[Wrangler JL News]

It was only a matter of time until Jeep’s Wrangler JL mule is spotted performing a tow test. Now Off-Road has released exclusive spy photos of a two door JL prototype towing an enclosed Uhaul trailer on Arizona State Route 68 near Kingman, Arizona.

For those unaware, this specific stretch of road comprises a 3,500-foot rise in just 11.4 miles. If the Wrangler wants to pass the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) standard test for measuring truck towing capacity (called J2807), then it has to go on this highway.

Looking closely, you should be able to see the JL squat slightly under the trailer’s weight and that is normal for a vehicle with soft off-road tuned suspension. Though we don’t know if the trailer is full or not, Off-Road made an educated guess based on the weight allowance listed by Uhaul.

If that really was a 5×8 Cargo Trailer, then it would mean the trailer itself weights 900 lbs empty. Capable of carrying up to 1,800 lbs and with 208 cubic-feet of volume, the gross vehicle weight sits at a maximum of 2,700 lbs.

The current two-door Wrangler can only tow a maximum of 2,000 lbs and the Unlimited can handle up to 3,500 lbs. Assuming the 700 lb increase is the same for both models, we can expected to see the Wrangler Unlimited tow allowance could sit around 4,200 lbs. Probably made possible by the weight savings and increase in power with the next generation Wranglers.

We should have some concrete numbers once the Wrangler JL debuts at the LA Auto Show in November.

 

[Gina]

2,700 lbs for a two door Wrangler is more than I assume we would get and even better if you decide to go for the Unlimited, which I am most looking forward to seeing. But with the front slightly lifted like that, how would it affect drive dynamics?

 

[JeepFan]

We better get a max tow package just like the JK's with a different gear ratio since that could help in appealing to an even wider audience, if they don't it shouldn't do much negative to sales, but the wider they can spread their wings the better.

 

[Jeepernator]

Not sure about the gear ratio, but Jeep will definitely offer a tow package of some kind.

 

[JeepFan]

Not sure about the gear ratio, but Jeep will definitely offer a tow package of some kind.

Yeah its probably the easiest thing for them to do, if you're planning to get the tow package then what are you hoping for it to have? and any idea on price?

 

[Jeepernator]

I assume a trailer tow package would cost around $900 to $1000 and come with the receiver hitch and trailer tow with connector wiring.

 

[Gina]

Not a bad price if you tow a lot and they even adjust the axle ratio for you.

 

[Jeepernator]

Luckily, I have no need to tow anything and what I cannot fit in the trunk can go on the roof. The Wrangler is just such a versatile vehicle.

For the occasional towing job, I think Jeep offers a cheaper tow package without the axle adjustment.

 

[gladiator]

Well yeah this is the ultimate all around vehicle that anyone can have, its just too bad they haven't done too much about design to make it look a bit more premium. Saves them money I guess. But if they took it easy now then who knows what a next generation model will be like... the JL's successor.

 

[HighRider]

Here's a chart of what the tow ratings could be, straight from the leaked owner's manual.

 

[Jeepernator]

3,500lbs is more than enough for a Wrangler four door, it can even tow one of those small camper trailers that folds out.

 

[HighRider]

The Gross Combined Weight rating is pretty generous as well, but we don't know what the Wrangler JL's weight is. If it's close to the 2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited's gross weight of 5,700 lbs, then that leave 2417 pounds for passengers and cargo.