Ah, the Jeep Liberty, a compact SUV with a sleek, boxy design reminiscent of the early years.
It’s so easy to look at a Jeep model and say, “this is the right one for me.” However, without completely checking its specs and capacities, you could end up regretting your choice.
If you’re the adventurous type, it will be good to know the towing capability and maximizations of the Jeep Liberty first before committing to buy one.
So, what campers and trailers can the Jeep Liberty tow? How does it compare with other SUVs and trucks when it comes to towing? If you’re looking for answers to these questions, relax a bit because you’re in the right place.
We’ll answer your top questions and anything to do with the Jeep Liberty towing capacity.
Keep reading to find out.
Jeep Liberty Towing Capacity
When we talk about Jeep models, one of the things you may be curious about is their towing features.
Jeep Liberty, per se, has towing capabilities ranging from 2,000 to 5,000 pounds. It all depends on the gear, equipment, weight rating, and transmission.
It’s great to know your vehicle’s towing capacity by heart to avoid overloading or wasting your chances.
2,000-Pound Capacity
When you purchase a Jeep Liberty, its standard towing capacity would be 2,000, that is, if you don’t add anything to it.
This would have a manual transmission, no towing package, and a 2,000-lb maximum capacity. You’ll be having this model as it is.
3,000-Pound Capacity
A Jeep Liberty with a 3,000-pound towing capacity already has a towing package added to it. This is an optional package—you get to decide whether you want to add it or not.
A towing package like this would, of course, also include additional gears to improve your vehicle’s performance along with the added 1,000-pound capacity.
5,000-Pound Capacity
A Jeep Liberty at its topmost capacity and best condition would have a 5,000-pound towing capability.
This means that the Jeep’s highest towing package was already added to it, along with premium gears for efficiency.
Examples of Campers and Trailers the Jeep Liberty Can Tow
Considering the Liberty’s high towing capabilities, towing travel trailers, campers, or even small boats shouldn’t be such a hassle.
Let’s discuss three of the quality campers that the Jeep Liberty can effortlessly tow.
Forest River Grey Wolf 19SM
Weighing 4,846 lbs, the Grey Wolf 19SM model by forest river would be an excellent companion on trips, camps, and adventures!
Towing something with such a spacious interior is undoubtedly a win.
Heartland Pioneer BH175
The Heartland Pioneer BH175 can accommodate five people with its lightweight construction, and it only weighs 3,156 pounds. It’s an effortless weight to tow using the Liberty, especially with the correct gear.
KZ Sportsmen Classic
Like the Heartland Pioneer, the KZ Sportsmen Classic is also lightweight, spacious, and can accommodate five people.
The only difference would be its weight. Some of its models are lighter than 2,800 pounds, and some are up to 3,400 pounds.
With a weight like that, you can expect to drive your Liberty smoothly.
Jeep Liberty’s Towing History
Jeep Liberty models started with the name KJ in the year 2002 to 2007. When 2008 came, Jeep launched it with its new name, Liberty, also known as KK.
Unfortunately, the company stopped producing Liberty models in 2012.
Since 2009, Libertys had a maximum capacity of 3,500 pounds for their 2WD and 4WD trim levels with towing packages and manual transmissions.
After a couple of months, along with a required towing package, the 2WD and 4WD came with automatic transmissions and towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.
Maximizing Liberty Towing Capacities
Equipment
Having the correct equipment means everything when it comes to towing.
Towing equipment can help you in multiple ways. With it, the drive is smooth and the pull is more secure.
If you’re not yet so sure of your vehicle’s towing capacity, you can check your buyer’s manual or simply ask the manufacturer. While you’re at it, make sure to find out about the vehicle’s weight distribution as well.
For safety and legal purposes, always remember that going over your maximum weight limit is forbidden.
When you exceed the limit of your vehicle, you risk not only your safety but the safety of others as well. The condition of your vehicle’s internal components also gets compromised.
Fluids and Modes
When pulling a heavy camper and a trailer, remember to operate the vehicle in towing mode. Also, identify which fluid is suitable for your vehicle and stick to it. In the long run, this can improve and maintain your Jeep’s performance.
Efficient Brakes
Higher mass means greater inertia. This means that stopping your Jeep Liberty will take more effort than usual.
In addition, extra space will be needed to allow the large vehicle to come to a complete stop. You’ll have to account for it as a result.
This protects you just in case you mistakenly exceed the towing limit. Overloading without the proper brakes can lead to disastrous accidents that could be fatal.
Towing Packages
For every model, there are towing packages to choose from.
With the Jeep Liberty, there are two towing packages available. The towing package will improve your vehicle’s towing capability and improve transmission.
When we break it down, purchasing the right tow package will ensure that your engine, electrical and cooling system, brakes, and transmission are kept in good condition.
Others also offer a hitch platform, a stricter frame, a towing harness, an upgraded battery and alternator, and the trailer lights’ towing circuitry.
Debunking Towing Myths
False: Aftermarket Suspension Products Can Increase the Towing Capacity
There is no suspension adjustment designed for towing or hauling that can increase your vehicle’s maximum manufacturer-specified capacity ratings; however, there is a suspension solution that can help you handle heavy loads more efficiently.
For a safer towing experience, reduce improper handling, minimize side-to-side wobble, and level your vehicle while loaded.
False: Upgrading the Trailer Hitch Will Increase Towing Capacity
The towing capacity of your trailer hitch does not override the car manufacturer’s maximum capacity requirements.
On the other hand, upgraded trailer hitches increase your vehicle’s towing capability while bypassing any restrictions imposed by your original hitch ratings. If your car is approved to tow 20,000 pounds, but your hitch is only rated for 15,000 pounds, you may only tow 15,000 pounds.
False: Estimating Tongue Weight Is Normal and Safe
Excessive tongue weight is the most usual cause of hitch failure.
So… how do you determine how much the tongue indeed weighs if you don’t raise the trailer’s tongue and assume its weight?
To prevent exceeding tongue weight and ensure that your load’s weight is uniformly distributed over all axles, you may need to install a weight distribution system.
Better Alternatives to Jeep Liberty
Although a 5,000-pound maximum capacity may already sound enough for you and your family, there are also other things to consider. Is it comfortable enough for all passengers? Can it take on the adventures you wish to take?
If Jeep Liberty doesn’t suit your needs, you may consider one of these models with superb towing features.
Dodge Ram 3500
In terms of towing, it is way more robust compared to Liberty’s 5,000-lb maximum.
This model can tow up to 37,100 lbs. Impressive, isn’t it? That is, of course, when partnered with the 6.7L Turbo Engine.
Jeep Gladiator
The Jeep Gladiator is Jeep’s most potent model of all. The Gladiator’s towing capacity of 7,650 offers an undoubtedly a significant difference from that of the Liberty. Plus, you’ll still be enjoying the good things that the Jeep family brings.
Land Rover Range Rover
Land Rover’s Range Rover has a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 lbs. Plus, you can bring up to eight people with you on your adventure. That’s way better than Liberty’s five-person capacity.
Aside from its towing capacity, Land Rover is also proud of its weight distribution and AWD.
If you’re going camping or overlanding, you need more than just good towing prowess. Find out which SUVs are best for camping and sleeping in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Was the Jeep Liberty Discontinued?
Though the Jeep Liberty model received high ratings, they are no longer being produced after falling short in its compliance with power standards for diesel engines.
What Model Replaced the Jeep Liberty?
After launching Liberty in 2008, Jeep decided to stop production of the model in 2012. Two years after, they introduced the Cherokee, which the company describes as a more capable and more comfortable mid-sized UV compared to its predecessor.
Just like the Jeep Liberty, the Cherokee can also be upgraded to raise the towing capacity to 4,500 pounds max.
What Is the Jeep Liberty’s Fuel Efficiency in Terms of Towing?
On average, older Jeep vehicles get around 15 miles per gallon. The 2010 model with 4WD trim levels and six cylinders can go 20 MPG on more open roads.
This average is relatively low when compared to the Jeep Compass, which was released three years later. On city streets, the Compass gets about 22 miles per gallon, while on broad routes like highways, it gets close to 30 MPG.
Both of these vehicles appear to be fuel-efficient in general. On the other hand, recent models do not live up to the same level of fuel efficiency and performance.
Finishing Remarks
Knowing a vehicle’s towing capacity and everything else related to it can ensure your safety and even save your life. It is an important feature you would want to spend your time studying in detail.
To be fair, Liberty is undoubtedly a decent model in terms of towing and efficiency. It is enough to bring you to your road adventures and trips.
However, if you’re looking for a model with towing as its best or prominent feature, then the Liberty may not be what you’re looking for.
We hope that you found all the answers you were looking for in this article, and whichever vehicle it may be that you choose in the end, always make sure to drive safe and enjoy your journey!
