Jeep Liberty Towing Capacity

The Jeep Liberty is surprisingly strong based on the amount it can tow. In this article, I’ll discuss the Jeep Liberty’s towing capacity and other related topics.

Standard Jeep Liberty models can tow the following weight:

Maximum of 3,500 pounds (without a towing package)
Maximum of 5,000 pounds (with a towing package and automatic transmission)
Maximum of 2,000 pounds (if manual transmission and with no towing package)

So the standard Jeep Liberty without the towing package can tow up to a maximum of 3,500 pounds. However, you can tow up to 5,000 pounds with a towing package that includes an automatic transmission, an upgraded electrical and cooling system, and an upgraded engine. The Jeep Liberty’s towing capacity with a manual transmission and no towing package is only 2,000 pounds.

Read on to learn more about the Jeep Liberty towing capacity and how to maximize this capability.

The Jeep Liberty is a popular vehicle for people who want fun, adventure, and travel. How much can it tow? The towing capacity of the Jeep Liberty is as much as 3,500 to 5,000 pounds. Many trailers are within 5,000-pound weight. This means that you could tow your trailer and have some fun and adventure anywhere you want to.

Towing Packages of the Jeep Liberty

1. 5,000 Pounds

This towing capacity applies to a Jeep Liberty with an automatic transmission and required towing package.

2. 3,500 Pounds

This towing capacity applies to a Jeep Liberty with a manual transmission plus the required towing package.

3. 2,000 Pounds

This towing capacity is for a Jeep Liberty without a towing package.

If you want the maximum towing capacity, you will have to choose the Jeep Liberty with an automatic transmission and a towing package.

What Campers/Trailers Can the Jeep Liberty Tow?

The Liberty can tow various trailers or campers. Here are five campers it can tow, as an example.

1. Forest River Grey Wolf 195M

This camper weighs 4,846 pounds without any gear, so you will be able to tow it with other equipment. You will have to find a way to bring more gear by using another vehicle.

But the camper is spacious and could accommodate eight people. So, it’s an advantage if you could tow it during your journey, as you can have more people in your group.

2. Airstream Sport Travel Trailer

This trailer has a dry weight of 2,860 pounds and is 16 feet and 4 inches long. It can accommodate four people. So, if you usually travel in small groups, this camper is ideal for you. Nonetheless, it’s not suitable for big family outings as it is narrow and lacks space.

3. Heartland Pioneer BH175

This camper’s dry weight is 3,156 pounds and is 21 feet and 8 inches in length. The camper can accommodate five people. So, it is lighter, but it can accommodate more than the Airstream trailer.

You will have to base your choice on the number of people on your trip. You can always use the outside area during camping journeys if you need more open spaces.

4. Coleman-Coleman Light LX 1605FB

The trailer’s dry weight is 3,794 pounds and is 20 feet 8 inches long. It can accommodate four people. Consumers prefer this camper to other types due to its user-friendly features. But take note that it is shorter and is less spacious.

5. KZ Sportsmen Classic

This camper weighs only 2,790 up to 3,400 pounds and is 23 feet and 2 inches long. It can accommodate up to 5 people and is larger than the Coleman Light. But it is more spacious. Also, it is lighter, so you can pack more gear and personal paraphernalia.

We’ve discussed the Jeep liberty towing capacity. Let’s now look at how you can maximize the Jeep Liberty’s towing capacity.

How to Maximize the Jeep Liberty’s Towing Capacity?

You can maximize the Jeep Liberty’s towing capacity by choosing the towing package offered and the heavy-duty automatic transmission instead of the Jeep without these specifications.

Additionally, you should ensure that the Jeep is in the ‘tow’ mode and that you are using the correct fluid.

Additionally, make sure that your Liberty has efficient brakes and that you don’t go over the towing capacity specified by Jeep. Overloading without proper brakes could lead to road accidents, which can be fatal for everyone concerned.

To guarantee that you can maximize your Jeep Liberty’s towing capacity, you will have to purchase the tow package. The Liberty’s tow package will ensure that the engine, electrical system, brakes, cooling system, transmission, and other Jeep components can efficiently maximize its towing capacity.

The towing package also includes a hitch platform, a strong frame, trailer towing wiring harness, trailer lights’ towing circuitry, and an upgraded battery and alternator.

The standard Jeep Liberty towing capacity without its towing package can only tow up to 2,000 pounds and does not have these upgraded designs. Most significantly, you would not be able to maximize its towing capacity.

What Is the Jeep Liberty Tow Package?

The Jeep Liberty tow package is typically a factory tow package. The Jeep manufacturer has designed the Liberty’s components to handle the additional weight according to the vehicle’s specified towing capacity.

To pull the added weight, the Liberty’s alternator and the engine should be heavy-duty. The Liberty should also have the 7-way and 4-way trailer wirings, an engine cooler, and durable and upgraded parts that include everything under the hood, the sturdy body, the type of wheels, and all the vital components mentioned above.

Cost of Adding a Towing Package to Jeep Liberty

If you purchase the Jeep Liberty with the towing package, the cost would be inclusive in the Liberty’s price. The Liberty’s list cash price is $22,250 to $28,200. For used Jeeps, the prize could range from $3,000 to $8,000. This would depend on how old it is and how well-maintained the Jeep is.

Take note that this Jeep model is no longer produced. So, if you buy a Liberty model, you may not find the spare parts quickly. Nevertheless, if you want to add other features, the cost would depend on the products you want to add. You have to buy them separately.

Standard hitches can cost from $150 to $1000, while fifth-wheel hitches can cost $500 to $2,500.

Buyer’s Guide for Used Jeep Liberty with Maximum Towing Capacity

The Jeep Liberty is one of the best off-road SUVs, so you may want to buy one that would suit your purpose. Here are some buying tips you can follow.

1. Choose the 3.7L V6 Engine

One of the essential aspects that you should consider when buying a truck is its engine. You can choose the 3.7L V6 engine with 210 horsepower and 235 pound-feet of torque. Avoid the weaker engine, 2.0L that produces only 158 horsepower and 141 pound-feet of torque. As much as possible, avoid the 4-cylinder powered iterations too.

With the 3.7L V6 engine, you can reach the 5,000 pounds towing capacity of the Liberty.

2. Choose the Most Suitable 4WD System

If your purpose is to drive on paved roads during bad weather, your best choice of 4WD is the Select-Trac II. This 4WD system provides more traction on slippery roads when needed. This type can also handle off-road trips but is more suitable for paved roads.

If you want to go off-road to the wilderness at a slower speed, the best 4WD choice is the Command-Trac II. This type is one of the superb off-road options. But take note that you cannot use this 4WD at higher speeds on paved roads, as you may not get enough traction, and you may figure in a mishap.

For towing, the Command-Trac II is preferable, as power is directed to the vehicle’s wheels, which is crucial when towing heavy loads.

Consumers also prefer the 4WD to the 2WD when it comes to off-road driving and towing maximum loads.

3. Consider the Age of the Vehicle

The older the vehicle, the more repairs you may need in the future. Opt for the Jeep Liberty that is ‘younger,’ and therefore, less used. When a truck has traveled 10,000 miles or more, it’s time to replace some parts as they would begin to show some wear and tear.

Towing could also be more difficult using old Jeeps. You have to know the mileage to come to a smart decision which used Jeep Liberty would be your best choice.

As a reminder, the towing of the Jeep Liberty, for any year, is as follows:

Maximum of 3,500 pounds
Maximum of 5,000 pounds (with a towing package and automatic transmission)
Maximum of 2,000 pounds (if manual transmission and with no towing package)

4. Check If the Standard Parts Are All Accounted

Select a Jeep Liberty that provides these features: heated mirrors, a satellite radio, reliable air-conditioner, traction control, automatic headlamps, keyless entry, a tilt steering wheel, a 6-speaker audio system plus a CD player, complete hitching equipment, full power accessories, reliable stability control, sturdy 16-inch alloy wheels, an auxiliary jack, high-quality towing wires, a fold-flat passenger seat, a durable 60/40-split-folding rear seat, and MyGigs options if any.

Naturally, if you don’t want any of these features, it is up to you to decide. But I recommend having all these features, as they are all essential to provide safety and comfort to you, as the driver, and your passengers.

You could also look into the towing capacity of the Liberty by directly inquiring about it from the seller. If the seller is not honest, you would be in trouble. That is why you need to buy from a legitimate seller. You may want to browse online for reputable companies with a good track record.

5. Compare Prices Before Final Purchase

Before taking your final pick, compare prices from different sellers. Nonetheless, the durability and available features of the Jeep should always be your priority. If you know how to bargain wisely, you could buy your Jeep Liberty at a reasonable price.

History of the Jeep Liberty

Jeep manufactured the Jeep Liberty from 2002 to 2012, with two generations produced in the process. Jeep built the first generation from 2002 up to 2007 and labeled it KJ, while Jeep made the second generation from 2008 to 2012 and labeled it KK. But Jeep stopped Liberty’s production in 2012.

The Liberty features standard equipment that included anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, and side airbags. The truck also offers optional features, such as MyGig, Sirius Satellite Radio, a complete entertainment package with a 30GN hard drive, a reliable navigation system, and Bluetooth capability.

Why Was the Jeep Liberty Discontinued?

Although the Liberty’s reliability rating is average, 3.5 out of 5, and has ranked 15th out of 32 brands, Jeep discontinued its production. Reportedly, Jeep discontinued the production of the Liberty because it could not comply with the emission standards set for diesel engines.

What Model Replaced the Jeep Liberty?

After the Jeep Liberty was scratched in 2012, Jeep revived the Jeep Cherokee in 2014 to take the place of the Liberty.

The Cherokee is an improvement of the Liberty with excellent safety and off-roading features. Nevertheless, it has almost the same towing capacity as the Liberty. The Cherokee’s standard towing capacity is 2,000 pounds, and with the addition of towing capabilities, 4,500 pounds.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee, however, could tow up to 7,200 pounds with suitable towing equipment. This towing capacity is an improvement from the Liberty’s maximum capacity, which was 5,000 pounds.

Conclusion – Towing Capacity of a Jeep Liberty

To recap, the standard Jeep liberty towing capacity is up to the following weights:

3,500 pounds (without a towing package)
5,000 pounds (with a towing package and automatic transmission)
2,000 pounds (if manual transmission and with no towing package)

The towing package includes specifically designed engine, electrical and mechanical systems that help you tow the maximum weight of 5,000 pounds.

So, I recommend that you buy the vehicle with the towing package to maximize its towing capability. Have fun with your family and friends during your trip or whatever purpose you have planned for your Jeep Liberty.

Jeep Liberty Towing Capacity – How Much Can It Tow?