JEEP WRANGLER 2010 JK / 3.G Owners Manual
Manufacturer: JEEP, Model Year: 2010, Model line: WRANGLER, Model: JEEP WRANGLER 2010 JK / 3.GPages: 554, PDF Size: 10.76 MB
Page 421 of 554

Loading
The actual total weight and the weight of the front and
rear of your vehicle at the ground can best be determined
by weighing it when it is loaded and ready for operation.
The entire vehicle should first be weighed on a commer-
cial scale to ensure that the GVWR has not been ex-
ceeded. The weight on the front and rear of the vehicle
should then be determined separately to be sure that the
load is properly distributed over front and rear axle.
Weighing the vehicle may show that the GAWR of either
the front or rear axles has been exceeded, but the total
load is within the specified GVWR. If so, weight must be
shifted from front to rear, or rear to front, as appropriate
until the specified weight limitations are met. Store the
heavier items down low and be sure that the weight is
distributed equally. Stow all loose items securely before
driving.Improper weight distributions can have an adverse affect
on the way your vehicle steers and handles, and the way
the brakes operate.
CAUTION!
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the GVWR
or the maximum front and rear GAWR. If you do,
parts on your vehicle can break, or it can change the
way your vehicle handles. This could cause you to
lose control. Also, overloading can shorten the life of
your vehicle.
TRAILER TOWING
In this section, you will find safety tips and information
on limits to the type of towing you can reasonably do
with your vehicle. Before towing a trailer, carefully
review this information to tow your load as efficiently
and safely as possible.
420 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 422 of 554

To maintain warranty coverage, follow the requirements
and recommendations in this Owner’s Manual concern-
ing vehicles used for trailer towing.
Common Towing Definitions
The following trailer towing-related definitions will as-
sist you in understanding the following information:
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The GVWR is the total allowable weight of your vehicle.
This includes driver, passengers, cargo and trailer tongue
weight. The total load must be limited so that you do not
exceed the GVWR. Refer to “Vehicle Loading/Vehicle
Certification Label” in “Starting and Operating” for
further information.
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)
The GTW is the weight of the trailer plus the weight of all
cargo, consumables and equipment (permanent or tem-
porary) loaded in or on the trailer in itsloaded and
ready for operation condition. The recommended way to measure GTW is to put your
fully-loaded trailer on a vehicle scale. The entire weight
of the trailer must be supported by the scale.
Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR)
The GCWR is the total permissible weight of your vehicle
and trailer when weighed in combination.
NOTE:
The GCWR rating includes a 150 lbs (68 kg)
allowance for the presence of a driver.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The GAWR is the maximum capacity of the front and rear
axles. Distribute the load over the front and rear axles
evenly. Make sure that you do not exceed either front or
rear GAWR. Refer to “Vehicle Loading/Vehicle Certifica-
tion Label” in “Starting and Operating” for further
information.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 421
Page 423 of 554

WARNING!
It is important that you do not exceed the maximum
front or rear GAWR. A dangerous driving condition
can result if either rating is exceeded. You could lose
control of the vehicle and have an accident.
Trailer Tongue Weight (TW)
The trailer tongue weight is the downward force exerted
on the hitch ball by the trailer. In most cases it should not
be less than 10% or more than 15% of the trailer load. You
must consider this as part of the load on your vehicle.
Frontal Area
The frontal area is the maximum height multiplied by the
maximum width of the front of a trailer.
Trailer Sway Control – If Equipped
The trailer sway control is a telescoping link that can be
installed between the hitch receiver and the trailer
tongue. It typically provides adjustable friction associ-
ated with the telescoping motion to dampen any un-
wanted trailer swaying motions while traveling.
Weight-Carrying Hitch
A weight-carrying hitch supports the trailer tongue
weight, just as if it were luggage located at a hitch ball or
some other connecting point of the vehicle. This kind of
hitch is the most popular on the market today and is
commonly used to tow small and medium-sized trailers.
422 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 424 of 554

Weight-Distributing Hitch
A weight-distributing hitch system works by applying
leverage through spring (load) bars. It is typically used
for heavier loads, to distribute trailer tongue weight to
the tow vehicle’s front axle and the trailer axle(s). When
used in accordance with the manufacturers’ directions, it
provides for a more level ride, offering more consistent
steering and brake control thereby enhancing towing
safety. The addition of a friction/hydraulic sway control
also dampens sway caused by traffic and crosswinds,
and contributes positively to tow vehicle and trailer
stability. Trailer sway control and a weight-distributing
(load-equalizing) hitch are recommended for heavier
tongue weights (TW) and may be required depending on
vehicle and trailer configuration/loading to comply with
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) requirements.WARNING!
•An improperly adjusted weight-distributing hitch
system may reduce handling, stability, braking
performance, and could result in an accident.
•Weight-Distributing Hitch Systems may not be
compatible with Surge Brake Couplers. Consult
with your hitch and trailer manufacturer or a
reputable Recreational Vehicle dealer for addi-
tional information.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 423
Page 425 of 554

Trailer Hitch Classification
The following chart provides the industry standard for
the maximum trailer weight a given trailer hitch class can
tow and should be used to assist you in selecting the
correct trailer hitch for your intended towing condition.
Refer to the Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings) chart for the Max. GTW towable for your
given drivetrain.Trailer Hitch Classification DefinitionsClass Max. Trailer Hitch Industry Standards
Class I - Light Duty 2,000 lbs (907 kg)
Class II - Medium
Duty 3,500 lbs (1 587 kg)
Class III - Heavy Duty 5,000 lbs (2 268 kg)
Class IV - Extra
Heavy Duty 10,000 lbs (4 540 kg)
Refer to the “Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum
Trailer Weight Ratings)” chart for the Maximum
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) towable for your given
drivetrain.
All trailer hitches should be professionally installed on
your vehicle.
Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)
The following chart provides the maximum trailer weight ratings towable for your given drivetrain.
424 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 426 of 554

Engine/
Transmission Axle Model GCWR (Gross
Combined
Wt. Rating) Frontal Area Max. GTW
(Gross TrailerWt.) Max. Trailer
Tongue Wt. (See Note)
3.8L/Manual 3.21 Two–Door X Model (4WD)5,049 lbs
(2 290 kg) 25 sq ft
(2.32 sq m) 1,000 lbs
(453 kg) 100 lbs (45 kg)
3.8L/Manual 3.73 Two–Door X Model (4WD)6,049 lbs
(2 744 kg) 25 sq ft
(2.32 sq m) 2,000 lbs
(907 kg) 200 lbs (91 kg)
3.8L/
Automatic 3.73 Two–Door X Model
(4WD) 6,051 lbs
(2 745 kg) 25 sq ft
(2.32 sq m) 2,000 lbs
(907 kg) 200 lbs (91 kg)
3.8L/Manual 3.21 Two–Door Sahara Model (4WD)5,231 lbs
(2 373 kg) 25 sq ft
(2.32 sq m) 1,000 lbs
(453 kg) 100 lbs (45 kg)
3.8L/Manual 3.73 Two–Door Sahara Model (4WD)6,231 lbs
(2 826 kg) 25 sq ft
(2.32 sq m) 2,000 lbs
(907 kg) 200 lbs (91 kg)
3.8L/
Automatic 3.73 Two–Door Sahara
Model (4WD) 6,233 lbs
(2 827 kg) 25 sq ft
(2.32 sq m) 2,000 lbs
(907 kg) 200 lbs (91 kg)
3.8L/Manual 4.10 2–Door Rubicon Model (4WD)6,365 lbs
(2 887 kg) 25 sq ft
(2.32 sq m) 2,000 lbs
(907 kg) 200 lbs (91 kg)
3.8L/
Automatic 4.10 Two–Door Rubicon
Model (4WD) 6,366 lbs
(2 887 kg) 25 sq ft
(2.32 sq m) 2,000 lbs
(907 kg) 200 lbs (91 kg)
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 425
Page 427 of 554

Engine/
Transmission Axle Model GCWR (Gross
Combined
Wt. Rating) Frontal Area Max. GTW
(Gross TrailerWt.) Max. Trailer
Tongue Wt. (See Note)
3.8L/
Automatic 3.73 Four–Door X
Model (2WD) 7,734 lbs
(3 508 kg) 32 sq ft
(2.97 sq m) 3,500 lbs
(1 587 kg) 350 lbs
(159 kg)
3.8L/
Automatic 3.73 Four–Door Sahara
Model (2WD) 7,893 lbs
(3 580 kg) 32 sq ft
(2.97 sq m) 3,500 lbs
(1 587 kg) 350 lbs
(159 kg)
3.8L/Manual 3.21 Four–Door X Model (4WD)5,431 lbs
(2 463 kg) 32 sq ft
(2.97 sq m) 1,000 lbs
(453 kg) 100 lbs (45 kg)
3.8L/Manual 3.73 Four–Door X Model (4WD)7,931 lbs
(3 597 kg) 32 sq ft
(2.97 sq m) 3,500 lbs
(1 587 kg) 350 lbs
(159 kg)
3.8L/
Automatic 3.73 Four–Door X
Model (4WD) 7,932 lbs
(3 598 kg) 32 sq ft
(2.97 sq m) 3,500 lbs
(1 587 kg) 350 lbs
(159 kg)
3.8L/Manual 3.21 Four–Door Sahara Model (4WD)5,625 lbs
(2 551 kg) 32 sq ft
(2.97 sq m) 1,000 lbs
(453 kg) 100 lbs (45 kg)
3.8L/Manual 3.73 Four–Door Sahara Model (4WD)8,125 lbs
(3 685 kg) 32 sq ft
(2.97 sq m) 3,500 lbs
(1 587 kg) 350 lbs
(159 kg)
3.8L/
Automatic 3.73 Four–Door Sahara
Model (4WD) 8,127 lbs
(3 686 kg) 32 sq ft
(2.97 sq m) 3,500 lbs
(1 587 kg) 350 lbs
(159 kg)
426 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 428 of 554

Engine/
Transmission Axle Model GCWR (Gross
Combined
Wt. Rating) Frontal Area Max. GTW
(Gross TrailerWt.) Max. Trailer
Tongue Wt. (See Note)
3.8L/Manual 4.10 Four–Door Rubicon Model (4WD)8,248 lbs
(3 741 kg) 32 sq ft
(2.97 sq m) 3,500 lbs
(1 587 kg) 350 lbs
(159 kg)
3.8L/
Automatic 4.10 Four–Door Rubicon
Model (4WD) 8,249 lbs
(3 742 kg) 32 sq ft
(2.97 sq m) 3,500 lbs
(1 587 kg) 350 lbs
(159 kg)
Refer to local laws for maximum trailer towing speeds.
NOTE: The trailer tongue weight must be considered as part of the combined weight of occupants and
cargo, and should never exceed the weight referenced on the Tire and Loading Information placard. Refer to
“Tire Safety Information” in “Starting and Operating” for further information.
Trailer and Trailer Tongue Weight
Always load a trailer with 60% to 65% of the weight in
the front of the trailer. This places 10% to 15% of the
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) on the tow hitch of your
vehicle. Loads balanced over the wheels or heavier in the
rear can cause the trailer to sway severelyside-to-side
which will cause loss of control of vehicle and trailer.
Failure to load trailers heavier in front is the cause of many trailer accidents. Never exceed the maximum
tongue weight stamped on your trailer hitch.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 427
Page 429 of 554

Consider the following items when computing the
weight on the rear axle of the vehicle:
•The trailer tongue weight.
•The weight of any other type of cargo or equipment
put in or on your vehicle.
•The weight of the driver and all passengers.NOTE:
Remember that everything put into or on the
trailer adds to the load on your vehicle. Also, additional
factory-installed options, or authorized dealer-installed
options, must be considered as part of the total load on
your vehicle. Refer to the “Tire Safety Information/Tire
and Loading Information Placard” in “Starting and Op-
erating” for the maximum combined weight of occupants
and cargo for your vehicle.
Towing Requirements
To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle drive-
train components, the following guidelines are recom-
mended:
NOTE: Trailer towing requires special rear axle lubri-
cant. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for the correct fluid type.
428 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 430 of 554

CAUTION!
•Do not tow a trailer at all during the first 500 miles
(805 km) the new vehicle is driven. The engine,
axle or other parts could be damaged.
•Then, during the first 500 miles (805 km) that a
trailer is towed, do not drive over 50 mph
(80 km/h) and do not make starts at full throttle.
This helps the engine and other parts of the
vehicle wear in at the heavier loads.
WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to an injury accident.
Follow these guidelines to make your trailer towing
as safe as possible:(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer
and will not shift during travel. When trailering
cargo that is not fully secured, dynamic load shifts
can occur that may be difficult for the driver to
control. You could lose control of your vehicle and
have an accident.
•When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not
overload your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can
cause a loss of control, poor performance or dam-
age to the brakes, axle, engine, transmission, steer-
ing, suspension, chassis structure or tires.
•Safety chains must always be used between your
vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to
the frame or hook retainers of the vehicle hitch.
Cross the chains under the trailer tongue and
allow enough slack for turning corners.(Continued)
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 429