trailer JEEP WRANGLER UNLIMITED 2013 User Guide

The “ESC OFF Indicator Light” indicates the
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is off.
Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
TSC uses sensors in the vehicle to recognize an exces-
sively swaying trailer and will take the appropriate
actions to attempt to stop the sway. The system may
reduce engine power and apply the brake of the appro-
priate wheel(s) to counteract the sway of the trailer. TSC
will become active automatically once an excessively
swaying trailer is recognized. No driver action is re-
quired. Note that TSC cannot stop all trailers from
swaying. Always use caution when towing a trailer and
follow the tongue weight recommendations. Refer to “Trailer Towing” in “Starting and Operating” for further
information. When TSC is functioning, the “ESC
Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” will flash, the
engine power may be reduced and you may feel the
brakes being applied to individual wheels to attempt to
stop the trailer from swaying. TSC is disabled when the
ESP system is in the “Partial Off” or “Full Off” modes.
WARNING!If TSC activates while driving, slow the vehicle
down, stop at the nearest safe location, and adjust the
trailer load to eliminate trailer sway.
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Tire And Loading Information Placard
This placard tells you important information about the:
1) number of people that can be carried in the vehicle
2) total weight your vehicle can carry 3) tire size designed for your vehicle
4) cold tire inflation pressures for the front, rear, and
spare tires.
Loading
The vehicle maximum load on the tire must not exceed
the load carrying capacity of the tire on your vehicle. You
will not exceed the tire’s load carrying capacity if you
adhere to the loading conditions, tire size, and cold tire
inflation pressures specified on the Tire and Loading
Information placard and in the “Vehicle Loading” section
of this manual.
NOTE: Under a maximum loaded vehicle condition,
gross axle weight ratings (GAWRs) for the front and rear
axles must not be exceeded. For further information on
GAWRs, vehicle loading, and trailer towing, refer to
“Vehicle Loading” in this section.Tire and Loading Information Placard478 STARTING AND OPERATING

To determine the maximum loading conditions of your
vehicle, locate the statement “The combined weight of
occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX lbs or
XXX kg” on the Tire and Loading Information placard.
The combined weight of occupants, cargo/luggage and
trailer tongue weight (if applicable) should never exceed
the weight referenced here.
Steps For Determining Correct Load Limit
1. Locate the statement “The combined weight of occu-
pants and cargo should never exceed XXX lbs or
XXX kg” on your vehicle’s placard.
2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and
passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and pas-
sengers from XXX lbs or XXX kg. 4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of
cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if
“XXX” amount equals 1,400 lbs (635 kg) and there will
be five 150 lb (68 kg) passengers in your vehicle, the
amount of available cargo and luggage load capacity
is 650 lbs (295 kg) (since 5 x 150 = 750, and 1400 – 750
= 650 lbs [295 kg]).
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo
being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not
safely exceed the available cargo and luggage load
capacity calculated in Step 4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your
trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this
manual to determine how this reduces the available
cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.
5 STARTING AND OPERATING 479

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 effect
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.
To maintain warranty coverage, follow the requirements
and recommendations in this manual concerning ve-
hicles used for trailer towing.
Common Towing Definitions
The following trailer towing related definitions will assist
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 tongue
weight. The total load must be limited so that you do not
5 STARTING AND OPERATING 515

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 its  loaded 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 Certification
Label” in “Starting and Operating” for further information.
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 a collision.
Tongue Weight (TW)
The 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.516 STARTING AND OPERATING

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. These kinds
of hitches are the most popular on the market today and
they are commonly used to tow small- and medium-
sized trailers. Weight-Distributing Hitch
A weight-distributing system works by applying lever-
age through spring (load) bars. They are 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 manufacturer’s directions, it pro-
vides 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.
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WARNING!• An improperly adjusted Weight Distributing Hitch
system may reduce handling, stability, braking
performance, and could result in a collision.
• Weight Distributing Systems may not be compatible
with Surge Brake Couplers. Consult with your hitch
and trailer manufacturer or a reputable Recreational
Vehicle dealer for additional information.
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. Trailer Hitch Classification Definitions
Class 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.518 STARTING AND OPERATING

Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)
The following chart provides the maximum trailer weight ratings towable for your given drivetrain.
Engine/
Transmission Axle Model GCWR
(Gross
Combined
Wt. Rating) Frontal Area Max. GTW
(Gross
Trailer Wt.) Max. Trailer
Tongue Wt.
(See Note)
3.6L/Manual 3.21 Two–Door
Sport Model
(4WD) 5,329 lbs
(2 417 kg) 25 sq ft
(2.32 sq m) 1,000 lbs
(453 kg) 100 lbs (45 kg)
3.6L/Manual 3.73 Two–Door
Sport Model
(4WD) 6,329 lbs
(2 871 kg) 25 sq ft
(2.32 sq m) 2,000 lbs
(907 kg) 200 lbs (91 kg)
3.6L/
Automatic 3.73 Two–Door
Sport Model
(4WD) 6,353 lbs
(2 881 kg) 25 sq ft
(2.32 sq m) 2,000 lbs
(907 kg) 200 lbs (91 kg)
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Engine/
Transmission Axle Model GCWR
(Gross
Combined
Wt. Rating) Frontal Area Max. GTW
(Gross
Trailer Wt.) Max. Trailer
Tongue Wt.
(See Note)
3.6L/Manual 3.21 Two–Door
Sahara Model
(4WD) 5,430 lbs
(2 463 kg) 25 sq ft
(2.32 sq m) 1,000 lbs
(453 kg) 100 lbs (45 kg)
3.6L/Manual 3.73 Two–Door
Sahara Model
(4WD) 6,430 lbs
(2 916 kg) 25 sq ft
(2.32 sq m) 2,000 lbs
(907 kg) 200 lbs (91 kg)
3.6L/
Automatic 3.73 Two–Door
Sahara Model
(4WD) 6,454 lbs
(2 927 kg) 25 sq ft
(2.32 sq m) 2,000 lbs
(907 kg) 200 lbs (91 kg)
3.6L/Manual 4.10 2–Door
Rubicon
Model (4WD) 6,507 lbs
(2 951 kg) 25 sq ft
(2.32 sq m) 2,000 lbs
(907 kg) 200 lbs (91 kg)520 STARTING AND OPERATING

Engine/
Transmission Axle Model GCWR
(Gross
Combined
Wt. Rating) Frontal Area Max. GTW
(Gross
Trailer Wt.) Max. Trailer
Tongue Wt.
(See Note)
3.6L/
Automatic 4.10 Two–Door
Rubicon
Model (4WD) 6,533 lbs
(2 963 kg) 25 sq ft
(2.32 sq m) 2,000 lbs
(907 kg) 200 lbs (91 kg)
3.6L/Manual 3.21 Four–Door
Sport Model
(4WD) 5,742 lbs
(2 604 kg) 32 sq ft
(2.97 sq m) 1,000 lbs
(453 kg) 100 lbs (45 kg)
3.6L/Manual 3.73 Four–Door
Sport Model
(4WD) 8,242 lbs
(3 738 kg) 32 sq ft
(2.97 sq m) 3,500 lbs (1
587 kg) 350 lbs
(159 kg)
3.6L/
Automatic 3.73 Four–Door
Sport Model
(4WD) 8,257 lbs
(3 745 kg) 32 sq ft
(2.97 sq m) 3,500 lbs (1
587 kg) 350 lbs
(159 kg)
5 STARTING AND OPERATING 521