If you need to go camping or attach a trailer to your vehicle, you may want to know the Jeep Liberty towing capacity.
With the right modifications, the Jeep Liberty can tow around 5,000 pounds.
The Jeep Liberty is a fine choice if you like embarking on off-road adventures and exploring the Great Outdoors. The vehicle has plenty of power and stability that can empower you to navigate the toughest terrain. Not only is it great for off-road driving, but the Jeep Liberty is also a good choice for cruising in cities and towing.
Other notable features about the Jeep Liberty will interest off-road enthusiasts. Its cabin boasts a plush interior and exceptional luxury.
But there is just one big issue with a Jeep Liberty. Production for the model ceased in 2012. Hence, you cannot buy a new Jeep Liberty now.
There is a lot to like about the Jeep Liberty, including its maximum rated 5,000-pound towing capacity. But do bear in mind that a tow package will be required to reach the full towing potential. And without the tow package, the towing capacity is limited to 3,500 pounds.
To be sure of the towing capacity of your Jeep Liberty, you should consult the owner manual. If you don’t have the owner manual, you can download one via a simple Google search.
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Liberty Towing Capabilities Over the Years
The first model of the Jeep Liberty was unveiled in 2008. The final model of this vehicle was introduced in 2012.
Jeep Liberty models that were manufactured between 2002 and 2007 are called KJ. Jeep Liberty models manufactured between 2008 and 2012 are known as KK.
The maximum towing capacity of the Jeep Liberty model launched in 2009 is 3,500 pounds. This holds true for both the 4-wheel drive and 2-wheel drive trims. This Jeep Liberty model is available with manual transmission. You will have to install a tow package to max out the towing capacity of Jeep Liberty 2009.
However, the 4-wheel drive and 2-wheel drive trims of the Jeep Liberty for the same year that has automatic transmission boasts a 5,000-pound towing capacity.
But for the 2010 and 2012 models, the towing capacity stands at 5,000 pounds. You don’t have to invest in a tow package separately for these models.
Fuel Efficiency of Jeep Liberty While Towing
Towing is not easy on your vehicle. Since your vehicle has to move so much weight, towing can push your Jeep Liberty to its limits.
Since a high amount of engine power is required, fuel consumption will definitely be higher than regular driving.
Towing demands a lot of power while pulling campers, trailers, and boats. Although this will certainly reduce the fuel efficiency of your Jeep Liberty, the percentage change in mileage is not as profound as it is in other vehicles of the same category.
For the average SUV, every hundred pounds of added weight will result in a 2 percent reduction in fuel efficiency.
However, the added weight is not the only cause of reduced fuel efficiency. The trailer will be subjected to drag force from the surrounding air while moving. The Jeep Liberty engine will have to crank out more power to overcome this additional drag force.
In the base trim of Jeep Liberty, the V6 3.7 liter engine can generate 210 horsepower, a decent power output. So even with the base model, there will be a fairly good performance.
One key fact to remember is that for good fuel efficiency while towing, your Jeep Liberty should keep moving at a safe and steady speed. Keep stops and braking to a minimum if possible since vehicles consume a lot of fuel while accelerating. Too much braking and stops along the way will negatively impact fuel consumption.
Increasing Towing Capacity of Jeep Liberty
If the standard 3,500 pounds towing capacity of the Jeep Liberty is not enough for you, then you can think of upgrading your vehicle to boost the towing capacity.
There are several ways that you can substantially boost the towing capacity of your Jeep Liberty.
But before going any further, you should understand the manufacturer’s rationale behind limiting the towing capacity to 3,500 pounds.
Wheelbase
The Jeep Liberty wheelbase size is one of the key factors why engineers have to restrict the towing ability to a maximum of 3,500 pounds.
While towing, certain mishaps can transpire. For example, the trailer can lose control.
If the trailer begins to sway, then regaining control is much harder with a smaller wheelbase.
Controlling the vehicle gets tougher if the trailer being towed is cumbersome. Hence, the towing capacity is limited so that your vehicle does not lose control of a very heavy trailer that is swaying.
The most straightforward way of boosting your Jeep Liberty’s towing capacity is to install the right tow package.
Tow Packages
As the name implies, tow packages are accessories designed to enhance the towing performance of your vehicle.
Towing experience will be much better when a tow package is installed on your vehicle. You will have an easier time towing trailers and boats. Also, the towing capacity will improve substantially.
A common misconception about tow packages is that many people believe that is just a hitch. There is no doubt that the hitch is a key part of the tow package. However, the tow package includes more than a simple hitch. Here are components of a typical tow package.
Drivetrain Modification
For a good towing experience and better towing capacity, you will have to install several components part of the tow package.
Modifications to the drivetrain are a key facet of the tow package. Due to drivetrain modifications, the gear ratio of the Jeep Liberty will be higher towards the differential side.
As a result of this modification, there will be greater torque for your Jeep Liberty. This is exactly what you need for moving heavy trailers with greater ease.
Radiator Modification
Most trims in the Liberty range have automatic transmission. If your Jeep Liberty is also equipped with automatic transmission, you will have to upgrade the cooling system. This is a vital part of the tow package.
Due to towing, the engine has to produce greater power for which it will burn more fuel. This means that engine temperature will be higher when towing heavy loads. Consequently, installing a larger heat exchanger is necessary to dissipate the extra heat and prevent the engine temperature from rising to unsafe levels. When installing a better radiator, the engine will thus be protected from overheating.
More Powerful Brakes
You may have realized that braking will be more difficult while towing. That’s because linking a trailer with Jeep Liberty greatly increases the mass. A bigger mass is harder to stop than a smaller mass for a given speed.
If you want to tow campers, boats, and trailers with your Jeep Liberty, you will have to upgrade the standard brakes.
Bigger brake discs will be fitted in your Jeep Liberty as part of the upgrade. The brake system will become more powerful and will better stop your vehicle in time.
Stronger Suspension
Another factor you must look into while installing a tow package is the suspension.
Jeep Liberty’s suspension is quite rigid. However, due to the heavy load attached, a more rigid suspension is required to withstand the greater weight. Hence, you will want to upgrade your suspension to tow using your Jeep Liberty.
Stronger shock absorbers and thicker springs are included in the tow package. With these components, the Jeep Liberty can withstand the harder shocks that are generated due to towing a heavy trailer. A more rigid suspension also improves control and stability, which is essential for managing a heavy load hitched to your vehicle.
With a heavier load, controlling the vehicle will get tougher. So one way of improving control is to install better suspension.
Hitch
The hitch is a rigid component that links the trailer, boat camper to your Jeep Liberty.
Remember, it is not the hitch that enhances the vehicle’s towing capacity. Other aspects of the tow package, like stronger suspension and heavy-duty drivetrain help boost towing capacity.
There are several different designs for the hitch. This component will have to be bolted securely to the vehicle frame to not disconnect.
There are various sizes for hitches. As you might expect, heavier hitches are capable of withstanding larger loads.
Installation Cost of Tow Package for Jeep Liberty
Installing a tow package for your vehicle is not exactly cheap.
If you want a good tow package, you should be ready to pay from $1,000 to $1,500.
It is no doubt a costly upgrade. However, it is definitely worth it if you really must tow a trailer up to 5,000 pounds.
Another thing to note is that a tow package can increase the resale value of your Jeep Liberty.
Towing Accessories for Jeep Liberty
One key accessory you should remember to take with you when towing a trailer with your Jeep Liberty is a spare tire.
You might have guessed already that there is a greater risk of tire problems while hauling heavy trailers. Hence, you should take a spare tire with you on all towing trips.
Apart from keeping a spare tire for the Jeep itself, you should also have one for the trailer. You will definitely not like to leave the trailer towards the side of the road because it has a punctured tire.
Modifications made to the suspension and transmission will improve the driving performance of your Jeep Liberty. So apart from towing, the package will help to improve the vehicle’s driving capabilities.
Bottom Line
If you want to improve the Jeep Liberty towing capacity to 5,000 pounds, you may have to install a tow package. But you must be sure first to check your user manual to find out whether or not the tow-package is preinstalled.