I have a 2012 Jeep Patriot Latitude 4x4 with a 2.4L Automatic engine. I have some questions about its towing capacity that I haven’t gotten clear answers on from my dealer or Jeep.
Do I need the Freedom Drive II package to tow up to 2000 lbs?
If I don’t have Freedom Drive II but upgrade to the Trailer Tow Package, will my towing capacity increase to 2000 lbs?
Does the 2000 lb towing capacity refer only to the weight of the trailer and its contents, or does it include the combined weight of the vehicle, trailer, and trailer contents?
Is the 2000 lb towing capacity adjusted for anything like the weight of passengers inside the vehicle? For example, are 1-2 adults’ weight considered separately from the towing capacity?
Can you explain the difference between maximum payload and maximum tow capacity?
You do not necessarily need the Freedom Drive II package to tow up to 2000 lbs with your 2012 Jeep Patriot Latitude 4x4. With the Trailer Tow Package upgrade, your towing capacity can indeed increase to 2000 lbs. The 2000 lb towing capacity typically refers to the weight of the trailer and its contents only, not the combined weight of the vehicle, trailer, and trailer contents.
my jeep enthusiasts,
to determine the exact towing capacity of your specific Jeep Patriot, refer to your owner’s manual or check the vehicle’s specifications online
Definitely make sure your jeep is good to go if you decide to take that route with it because im sure that will put a huge load on the engine, transmission, and brakes. i also don’t think you’ll hurt it so long as you’re careful (but im no jeep expert)
hallo enthusiasts of jeep check Jeep Patriot forum discussion on towing capacity:is available also another alternative is check
Cars Guide on Jeep Patriot towing capacity:
Not Required for 2000 lbs: You don’t necessarily need the Freedom Drive II package to tow up to 2,000 lbs.
Trailer Tow Package Increases Capacity: The key factor is the Trailer Tow Package, which typically includes an engine oil cooler to help maintain proper engine temperature while towing. With the Trailer Tow Package, your Jeep Patriot’s towing capacity increases to 2,000 lbs.
Towing Capacity vs Combined Weight:
Focuses on Trailer Weight: The 2,000 lb towing capacity refers specifically to the weight of the trailer and its cargo.
Combined Weight with Payload Capacity: Consider the combined weight of the trailer, its cargo, passengers, and cargo inside your Jeep. This combined weight should not exceed your vehicle’s payload capacity.
Payload Capacity:
Definition: Payload capacity is the total weight your Jeep Patriot can safely carry, including passengers, cargo, and the tongue weight of the trailer (the downward force exerted by the trailer on the hitch).
Finding the Capacity: You can find the payload capacity on a sticker typically located inside the driver’s door jamb or in the owner’s manual.
Passenger Weight and Towing Capacity:
Separate from Towing Capacity: The 2,000 lb towing capacity is a separate rating from the payload capacity. However, the weight of passengers and cargo inside your Jeep factors into the payload capacity.
Example:
Let’s say your Jeep Patriot’s payload capacity is 1,000 lbs, and you plan to tow a trailer with a total weight (trailer + cargo) of 1,500 lbs.
In this scenario, you would exceed the payload capacity because the combined weight of the trailer (1,500 lbs) and passengers/cargo (assumed to be 500 lbs) would be 2,000 lbs, exceeding the 1,000 lbs limit.
Maximum Payload vs. Maximum Tow Capacity:
Maximum Tow Capacity: The maximum tow capacity is the maximum weight a vehicle can safely pull behind it, limited by engine power, transmission, and brakes.
Maximum Payload Capacity: The maximum payload capacity is the maximum weight a vehicle can safely carry, including passengers and cargo.