What Is The Towing Capacity Of The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon


What Is The Towing Capacity Of The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is not only made for those who wish to discover the unbeaten track, but it also allows you to tow between 2,000 and 3,500lbs.

Although this towing capacity is not the highest in the Jeep range, there is plenty you can safely tow provided you ensure you keep within your limits. 

So, what is the towing capacity of the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon? The towing capacity of the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4-door generally tows at a 3,500lbs capacity, while the two-door versions tow up to 2,000lbs.

Ten examples of what you may tow with a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon are:

  • A Timberleaf Pika Trailer
  • NuCamp Tag Teardrop
  • InTech Chase Flyer
  • 2 Jet Skis
  • A small Sport Skiff
  • Safari Condo Alto
  • Cricket Clamper
  • Aliner LXE
  • Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro
  • Boston Whaler 170 Montauk.

 If you have a Jeep Rubicon and wish to add camping or fishing to your agenda, there are plenty of tow offerings to suit your Rubicon style.

Here are ten examples of what you can tow with your Rubicon and how to keep within your tow capacity. 

The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Advantages

The Jeep Rubicon emerged in 2003 for those who sought adventure off the beaten path. The Rubicon version of the iconic Jeep Wrangler offers exceptional off-road capabilities.

The Rubicon is manufactured with more robust materials to provide more power and strength when off-roading on all terrains.

The standard Jeep Rubicon offers:

  • Rock-Trac® 4:1 Low Transfer Case
  • 33-Inch All-Terrain Tires
  • Tru-Lok® Electronic Locking Differentials
  • Electronic Sway Bar Disconnect
  • 10.8-inch ground clearance.

While the Rubicon stands at the pinnacle of those who like to push the limits, the Rubicon does not offer the most impressive tow capacity of the Jeep Wrangler range.

It seems the very things that make the Rubicon great for off-roading conflict with what makes for a great tow vehicle. As the off-road king of the Wrangler range, the Rubicon is designed most for off the beaten track. 

Thus, Rubicon offers a standard tow rate of 2,000lbs for the 2-Door model and 3,500lbs for the four-door model.

However, the tow capacity limits don’t have to limit your adventures as the era of the lightweight, and energy-efficient pop-ups and travel trailers seem to have arrived. 

Read also: What Can I Tow with 3,500 lbs. Capacity? (With 6 Examples)

How Do I Calculate Rubicon Tow Capacity?

Although your manufacturer may specify that your Rubicon has a 3,500lbs tow capacity doesn’t mean you should rush out and buy a 3,500 trailer.

Most towing guides specify that you should never tow at more than 10-20% of your maximum towing capacity.

Maximum tow capacity is the limit at which your Rubicon may ravel safety without damaging your engine or encountering safety hazards on the road. 

Also, it would be best if you considered your GVWR, GCWR, and GTW when calculating what your Rubicon may safely tow. If you are unsure of what these acronyms mean, here’s a quick rundown.

GVWR or gross vehicle weight rating is the maximum weight limit allowed in your vehicle. This figure adds in cargo factors including passengers, liquids such as fuel, and all your additional cargo in your Rubicon. 

The GVWR also takes into account your tongue weight or the amount of downward pressure your trailer exerts on your trailer hitch.

Your tongue weight typically should not exceed 10% of your trailer’s overall weight. For example, your tongue weight for a 2,000lbs trailer should have a tongue weight of around 200lbs.

 GCWR or gross combined weight rating factors in both the maximum weight of your tow vehicle as well as the total weight of the trailer and all its cargo. Once again, this includes all liquid weights as well as cargo and passengers.

GTW or gross trailer weight refers to the maximum combined weight of the trailer and everything loaded inside the trailer.

This figure is an essential step for safe towing, and you should look at nearby truck stops or vehicle scales at your nearest DMV to get your figures right.

Payload Capacity means the maximum amount of weight of your cargo and passengers you may add to your vehicle dry weight (empty of additional cargo) for safe operation. 

Calculating Tow Capacity

GVWR MINUS CURB WEIGHT IS EQUAL TO PAYLOAD CAPACITY

GVWR refers to your total vehicle carrying capacity without the trailer involved. Remember that you should always factor in the tongue weight of your trailer when calculating your vehicle payload. 

GCWR MINUS CURB WEIGHT AND TONGUE WEIGHT EQUALS YOUR TOTAL PAYLOAD CAPACITY.

Read also: How to Measure Towing Capacity, GVWR, GCWR, Truck, Trailer

Jeep Wrangler Towing Capacity (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021)

The table below shows the towing capacity of the Jeep Wrangler by Production Years, which included:

The towing capacity of 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 Jeep Wrangler is between 2,000 to 3,500 lbs:

Jeep Wrangler Manufacturing YearTowing Capacity (Lbs)
2014 Jeep Wrangler2,000 to 3,500
2015 Jeep Wrangler 2,000 to 3,500
2016 Jeep Wrangler 2,000 to 3,500
2017 Jeep Wrangler 2,000 to 3,500
2018 Jeep Wrangler 2,000 to 3,500
2019 Jeep Wrangler 2,000 to 3,500
2020 Jeep Wrangler 2,000 to 3,500
2021 Jeep Wrangler 2,000

What Can I Tow With A 2-Door Rubicon 2,000lbs Capacity?

1. Timberleaf Trailers Pika

The Timberleaf pika offers a cozy little camper with neat dimensions of 8 feet by 5 ½ feet and a dry weight of only 970lbs.

Although relatively compact, the skylights and windows make it feel roomier than it is. The camper offers a double bed and exterior kitchen with two hydraulic gas props.

2. NuCamp Tag Teardrop

The NuCamp Tag weighs 1,284 lbs, so you need to watch your cargo weight when choosing to tow this little dynamo.

The Tag suits the Rubicon ethos with a boondock version sporting 15’’ Rims and aggressive off-road tires. 

3. InTech Chase Flyer

No no-frills Chase Flyer weighs in between 850 -1,000 lbs and offers a highly customizable space to enjoy on your Rubicon adventures.

You can increase the sleeping capacity from 2-5 adults with the optional Add-a-Room tent. 

4. Two Jet Skis

The average weight of two stand-up skis weighs in at about 1,000 to 1,200lbs. So your two-door can tow your water adventure vehicles without any trouble.

5. A Small Boat 

A small sailboat such as a 1480 SPORT SKIFF has a dry weight of only around 780 lbs, so that you may take this vessel for fishing or recreation on your Rubicon trip with a two-door. 

Read also: 55 Best Small Travel Trailers / lightweight Travel Trailers For Sale

What Can I Tow With A Rubicon 3,500 Tow Capacity?

6. Safari Condo Alto F1743

This aircraft-inspired travel trailer has a light and aerodynamic design and plenty of features for your Rubicon adventure.

This model offers a retractable room that adds 17 inches and an optional fixed flush toilet. The dry weight of the trailer is 1,765lbs.

7. Taxa Cricket Camper

The Taxa cricket 15′ and has a dry weight of 1,753 lbs, but it has enhanced design features that accommodate two adults and two children.

The NASA-inspired design features a full bed that transforms into a dinette with an optional kitchen upgrade and a portable toilet.

8. Aliner LXE

This travel trailer of 15’ has a dry weight of 1850 lbs and plenty of features for your Jeep holiday. With a high capacity chassis and extra storage and living space, the dinette converts to a separate sleeping area for when you need some privacy. 

9. Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro

The Flagstaff E-Pro 12RK offers just frills to make your offroad adventure just that bit more comfortable.

The unit comes with a TV, refrigerator, outside sink, and gas griddle and weighs only 1,252lbs. The E-pro is suited for a single person or couple. 

10. Boston Whaler 170 Montauk

Your Rubicon could take you on a fishing adventure providing your chosen fishing boat is a small model such as this great find.

This seven-seater weighs only 1,700lbs and seats seven people. This model even comes with its own lightweight galvanized trailer.

Conclusion

In the era of the light travel camper, you will be pleasantly surprised at where your Rubicon will take you (and your family.)

Ensure that you calculate all your individual and collective weights correctly before setting out and always tow below your maximum capacity. Stay safe and enjoy your Jeep Wrangler Rubicon adventure your way.

References

https://www.carsguide.com.au/

https://www.motortrend.com/

Mike Gilmour

Hi, I'm Mike, co-founder, and editor of RV and Playa. My passion is traveling (with my RV) and enjoying the day at the beach (Playa)! Well, I originally created this blog as a way to share what I've learned by experimenting with the RV lifestyle, and I want to help others develop in life through new skills and opportunities.

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