What Is Needed To Tow a Trailer With a 2015 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
Updated 02/20/2019 | Published 02/19/2019
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Question:
I want to purchase a PASSPORT 239ML SL SERIES TRAVEL TRAILER with dry weight of 4,149 lbs to tow with a stock Jeep. I am told if I add an aftermarket transmission cooler and suspension upgrades. Also upgrading the front and rear upper and lower tubular control arms and polyurethane bushings along with track bars with polyurethane bushings. With those upgrades and the trailer having an electric braking system on all 4 trailer tires and getting a weight-distributing trailer hitch with sway control, will that give more towing capacity and if so how much more would you advise?
asked by: James
Expert Reply:
According to the owner's manual for your 2015 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, the towing capacity can range from 2,000 lbs to 3,500 lbs. The components that you listed (transmission cooler/upgraded suspension components) will certainly improve your towing experience however, in the eyes of the manufacturer the towing capacity will remain unchanged for the life of the vehicle no matter what parts are added. The other issue you are going to run into is that they do not make a trailer hitch for your Jeep that is rated for the weight of the Keystone Passport SL 239ML Travel Trailer. Therefore, you will either need to find a lighter trailer or just accept the risk that if anything were to happen the vehicle manufacturer would not be responsible for any warranty claims.
In order to tow a trailer with your Jeep you will need a trailer hitch, trailer wiring harness, and ball mount/hitch ball. For a trailer hitch, I recommend the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver part # DT78MR because it is the highest rated hitch they make for your vehicle at 4,500 lbs and it features a no-drill installation. It is also rated for use with a weight distribution system.
For a trailer wiring harness, I recommend the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness part # 118416 because it is completely plug and play so not splicing is required and we have found over the years that Tekonsha brand wiring harnesses tend to be the most reliable.
In order to tow a trailer with brakes you will also need a 7-way trailer wiring harness like the 7-Way RV Upgrade Kit part # ETBC7L and a brake controller like the Curt Echo Mobile Trailer Brake Controller part # C51180. The Curt Echo is plug and play so no modifications to the tow vehicle need to be made.
For a weight distribution system, the best option we have is the Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System part # EQ37100ET which has four point sway control and is the only system on the market with a forged head so you know it will last a long time. This system will level the vehicle almost all of the way but in order to be completely level you will also likely need a set of suspension enhancements like the Timbren Rear Suspension Enhancement System part # TJRJK. For a transmission cooler to help prolong the life of your transmission, I recommend the Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit part # D13502.
I have attached several review and install videos for you.
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