Camper trailer towing weights JKU Rubicon

[Rubi99]

Hi

I currently have a very basic camper trailer that when loaded would be less then 1000kgs. The JKU has towed it through soft sand beach tracks around Moreton Island fairly easily.

But I am looking at upgrading to a hard floor which when fully packed would be around 1800-1900 kgs.

I am looking at going to cape york mid year and will take the new camper but will leave it at Bramwell station and do the Tele track in the jeep and then come back and pick it up.

I have an AEV 2 inch lift and 33 inch tyres and it drives better on the road now then when I bought it.

I will fit a brake controller before the big trip as well.

I'd be interested in people's experiences using the JKU for towing when the weight is getting up near the maximum.

I've already boosted my fuel budget once the trailer is hitched up for the journey

cheers

[Mace1]

Also interested for future reference.

Youre a long way below the rated towing capacity for a LWB JK (2300kg).
My old XJ tows our CT fine, we are about 1600kg loaded.
I do get a bit sqirmy when I pass a SWB JK (1600kg capacity) with a CT on the back going the other way tho!

[Paul-JK]

Towing capacity of a current 4dr Rubi is 2000kg (CRD is 2300kg), but I'd double check your model year specs to check yours as I think it's changed for nearly every model year so far.

I have a CRD auto JKU and have towed a camper trailer that is probably mid way between you old camper and your new camper in terms of weight. I also have 33's fitted.
Obviously the CRD will have more torque than the Rubi but then if you have the 3.6l then that's no slouch. The lower diff gearing will also help and I'd imagine you'd have no issues at all especially if you have an auto.
In terms of the platform itself, I find it a very stable car when towing. The relatively short rear overhang helps I think. I've never felt the camper pushing the car around and getting out of shape, and that's even of some really ordinary outback roads and fast dirt roads. Yes you feel the extra weight when pulling away and braking, but on the move the JK handled no differently with or without the camper.
The only thing you need to be mindful of is engine and transmission temps. I guess the CRD is worse than the petrol in this respect as the CRD likes to get hot even with a camper but you'd be wise to fit an extra transmission cooler before doing any hard off road towing. I'd also get a scanguage (or similar) to monitor engine and transmission temps accurately rather than relying on the useless dash gauge. That only tells you when you have a problem but by then it's too late.

[snowing]

I would take note of the ball weight as well. Noticed that there are several tow packages around with similar towing capacity but big difference in ball weight.

[Rubi99]

Thks guys

I appreciate your comments.

I'll have a look at the cost for the extra transmission cooler as well and if I end up buying the hard floor camper I'll let you know how the towing goes.

cheers

[Ozian]

I'm looking at a similar set up, but I have a JKUS (auto 3.73). I'm about to upgrade to 33's, and in anticipation of the heavier camper trailer (~1800kg) I will be upgrading springs, adding air bags in the rear and installing Rancho RS9000XL adjustable shocks. I've got a levelling kit right now, but will be getting CRDSTU springs (2.5") with all the rest of the stuff to ensure correct geometry.

I will stick with the stock gearing for now, but will reassess after a year or so of use to determine if it would be worth going to 4.56. I don't plan on doing the Cape, but will probably do some beach towing and the rest will be dirt roads and mild to mid level trails.

I'm still about 6-8 months from buying and will do the suspension upgrades before I do, so will report back. Any other suggestions while I'm still in the planning stage??