I own a 2011 Jeep Liberty Sport and had a hitch installed that supports towing up to the vehicle’s 5,000-pound rating. My owner’s manual mentions different towing capacities depending on whether the vehicle has a “Tow Package.” When I reached out to the dealer, they assured me that no additional modifications are needed for towing up to 5,000 pounds. However, based on what I’ve heard and read, I’m concerned this may not be accurate. Could someone offer advice? I’ll be towing a light travel trailer weighing around 3,000 pounds, not including fresh water, gray water, black water, and accessories. Thanks.
I haven’t done any testing, but I’m in a similar situation! I installed an aftermarket hitch that’s rated for 5,000 pounds. From what I’ve read, without the tow package (which I believe includes upgraded cooling capabilities), the towing capacity is 2,000 pounds. If you have the tow package, it’s 5,000 pounds.
I installed a curt hitch and nothing else to my 2008 sport 4x4. I tow a 21’ baja boat that is close to 4000lbs with full fuel. Tows like a dream.
Cool, sounds like I should be good to go then. Thanks Harper Ellis.
I’ve towed a 17 ft Sunbird, and with the trailer, it probably weighed between 3,000-4,000 pounds. I didn’t even notice it while towing on flat ground, though I wasn’t driving through any mountainous areas. Just keep an eye on your gauges, and you should be fine. Plus, since you’re under warranty, if anything goes wrong, you can just say the heaviest thing you ever towed was an 800-pound aluminum boat!
I believe the frontal area and shape of your trailer are just as important, if not more, than its weight (as long as you stay under 5,000 pounds). Hills will have a significant impact when it comes to the trailer’s weight, while aerodynamics will affect your travel speed and how you handle headwinds. Keep a close eye on your temperature gauge, drive at a reduced speed, and use “Tow” mode to maintain higher RPMs.
Help from anyone would be greatly appreciated! I have a 2008 Jeep Liberty and it has a factory installed hitch. I am trying to figure out how much i can tow with it? I have a Jayco tent trailor says unloaded 2000 lbs gross vehicle weight rating 2950. How do i know if my Jeep can haul this? Where would I look to see if it has all things required to tow?
You shouldn’t havev any problems hauling a travel rent. Especially with factory towing package. With the upgrade you are good with 500lbs tongue/5000lbs tow weights.
The capacity of the hitch installed doesn’t determine the vehicle’s towing capability. Without the towing package, the Jeep Liberty can tow 2,000 pounds. With the towing package, it can handle 3,500 pounds, and with both the towing package and a weight distribution hitch, the capacity increases to 5,000 pounds. While you might be able to tow 5,000 pounds on flat roads (avoid mountain passes), your engine and transmission will take a toll. The main benefit of the towing package is the enhanced cooling system for the engine and transmission.
Yes, the factory tow package on the Liberty includes extra features like enhanced cooling and, as I understand it, some additional electronics to help control sway from heavier loads. Can you tow without it? Sure. But would I recommend doing it frequently or for extended periods without the factory package? Probably not. I have the factory tow package, which is rated for 5,500 pounds, but I wouldn’t push it that far. Even my 4,000+ pound boat keeps me alert when driving at higher speeds on the highway.
What I am towing is a Trailmanor Travel Trailer that tows low profile, like a pop up. So far things are great, no issues. More concerned about any long term effects.
By the way, thanks for all the responses, nice to see a forum that actually works.