Hello, all. I'm brand new to the forum, and have question I can't find the answer too.

My story: 26 year working in Oshawa, Ontario at GM. Drove various Chevy trucks for the past 30 years. I think of myself as a truck guy through and through. Also 14 years of off-roading on ATV's. One of my favorite pastimes, although getting older and it wears me out.

Now, here's what happened. I was all set to get a new 2011 Silverado, wasn't even thinking of anything else. Loved the exterior, not fussy on the interior, but it was the next truck in my life, no question. THEN, my wife and I had dinner across from the Chrysler dealership, and she suggested that we walk over and look at the Challenger, as I build the Camaro. While the Challenger was nice, (I like the Camaro better), the 70th Anniversary Jeep caught my eye, dealer said take it for a spin. With nothing pressing to do, off we went for a tour.

Hmmmph. I loved it! The smile on my face was silly. WTF. The wife loved it too.
Now my heads a mess, I use the truck as a truck quite a bit, but not so much that a trailer couldn't pick up the slack if I had the Jeep. I'm right in the middle of the fence, the truck suits my needs better, but I love the Jeep. Turning 50 and wife says I should get the one that I want, and not be practical. Ohhh man.

Sorry for all of that, but I guess that's my intro.

Now my question.
As stated, I ATV, and pull a big trailer with 2 ATV's and some gear. The total weight is about 2500#. The 4 door I'm looking at is rated for 3500#, so I should be OK. But it doesn't have the tow package installed. The dealer will add one and the wiring, but is that the same as the factory "tow package"? The brochure talks of, "trailer sway damping" and reading on the web site it looks like there may be other changes, (maybe shocks or axle.... I'm not sure) The brochure lists only 1000# towing if not properly equipped with the "Trailer Tow Group".

Hope you guys can help, as this could be a deal breaker.

Dave

 

I suggest looking for one that has the factory tow package. I believe the difference in the rating is the rear springs. I tow a large homemade trailer with hay or ATVs with mine without issue. However, an aftermarket transcooler is suggested.

 

you will not be dissapointed if you go with a Jeep. Im one month into mine and still LOVE IT! I look forward to driving it. I didn't get the tow package as the one I wanted wasn't speced with it. I did just order my hitch and wireing on Saturday. I don't tow anyting to drastic, small utiltiy trailer now and then and thats it. Plus I connect my bike rack to it too. I am not sure if there is any difference with the two package or with out. When I was looking I had one with a tow package and the only difference was the $475.00 cost difference which is allot more then what Im getting my hitch and wireing for.

 

A friend of mine has a 2 door 2010 JK and he se says it pulls his 3200 lb boat and trailer combo "like a dream". I really don't think there is any difference in the springs at all... his doesn't sag in the back and the tongue weight is atleast 250 lbs.
My 2011 4 door Sahara (on order) has the tow package. $475 is a darn good deal considering you get the hitch (unlike most other vehicle's "tow packages"). The extra coolers and anti sway (which uses the vehicle stability control breaking) is a plus.

I say go for it. There's nothing quite like a Jeep... but get your waving hand ready!!

 

Sounds like you've been bitten by the Jeep Thing, and you understand :)
I was a truck guy too, not to haul just prefrence. MY wife got me into Jeeps, and oh man haven't looked back....we will add another JK to our drive so I can drive one as a DD not just on the week end.

Trailer tow includes the 3:73 gearing on the Sport and Sahara..4:10 are stock on the Rubi. Look the dealer in thge eye and ask them to verify they increased the size of the auto tranny cooler, or have thim intsall the larger cooler, there's a TSB for it. Lots of issues with HOT OIL on the auto trannys when wheelilng in some conditions....I would be cautions towing.

Sorry no experinece towing...Jeep is my only toy...all I need. :)

Do lots of home work, and best of luck.

PS I prefer the Camaro too, and now that it's offered with a rag top.....SWEET!!!!!

 

Oh, and if you are NOT in a hurry, you may want to hang tight for a short while the 2012's should be announced soon.
-new Pentastar V6 motor = more HP and bit more MPG
-auto slush box will be a 5 speed. (currently a 4 speed)

Don't forget to wave when you get your Jeep!

 

oh I didn't realize with the tow package you got a tranny cooler. I didn't see that the spec sheet at all.

 

The tranny cooler is built into either the bottom part of rad, it is not a seperate cooler when you order the trailer tow...that would make sense.

In the over sea market there is a TSB that Jepp will add in a aux trans cooler, covered under warranty....I have heard of a few Canadian JKers having this done and Jeep covering it. There are many adding their own coolers to prevent the HOT OIL.

The other option is to by the 6-Speed...problem sloved.

 

Thanks for the reply's.
Think i'll wait a little, or maybe order with the tow package.
Gonna miss that 70 Anniversary issue though.

 

What is the definitive definition of the Tow Group Package offered by Jeep? Salespeople really aggravate me, they basically seem to know nothing about the products they sell. Is it a hitch receiver and wire harness or is there some actual tow package (ie. cooling features). Anti-sway? What is added to basic package that upgrades me to this? I can't get a straight answer. Any help is appreciated.

I really want to be out there in a JEEP but I'm dealing with suits with too much aftershave or perfume.