Jeep Commander Towing Capacity

Are you searching for a good mid-sized SUV that can haul just about anything you can think of? Then the Jeep Commander is probably what you are looking for. As a popular model wearing the Jeep badge, you will surely be impressed with the Jeep Commander towing capacity.

The typical Jeep Commander can haul an impressive 7,400 pounds of weight. This is the maximum trailer weight (including the trailer’s weight), also referred to as tow ratings or limits.

Read on to learn more about the Jeep Commander towing capacity and other fun stuff you can do with this mid-sized SUV.

Mid-sized SUV Model

The Jeep Commander is a mid-sized SUV model in the company’s slate. It first came out in 2006 as Jeep’s answer to the other top-of-the-line SUV brands at the time.

Despite seating seven passengers comfortably, many full-sized SUV enthusiasts still consider the Commander too small and car-like for their needs. They also think that way, even if it is two inches longer than the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Can Haul a Large Camping Trailer or a Boat Trailer

However, despite the size, the Jeep Commander has more than enough horses under the bonnet. This means it can haul anything that you might ever want to. The last model year of the Commander sported a Hemi V8 gasoline engine that could pump out 360 horsepower. There is also a diesel V6 variant that can go up to 218 horsepower.

The Jeep Commander will not have any trouble hauling anything up to 6,500 pounds in weight (braked) with that power. This means your Jeep Commander can tow a large camping trailer. It can even tow a large boat trailer if you ever feel inclined to do so.

Should Have Brakes to Tow Loads

However, note that it should have its brakes to tow loads near the Jeep Commander’s towing capacity limits. Towing anything close to or exceeding the weight of the vehicle unbraked is highly dangerous.

About the Jeep Commander

Jeep Commander or Grand Wagoneer

When Jeep started working on the Commander, it was almost named the new Grand Wagoneer. Thankfully, the name changed for the better before it debuted in the 2005 New York Auto Show.

Created to Expand the Jeep Vehicle Line-up

Chrysler created the Commander to bolster and expand the then-current Jeep vehicle lineup, which included the following:

Wrangler,
Cherokee, and
Grand Cherokee.

Upon coming out, the Commander retained the unique and easily-recognizable design attributed to Jeep vehicles, but with more technical characteristics.

Based on the Grand Cherokee

The Jeep Commander is based on the Grand Cherokee platform. It is the reason why the two are quite similar. Both models have the following:

Uniframe bodies,
Independent two-lever front suspension, and
A solid five-link rear axle.

These features turn it into a capable vehicle if you choose to take it off-road if needed.

New Yet Familiar

The exterior did not deviate much from the traditional designs of the Jeep brand. You can clearly see the Army Roots of the Jeep brand in the Commander. These include straight lines, flat and nearly vertical surfaces, and chopped forms. The Commander looked new while remaining very familiar. Even from afar, you will know that it is a Jeep.

Qualities That Make Commander Unique

It also looked massive, though; it only weighed 2361 kilograms. This SUV is a 7-seater, making it unique from others. It also has almost vertical placement of the windshield and increased ceiling height. This made it possible to place three rows of seats inside the cabin.

Commander’s Interior

The interior of the Commander is quite discreet. You will find functional yet straightforward deflectors with decorative rivets. Aside from the wood trim in the higher models, the dashboard is functional and straightforward. The third-row seats can also fold down, offering a unique storage space inside the cabin.

Jeep Commander Engine Options

During its brief production, the Jeep Commander was mass manufactured with four engine variants. These are the following:

1. 3.0 L OM642 V6

This variant is a 24-valve V6 diesel engine with a solid aluminum block. It comes with a huge turbocharger and intercooler system. It can push out up to 218 horsepower and 376 ft-lbs of torque.

2. 3.7 L PowerTech V6

This gasoline variant refers to a 6-cylinder V6 with a cast-iron engine block. It can supply up to 210 horsepower and 235 ft-lbs torque. In addition, this variant comes with a sequential MPFi fuel injection for added fuel economy.

3. 4.7 L PowerTech V8

This 8-cylinder V8 diesel engine features a cast-iron engine block. It also comes with a couple of valves per cylinder. It can generate up to 307 horsepower and an impressive 290 ft-lbs of torque.

4. 5.7 L Hemi V8

This engine variant is only available for the Limited and Overland editions of the Jeep Commando. It was one of the first to use Chrysler’s Multi-Displacement System. This deactivates up to four cylinders when no additional power is needed.

It also significantly increases gas mileage while decreasing its harmful emissions. This engine can pump out up to 330 horsepower and an incredible 375 ft-lbs of torque.

Towing Recommendations

Use a Weight-Distributing Hitch With Equalizing Bars

Despite not coming standard with any towing aids, the Jeep Commander can still pull an impressive amount of weight. Note that it is highly recommended to use a weight-distributing hitch. The hitch also needs to have equalizing bars. Use a brake controller when towing anything beyond 4,500 pounds to guarantee safety.

Since all its engine variants are over 3.0L displacement while having intercooler systems, it makes them perfect for towing. Moreover, this SUV has a rigid frame that can handle all the torque its massive engine can produce.

Can Safely Tow Travel Trailers and Boats

Depending on which variant of Jeep Commander you’re driving, you can tow anything between 3,500 pounds to 7,400 pounds. It can safely tow many things, including travel trailers and boats.

Again, what is the Jeep Commander’s towing capacity? Typically, a Jeep Commander can tow around 7,400 pounds (lbs) of weight. This weight refers to the maximum trailer weight or tow ratings.

What Travel Trailers Can You Tow With Jeep Commander?

1. Airstream Sport

Popular Brand

Undeniably, the Airstream brand is the most recognizable name for RVs. Their aluminum cladding and quality craftsmanship give them their signature elegant and timeless look.

Weight

The Airstream Sport is a smaller trailer variant, but it is not their smallest. This single-axle trailer retains the classic look and design of the original Airstream. However, it is smooshed to almost half the size and a fraction of the weight at 2,500 pounds (empty).

2. Rockwood Geo Pro 19TH

One of the Smallest Available Toy Haulers

Although one of the smallest available toy haulers, the Geo Pro can still hold a complete bathroom. It will even have enough space left for a practical-spaced kitchen, too.

Weight

After folding the cushions away, this trailer will have enough space for a couple of dirt bikes or large ATVs. There will also be enough left over for other cargo. More importantly, the Geo Pro is just a little over 1,500 pounds unloaded.

What Boats Can You Tow With Jeep Commander?

1. Glastron 205 GTS

Big Enough to Carry 9 Passengers

If you like spending time on the water, your Jeep Commander can haul the Glastron 205 GTS without any problem. This bowrider measures just a little over 20 feet long and has a fuel capacity of 32 gallons. It is big enough to carry up to 9 passengers.

Weight

This means you can take your entire family, and maybe a couple of guests. It weighs 3,000 pounds, so towing it will be a cinch for the Commander.

2. Cobalt 23SC

The Cobalt 23SC is bigger and heavier than the Glastron, at 23 feet and 4,200 pounds, respectively. However, it can also hold more people (12) and has a bigger 59-gallon fuel tank. This allows you to stay on the water longer.

How Do I Prepare the Jeep Commander for Towing?

Whatever you decide to tow using your Jeep Commander, you should guarantee the safety of your entire trip. This is possible by doing these important tasks:

1. Check the Trailer’s Tires

Check the Manual for the Required Tire Pressure

After you check the tire pressure of your SUV, follow that up by doing the same to the trailer. Depending on the load you will be hauling, the trailer’s tires might need higher pressure. Check the owner’s manual to get the exact air pressure to use. Also, check the wheel lug nuts of both the SUV and the trailer. Find out if they are tightened to the recommended torque.

Check for Dry Rot and Cracks

If you have not used the trailer in a while, check the tires for signs of dry rot and cracks. Although it seems that the tires’ treads are still quite thick, they are still prone to catastrophic failure. This is especially true if the tires themselves are quite old.

Ensure the Spare Tires Are in Good Condition

Also, make sure that your spare tires are in good condition, both for the Jeep and trailer. You can never tell when you will need to change a flat tire. That said, check to ensure that your spare tires are always good to go.

2. Update the Vehicle’s Maintenance

Towing will stress the Jeep Commander more than just driving it alone. Before embarking on your trip with a trailer in tow, your Jeep’s oil and oil filter should have recent changes. The brake pads of the SUV and the trailer should still be thick. Ensure to top off the fluids, too, and at the right level.

3. Use a Matching Ball and Hitch

Ensure that the ball on your Jeep’s tow hitch is the same size as the coupler on the trailer. Keep in mind that the most common cause of trailer accidents is using the incorrect size ball hitch.

4. Use Safety Chains

All trailers come with safety chains. They act as a failsafe in case the hitch manages to disengage. Also, make sure that you cross the safety chains. Do not just run them straight. It ensures that the chains can catch the hitch instead of crashing onto the pavement in case of failure.

The chains should also have just enough slack. It should be loose enough that you can still make tight turns. However, it should not be too much that the chain drags on the ground.

5. Check the Trailer Lights

Before peeling out of your driveway, check if the trailer’s electrical wiring is connected correctly to the Jeep Commander. Like with the safety chain, the electrical harness should have enough slack.

Have a family member check if the trailer’s lights turn on when you step on the brakes. Check whether the turn signals are working properly, too.

6. Consider Installing Tow Mirrors

If you are towing a wide trailer, especially if it is wider than your Jeep Commander, consider getting tow mirrors. This means you don’t have to worry about side-swiping small vehicles that managed to get into your Jeep’s blind spots. These mirrors will also help guide you when it comes time to back your trailer into a parking space.

7. Bring Along a Large Fuel Tank

Remember that the Jeep Commander is not the best for gas mileage. It will only get worse when you attach a trailer behind it. Determine whether you will be hauling a trailer or a boat over long distances quite often soon.

In that case, you might want to look into getting your fuel tank upgraded. This will save you from all the hassles of frequently stopping in remote gas stations. This is a good thing, as maneuvering an SUV with a trailer in tow can be quite tricky there.

8. Get Wheel Chocks

Although your trailer comes with its own set of brakes, it is always a good idea to play it safe. Put a pair of wheel chocks in front and behind the wheels before releasing it from the hitch. Make sure that you get enough for all the wheels. Wheel chocks ensure that your trailer will not roll away when you release it from your vehicle.

Conclusion – Jeep Commander Towing Capacity

The average Jeep Commander can purportedly tow an impressive 7,400 pounds of weight (braked). This weight includes the weight of the trailer. Keep in mind that this maximum tow rating is for a trailer that has its brakes and is not freewheeling.

The Jeep Commander is one of the best SUVs for hauling trailers, boats, and other significant loads. It might not be getting too many points regarding style, but its reliability is certainly on point.