Hi, I have a 2012 Jeep Patriot Latitude 4x4 with the 2.4L Automatic engine. I have some questions about how much weight I can tow with it. Here are my questions:
Do I need to have the Freedom Drive II package to tow up to 2000lbs?
If I don’t have Freedom Drive II but I get the Trailer Tow Package upgrade, can I then tow up to 2000lbs?
When they say the towing capacity is 2000lbs, does that mean just the weight of the trailer and what’s inside it, or does it include the weight of my car, the stuff inside it, the trailer, and what’s inside the trailer?
Is the towing capacity of 2000lbs already considering some weight, like the weight of a few adults in the car, or is that extra weight not included?
Can you explain what “max. payload” and “max tow capacity” mean?
So, if you bought a Jeep Patriot Latitude without the towing package, it is best not to tow more than the maximum limit of 1,000 pounds. But if you got one with the towing package, you can handle tow loads of up to 2,000 pounds.
That is a ton of questions!
Anyway, I will try to help where I can.
To tow up to 2000 lbs with your 2012 Jeep Patriot Latitude 4x4, having the Freedom Drive II package is necessary.
If you do not have the Freedom Drive II package, the standard Trailer Tow Package does not increase the towing capacity to 2000 lbs on its own. The maximum towing capacity without the Freedom Drive II package is typically 1000lbs to 1500lbs, depending on the specific configurations of your vehicle.
The towing capacity of 2000 lbs refers to the total weight of the trailer and its contents that your vehicle can safely tow. Note that the towing capacity does not include the weight of your car or the contents inside your car.
Finally, the difference between “max. payload” and “max tow capacity” is that: Max Payload Is the maximum weight your vehicle can carry safely, including all passengers, cargo, and any additional equipment. It’s the total weight that can be added to the vehicle’s cargo area and cabin while the Max Tow Capacityn is the maximum weight your vehicle can tow behind it, typically via a trailer hitch. It’s the weight of the trailer plus its contents
I’ve researched Jeep Patriot towing capacities, and it depends on your engine and whether you have a towing package. It can range from 1,000 to 2,000 pounds. The 2.0L engine needs an oil cooler to reach 2,000 pounds, which helps the engine stay strong while towing. Remember, these are the maximum weights – for safe towing, consider going a bit lighter to account for factors like hills and weather. It’s always best to check your owner’s manual or consult a Jeep dealer for your specific Patriot’s towing capacity.