Does Diesel increase towing capacity?

[jbcrane]

I have a buddy who's contemplating buying a diesel Wrangler for the towing capacity. He's looking at the Willy's trim... does it increase with the Diesel?. Having a hard time finding a definitive answer on line. I'm filling him in on all the basic stuff like paint corrosion, USB in center console working, etc. but wonder if you guys can help with any diesel specific buying tips/suggestions. Thank in advance-JBC

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[GATORB8]

No

 

[jbcrane]

No

Thanks Matt.

 

[Ecorubi]

The engine isn't the limiting factor with towing capacities on the wranglers. The diesel engine does have more power, but the short wheelbase, suspension, limited engine cooling capability, etc are the variables limiting the recommended max tow numbers.

I believe the gladiators have higher towing abilities.

 

[grimmjeeper]

No. The limit with the Wrangler is the suspension and axle. It has the same rating as all the other engines. 3,500 pounds.

The Gladiator has a better suspension and axle for towing. Up over 7,000 pounds. But the diesel ends up with a lower tow rating than the 3.6. The problem is heat. The turbo diesel is too much for the radiator and grill to handle. It overheats before the 3.6.

So while the diesel has more power and will pull the weight better than the 3.6 and 2.0, the heat can be a problem. Drive too fast up a long grade at altitude and you'll have heat problems.

 

[Overkill]

There are a couple of JLU engine/trim/tire/gear packages that have a higher tow rating and tongue weight if you get a 2024 My.

 

[jbcrane]

All good input gentlemen. Thank you very much.

 

[CableDaddy]

So while the diesel has more power and will pull the weight better than the 3.6 and 2.0, the heat can be a problem. Drive too fast up a long grade at altitude and you'll have heat problems.

Boy did I learn that heading up to Dusy-Ershim last month. And I wasn’t even towing anything (although I definitely was fully loaded).

 

[2nd 392]

Boy did I learn that heading up to Dusy-Ershim last month. And I wasn’t even towing anything (although I definitely was fully loaded).

When the new grille (I don’t care for) was revealed, it was “more airflow” being said….
I wonder if anyone has tried one on a diesel ?
I could put up with it if I needed more cooling and it helped, alas, still waiting for flow test results. Or at least reports from those that tried it to increase cooling.

 

[autotragic]

When the new grille (I don’t care for) was revealed, it was “more airflow” being said….
I wonder if anyone has tried one on a diesel ?
I could put up with it if I needed more cooling and it helped, alas, still waiting for flow test results. Or at least reports from those that tried it to increase cooling.

I'm pretty sure Stevie Wonder could look at the new grill and tell you it's going to flow more air and cool the engine better.

 

[CO2Wrangler]

I'm pretty sure Stevie Wonder could look at the new grill and tell you it's going to flow more air and cool the engine better.

Tragically, it doesn't help. People have tried it. The challenge isn't more area, it's that the air doesnt actually move through the radiator regardless of speed.

The only thing that seems to have helped with cooling is changing the fan schedule to come on earlier.

 

[Catsailr]

I have a small travel trailer that weighs 2,700 pounds empty. My Sahara with the 3.6L pulls it with no problems, except the gas mileage. I got 8.8 MPG towing it at 70 to 75 MPH on a recent trip.

 

[DarthAWM]

The engine isn't the limiting factor with towing capacities on the wranglers. The diesel engine does have more power, but the short wheelbase, suspension, limited engine cooling capability, etc are the variables limiting the recommended max tow numbers.

I believe the gladiators have higher towing abilities.

The highest towing Gladiators are the Gas/8 Speed autos with the Max Tow package at 7800lbs
Next is the Rubicon Gas or Diesel with the 8 speed auto at 7000lbs
the worst are the manual transmissions any trim or engine is limited to 4500lbs

 

[Ratbert]

I have a small travel trailer that weighs 2,700 pounds empty. My Sahara with the 3.6L pulls it with no problems, except the gas mileage. I got 8.8 MPG towing it at 70 to 75 MPH on a recent trip.

Damn. I'm guessing my loaded trailer with RTT weighs 1,800 to 2,000 pounds. We towed it to Ouray, disconnected and ran trails at up to 13k feet for three days, then towed it home. With four adults plus all of my heavy gear I got 22 MPG.

EcoDiesel, of course.

 

[GATORB8]

Damn. I'm guessing my loaded trailer with RTT weighs 1,800 to 2,000 pounds. We towed it to Ouray, disconnected and ran trails at up to 13k feet for three days, then towed it home. With four adults plus all of my heavy gear I got 22 MPG.

EcoDiesel, of course.

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