Considering a JK

[Oli]

Just did the power to weight and torque to weight ratios for both vehicles and the jeep surprisingly has better figures. That suggests towing with the Jeep should be the same or similar to the D4 but its clearly not. It also suggests that the factory cooling system is woefully inadequate on the jeep if it struggles in warm climates even without towing.

[wjlimited]

5speed vs 8, much taller tyres, aerodynamics of an apartment building, far worse on fuel even crd and inadequate cooling system isn't a great recipe for a tow truck, but everything can be modified if you want no warranty.
I went from a jkr to a grand Cherokee, I can't imagine going the other way when you are coming from a d4. Unless you want to climb every mountain and forge every stream.

[chris0375]

Did you do power to weight including weight of trailer? Then you have to consider the aerodynamics of a Jeep, the trailer. Driveline losses may be greater in the Jeep?

Unfortunately it's not a simple thing to work out. I am guessing a d4 has a fancy modern auto with lots of gears?

[Oli]

No, its just stock kerb weight comparison off carsales under the specifications - engine section. I understand there are many considerations but with numbers that similar, I would've expected the jeep to be at least adequate for towing a modest load without having heating issues (particularly because its rated to tow 2000kg).

[Purds]

The JK's are certainly a lot less refined than the Landrover and I imagine it wouldn't tow as well. I think it depends on what you're after. If you want a solid axle 4wd to take offroad, you want the soft top and do tow as well, the JK is a decent pick.
I have a 2008 JKU CRD manual (2.5" lift, bullbar, stock ratios and tyres) and tow a 1.6T Jayco Freedom Outback and it pulls it well. I get decent fuel economy too - less than 9L/100km normal driving and ~13L/100km towing the van (i drove up from melbourne before christmas towing and got 10L/100km sitting at ~90km/h). I haven't had overheating issues with mine. In the auto you'd definitely want to put on a transmission cooler.

But i'd go back to what you want out of the vehicle and what you're going to use it for.

Originally Posted by chris0375

One could argue the chassis is NOT capable of handling that performance.

I recently removed a JKU from it's chassis and the chassis is surprisingly large and well built. Much beefier than my old FSJ's and is box section the whole length.

[chris0375]

Originally Posted by Purds

I recently removed a JKU from it's chassis and the chassis is surprisingly large and well built. Much beefier than my old FSJ's and is box section the whole length.

I have no doubt it is strong but it will flex. The suspension, brakes, steering etc etc isn't set up for big power.

Maybe chassis wasn't the right word to use.

Remember it is designed for the lowest common denominator driver who has no common sense or awareness of vehicle handing at all. With big power people would jump in and treat it like a sports car.

[Paul-JK]

The JKU is a good towing platform (though I don't have anything to compare it to). I've towed a 1.2T Cub with mine and it's a very stable towing platform. Probably more stable with a trailer on the back than it is without.

If you get the auto then getting a dedicated transmission cooler would be advisable. I don't personally think the gear ratios are ideal for towing (at least not on the older 545RFE box, not sure about the updated box) but that said, once you learn to drive it so that the torque converter is always locked up then it does a good enough job.

Can't deny that they are a good fun car with a lot more personality than the Disco's. Not taking anything from the Disco's. They are a great car, but I preferred the more utilitarian JK personally.