatic, I6, 4WD, with a 3" lift and 33" tires. If I remember right the factory limit was a 2000 pound popup. We had one that weighed about 1400, and totally empty was manageable but not a lot of fun. I towed it empty and with me alone in the Jeep to the campsite, then made a second trip for supplies and people.

Contact Jeep customer support with the VIN and they can tell you the capacity as shipped from the factory, and de-rate from there for the lift, etc.
The_Texan
Explorer
Sep 28, 2015
Wranglers are rated to tow anywhere from 2000# to 5000#, depending on how it is configured. The VAST majority are at the 2000# limit. There is a website I got off the Jeep Wrangler forum that you input your VIN and it will tell you just how that Jeep was built and how much it can tow.

Forum Discussion

2006 Jeep Wrangler TJ

15 Replies

About Travel Trailer Group

Related Content

Jeep Wrangler Prices

Jeep Wrangler odometer

new towed vehicle - Jeep Wrangler

Jeep Wrangler JL

Towing Jeep Wrangler