Disagree entirely. My wife's 16 Cherokee with the 3.2 is rated for 4500lbs. The wheel base is shorter, the brakes are smaller, it has less horsepower, and torque. Why is the bigger, beefier Wrangler being limited beyond the fact that the hitch is not bolted to the frame or a class III+?
To add, why does the UK version of the JL rated to tow 2,495kg (5,550lbs)? Yes, they are supposed to drive slower in the UK if towing something, but a JL in the US can drive slow while towing as well. You don't have to drive 65mph while towing. I'm super curious for that "well that makes sense" moment, but haven't seen it yet regarding US vs UK JL towing differences.
I basically agree with all you say. But let me add that I believe in the 10% of the total load to go to the hitch. It has always worked for me. That then limits the wrangler to 350# to the hitch. I know the basics of how a weight distribution hitch works, but I don’t know how that affects that 10% rule. I’ll appreciate some light over that issue. Always eager to learn.
Very interesting. Easy to test the suspension at least. Get a hitch rack, loaded to 555# (10% of the total load supposed to go the hitch). Get a some stuff from n the cargo area like you normally would have on a camping trip, plus passengers and my guess is that my Rubicon headlights will be pointed to the sky.
In all seriousness I am going to try that just for giggles. I know the brakes and the power train are not the issue.
Got it. Basically UK tow ratings are valid if we reduce tongue weight and don't exceed 60.
The purpose of insurance is to transfer risk when you are negligent in an accident. You are responsible for anything above your coverage limits no matter the circumstances. If exceeding a “limit” put in place in the concern of safety could give an insurance company the right to decline payout in an accident then anyone going 71 in a 70 zone who is at fault in an accident would be refused. When you run a red light or stop sign and cause an accident does your insurance pay even though you broke the law in your actions? I’ll answer for you and say that they do.
Yeah, my brother in law is an attorney who specializes in insurance. He basically told me the same thing. All these same "what if" horror storys pop up on every truck)SUV/towing forum on the internet. They all end the same way. With some people shouting the sky is falling and then no proof, no real stories, and then denial of honest fist hand legal opinions from truely qualified individuals like my bro in law.
I put an LOD steel bumper with built in hitch and tire carrier on my old CJ7. That thing was STOUT
