Exceeding the towing capacity of your Jeep Wrangler is illegal and can cause problems with your insurance. The limit that the manufacturer sets for the payload of your Jeep is an issue for your safety. That is why you need to have the towing capacity terms and calculations explained. 

Abbreviations to Know

There are several basic notions:

• Curb Weight (KW) includes your car’s weight with its oil and fuel tanks full together with the driver. This number does not include any baggage, occupants, or non-standard accessories. 
• The payload includes the weight of the luggage, occupants, any additional accessories, and a Tow Ball Mass (TBM). When you couple a van with your Jeep, the trailer passes up to 10% of its weight to the tower. Keeping the TBM less than 10% of your car’s Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM) is a good principle, though you should always check the manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) is defined by the manufacturer and is equal to the sum of the KW and payload. 
• Towing capacity is also referred to as ‘braked towing rating.’ It is specified by the manufacturer and shows the maximum number of pounds your car can tow. Towing Capacity is identical to ATM. ATM is measured when the trailer is loaded and stands free (not hitched) on the ground. This number includes the TBM.
• Gross Trailer Mass (GTM) is calculated as ATM less TBM since the van is coupled with the Jeep.
• Gross Combination Mass (GCM) is a sum of the gross masses of your vehicle (GVM) and trailer (GTM).

How Much Should My Trailer Weigh?

Towing experts recommend following the 85% rule: when your trailer’s total weight (GTM) has only 85% of the towing car’s curb weight. If you keep the weight of the van below 85%, you can drive it comfortably. If your trailer’s gross mass is between 85% and 100%, you should better be experienced in driving heavy vans.

While the 2-door Jeep Wrangler can tow a maximum of 2,000 lbs, the 4-door model can handle up to 3,500 lbs. It can tow small boats, teardrop trailers, Airstreams, pop-up trailers, and hybrid trailers. You can always rely on Wrangler’s tow hooks: the Jeep boasts standard heavy-duty rear and front hooks in each model. Tow or be towed with confidence due to the 4x4 technology and other Jeep’s features (standard or additional).

Type of Trailers to Consider

It is also important to mind the height of the trailer you tow with your Jeep Wrangler for it not to sway in the wind. The Length of the towed vehicles matters too; however, longer ones usually weigh much more. 

For your convenience, here are dry weights of basic campers:

Teardrop trailers have 520 - 2,5000 lbs.

Pop-up trailers weigh 600 - 4,000 lbs.

Hybrid trailers’ dry weight ranges from 2,000 lbs to 5,000 lbs.

Airstreams can have 2,500 - 4,000 lbs.

You always have to compromise between the things you need and want to take with you for a trip. However, the combined mass of your caravan should always stay legal and safe.