If you own or are considering a Jeep Wrangler and you’re looking to tow your rig, you’re probably wondering: can a Jeep Wrangler pull a camper?
Yes, a Jeep Wrangler can pull a camper or travel trailer up to 3500 pounds.
There are additional factors you’ll need to consider when towing a camper with your Jeep Wrangler which we’ll cover below.
Pulling A Camper With A Jeep Wrangler
So, can a Jeep Wrangler pull a camper? Yes: the 2-door Jeep Wrangler towing capacity is 2000 lbs and the 4-door Jeep Wrangler towing capacity is 3500 lbs, so as long as your camper, toy hauler, travel trailer, or pop-up camper is under 2000 lbs or 3500 lbs depending on the model, your Jeep Wrangler can successfully tow it.
Now we need to explore the additional factors you’ll need to keep in mind when towing your camper using your Jeep Wrangler.
Jeep Wrangler Tow Package Details
Does The Jeep Wrangler Come With A Tow Package?
Not all Jeep Wranglers come with a tow package included, so you may need to add one yourself or have one installed professionally if you want to perform Jeep Wrangler camper trailer towing.
What Do I Need To Tow A Travel Trailer With A Jeep Wrangler?
At minimum you’ll need a trailer hitch and wiring harness to tow your camper behind your Jeep Wrangler.
Do I Need A Brake Controller To Tow A Camper With A Jeep Wrangler?
If your travel trailer or camper has electronic brakes then you’ll also need a brake controller to send a signal from your vehicle to the brakes on your trailer.
Most states have laws stating that any trailer over 3,000 pounds must have a brake controller, but check with your state for specifics.
Jeep Wrangler Tow Package Cost
Jeep Wrangler Trailer Hitch & Wiring Harness Cost
Jeep Wrangler trailer hitches run between $50-$100.
- Custom designed to be compatible with factory bumper of 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK (Both 2 door & 4 door models.) Not compatible with JL.
- 2 inch receiver with ratings of 3500 Lb Gross Trailer Weight; 350 Lb Tongue Weight.
- Black powder coated for long lasting corrosion resistance.
- Includes one hitch cover to protect receiver tube when not in use. Keep mud dirt and pests out!
- Plug & Play wiring harness with factory appearance
A Jeep Wrangler trailer hitch wiring harness runs between $30-$50.
- Custom designed to fit 2007-2018 Wranger JK (Both 2 Door & 4 Door)
- Factory appearance
- Weatherproof
- Solid One-piece construction
- Easy Plug & Play installation. No Cutting or drilling.
Jeep Wrangler Trailer Hitch Installation Cost
Expect to pay between $100 and $200 to have a tow package professionally installed on your Jeep Wrangler (including the hitch and wiring harness).
Jeep Wrangler Brake Controller Cost
Jeep Wrangler brake controllers cost between $100-200 for the part, and up to $250 for the installation of the brake controller.
Jeep Wrangler Tow Package Installation
If you’re handy and looking to save money, you can install the trailer hitch and wiring harness yourself.
Always follow the manufacturer’s directions and use proper safety precautions.
Here’s a great video walkthrough on a Jeep Wrangler trailer hitch installation:
What Else Will I Need To Pull A Camper With My Jeep Wrangler?
Depending on what travel trailer or camper you’ll be pulling with your Jeep Wrangler, you may opt for a suspension enhancement kit to reduce rear-end sag and to improve your ride quality and stability.
Additionally, if your trailer or camper has electric brakes then you’ll need a 7-way connector and brake controller kit.
Campers That A Jeep Wrangler Can Pull
Your Jeep Wrangler can pull a trailer, camper, or pop-up camper under 3,500 pounds which is going to be most lightweight campers.
The Jeep Wrangler (non-Unlimited models 2014 & 2015) can pull the following campers under 2000 lbs safely:
- Jayco Hummingbird
- Cricket Camper
- Riverside RV Retro
- Scamp Travel Trailer
- Roulotte ProLite
- Aliner Ascape
- Armadillo Trailers
- InTech RV Luna
The Jeep Wrangler (2016 and up) and Jeep Wrangler Unlimited (all years) can safely tow the following travel trailer and camper models under 3500 lbs:
- Alto Teardrop Camper Trailer
- Oliver Legacy Elite
- Scamp 13’, 16’, and 19’ Deluxe Models
- Droplet Camper
- Taxa Outdoors Cricket
- Airstream Nest
- Palomino Puma Ultra Lite 16QBX
This is by no means a full list, but the above are some popular examples of campers that can be towed by a Jeep Wrangler.
Jeep Wrangler Travel Trailer Recommendations
- Bigfoot Fiberglass Travel Trailer
- Escape 17A & Escape 17B Fiberglass Travel Trailer
- Airstream Basecamp 16 Aluminum Travel Trailer
- Casita Spirit 16 Fiberglass Travel Trailer
- Coachmen Clipper Ultra-Lite 17CFG
Off-Road Jeep Wrangler Camper Trailer Picks
Here are some great Jeep Wrangler camper trailer options if you’re looking to have an off-road camping adventure:
- HEO T Series Camping Trailer
- Schutt Industries XVENTURE Trailers
- Kakadu Bushranger SE
- Turtleback Trailers
- So-Cal Teardrops Trailer
- TO Extreme Off Road High Country
- SylvanSport GO
Jeep Wrangler Camper Trailer Specs: What To Know
When determining what travel trailers you can pull behind your Jeep Wrangler, you’ll want to know the following specs:
- UVM (Unloaded Vehicle Weight) aka Dry Weight: This is the weight of a trailer as it’s manufactured at the factory. This figure includes all the weight including the axles and hitch of your trailer or camper.
- Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC): This is the maximum weight of your personal belongings that can be added. This is the GVWR minus the UVM, full fresh water tank weight, and full LP (liquid propane) gas weight. In other words, CCC = GWVR – (UVM + water + gas).
- Tongue Weight aka Hitch Weight: This is the amount of weight that’s pressing down on your vehicle’s hitch or 5th wheel connection when your travel trailer or camper is fully loaded for travel.
The most important factor to look for is the dry weight or UVM of your travel trailer or camper and making sure it’s below 2000 or 3500 lbs (depending on your model) so your Jeep Wrangler can safely tow it.
Understand that if it’s close to that number, you must also factor in any additional weight added to your trailer via cargo, water, or propane tanks and make sure the total does not exceed 3500 pounds.
How Much Weight Can A Jeep Wrangler Tow
So, what is the Jeep Wrangler towing capacity?
How much weight can a Jeep Wrangler tow varies by year, trim level, and engine specs.
Refer to the following chart to find the towing capacity of your Jeep Wrangler.
Jeep Wrangler Towing Capacity Chart
Jeep Wrangler Model Year | Jeep Wrangler Towing Capacity | Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Towing Capacity |
2016-2020 | 3500 lbs | 3500 lbs |
2015-2013 | 2000 lbs | 3500 lbs |
You’ll want to pay attention to the following specs to make sure your Jeep Wrangler can tow your camper or travel trailer:
- CGWR (Combined Gross Weight Rating): This is the max allowable weight including your vehicle, cargo, passengers, and the trailer.
- GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): This is the maximum weight capacity of your vehicle including the vehicle itself, passengers, and cargo without a trailer or camper attached. Exceeding either or both of the Jeep Wrangler GVWR or Jeep Wrangler towing capacity can damage the vehicle.
Can A Jeep Wrangler Tow A Travel Trailer? Wrapping Things Up
Hopefully this guide helped you to understand that yes, you can pull a camper with a Jeep Wrangler as long as you pay close attention to the total weight (the camper or travel trailer must be under 3500 pounds).
Since only some Jeep Wrangler models come with a towing package installed, you might need to add one to the vehicle. After that, you’re ready to hit the road and start camping!
What hitch and wiring harness did you choose for your Jeep Wrangler, and what camper or trailer are you towing with it? How did the hitch installation go? Let your fellow campers know in the comments below.
While you’re here, check out our helpful RV, travel trailer, and camper repair guides:
- What to do if your RV water pump keeps running
- How to perform RV toilet foot pedal repair
- Our guide to RV roof reseal cost
- What to do if your RV heater is blowing cold air
- How to fix an RV microwave not working
- Our guide to motorhome fuel pump replacement
- How to replace RV window glazing bead
- How to fix an RV toilet not holding water
- How to fix a sagging RV slide out
- Preparing for an RV one night freeze