3500lbs max?

[mattcarvette]

So I'm about to rent a camping trailer for an upcoming trip. We know the towing capacity is 3500lbs. I'm hearing mixed opinions on how much I can actually tow. Some are saying I should never go past 80% (or 2800lbs) of that. Others are saying 3500 lbs is fine as long as it's not exceeded.
I'd be using a brake controller. I'm inclined to think that the max is 3500 lbs and if it were less that Fiat/Chrysler would say that. But they don't! They say the max is 3500lbs.
So what do you all think?

 

[jchrisbauer13]

So I'm about to rent a camping trailer for an upcoming trip. We know the towing capacity is 3500lbs. I'm hearing mixed opinions on how much I can actually tow. Some are saying I should never go past 80% (or 2800lbs) of that. Others are saying 3500 lbs is fine as long as it's not exceeded.
I'd be using a brake controller. I'm inclined to think that the max is 3500 lbs and if it were less that Fiat/Chrysler would say that. But they don't! They say the max is 3500lbs.
So what do you all think?

So here is my $.02 worth…….I have towed a lot of things from small utility trailers to 45 Ft 5th wheel Toy Haulers over thousands of miles…….having that experience my advice is this. Follow the tow rating as listed and do not exceed. Many on here will say the 392 has the power to tow more so just go for it……this is bad advice. Tow rating has more to do with the ability of he vehicle to control and stop what is being towed rather han it’s power to pull it. A jeep has a relatively short wheelbase and is also relatively light so it is easily pushed around by a heavy object being towed. It simply does not have the proper geometry to handle larger/heavier loads. Stick to he limits listed and you should be fine.

 

[Jeepstin392]

So here is my $.02 worth…….I have towed a lot of things from small utility trailers to 45 Ft 5th wheel Toy Haulers over thousands of miles…….having that experience my advice is this. Follow the tow rating as listed and do not exceed. Many on here will say the 392 has the power to tow more so just go for it……this is bad advice. Tow rating has more to do with the ability of he vehicle to control and stop what is being towed rather han it’s power to pull it. A jeep has a relatively short wheelbase and is also relatively light so it is easily pushed around by a heavy object being towed. It simply does not have the proper geometry to handle larger/heavier loads. Stick to he limits listed and you should be fine.

This.

AND… If you’re in An accident, you will be fined for exceeding the tow limit of the vehicle. If people happen to be injured or killed, as a result, youll pay for that for a long time.
I had many patients who survived such accidents, and every single one of them sued and won. I’ve even had a few who lost limbs due to the weight not being correctly biased on a trailer (rear load), and they also won their cases.
anytime someone is injured, and anyone can show negligence on the driver’s part, they’re coming after you.

 

[Bacon392]

This.

AND… If you’re in An accident, you will be fined for exceeding the tow limit of the vehicle. If people happen to be injured or killed, as a result, youll pay for that for a long time.
I had many patients who survived such accidents, and every single one of them sued and won. I’ve even had a few who lost limbs due to the weight not being correctly biased on a trailer (rear load), and they also won their cases.
anytime someone is injured, and anyone can show negligence on the driver’s part, they’re coming after you.

Just think how receptive your insurance company will be to covering your losses and liabilities when they find out that you willingly exceeded your vehicle’s posted limitations.

Tow no more than 3499 lbs

 

[Viking Jeeper]

The OP never asked if it was ok EXCEED the tow limit. The question was if it is ok to get right up to that tow limit.

 

[hardhat]

The OP never asked if it was ok EXCEED the tow limit. The question was if it is ok to get right up to that tow limit.

Yes.....it is OK to go right up to the tow limit. I agree with the above legal advice. If you are in a wreck and they can prove you are towing over the limit then injuries can be blamed on that factor. Towing definitely increases the risk factor. We went boating yesterday...Pulling 3000 lb boat and trailer with 07 tundra (rated at 10000 lb towing). Came over a hill and some goober in a SUV going 10 mph (with blinkers on). Panic stop was successful, but made me pucker and if I had not been really paying attention, it could've turned out quite differently.

So be extra careful when towing and stay within spec would be my recommendation. I have towed out of spec before but I try to avoid it if possible. Too much to lose for too little gain. My camper for the jeep is probably at the limit if not a little over, but haven't pulled it in over a year..

 

[Bacon392]

The OP never asked if it was ok EXCEED the tow limit. The question was if it is ok to get right up to that tow limit.

I read what I wanted to read!

 

[Jeepstin392]

The OP never asked if it was ok EXCEED the tow limit. The question was if it is ok to get right up to that tow limit.

Just giving him info so he’s well aware. Rather have him knowing instead of learning the hard way.

 

[Tiger48]

We just purchased our 392 and have not towed with it yet, but did tow our 2016 JayFeather7, 16RXB with our 2016 JKUR (4:10s) and it towed well. We did not fill up our water tank until we arrived at the destination as the camper is 2845 dry weight, 285 tongue weight. We do use a trailer brake control, had a big brake system on the JKUR and used a WDH; and it towed well, but you did know it is back there at times. Especially when it is windy. We will not be towing a camper longer/heavier for insurance purposes and for our comfort at being able to stop/control it. But it will be nice to be able to climb the mountains from TN back home to WV more than 45mph. Knowing how well the 3.6L motor did on trips, we can't wait to hook up the camper to the 392!

 

[scarab]

There‘s one interesting thing when it comes to towing. How is it possible that in Europe, according to JL user manual and Jeep website Wrangler can tow up to 2200kg trailer? That means 4850lbs. And that’s for 2.8L 200HP diesel, not even a 3L we’ve got here in the US! Not to mention the 392. Sounds like our 3500lbs is a total BS.

 

[RugbyRef]

There‘s one interesting thing when it comes to towing. How is it possible that in Europe, according to JL user manual and Jeep website Wrangler can tow up to 2200kg trailer? That means 4850lbs. And that’s for 2.8L 200HP diesel, not even a 3L we’ve got here in the US! Not to mention the 392. Sounds like our 3500lbs is a total BS.

I lived over in Europe for 13 years in various duty stations. Had a couple of American-made, but EU-version spec, cars/trucks. Definitely a difference in towing specs compared to U.S. This video may help (caution - it's fairly long):

 

[Viking Jeeper]

Tow rating determined by lawyers.