Knowing Jeep Patriot towing capacity can help you get the most out of your Jeep Patriot. Most people tend to not realize the decent towing capacity that comes with this fantastic SUV.
This article examines the Jeep Patriot models and provides a guide to the towing capacity of these vehicles.
We’ll also examine the tow package and how you can use it to your advantage.
Contents
What Is the Towing Capacity of Jeep Patriot Models?
The towing capacity of Jeep Patriot models ranges from 1,000 to 2,000 pounds (453 to 907 kilograms). This didn’t change over the year; the only variabilities are in the package/engine combinations. There were also little differences in the trailer tongue weights for some models.
There were only 10 model years of Jeep Patriot between 2007 and 2017, but they are still popular to date. Sometimes, you may need to carry extra campers, cargo, boats or trailers. In such cases, you need to know how much your Patriot can pull. This will prevent over-stressing the car and unwanted damage.
In this section, let’s examine the Jeep Patriot towing capacity for different models.
– 2007 and 2008 Models
The towing capacity of the 2007 and 2008 Patriots was the same at 1,000 to 2,000 pounds, and they were in a category of their own. The 2.4-liter engine was the only one that was available in these versions. The only thing that separated the 1,000-pound and 2,000-pound ratings were whether the car had a trailer tow preparation package installed.
The trailer tongue weight ratings were the same for the cars with the 1,000-pound capacity. This was another minor difference that was observed. Things were a little different for the cars with the bigger 2,000-pound capacity.
– 2009 Models
The 2009 models have an overall towing capacity of 1,000 to 2,000 pounds.
These models have larger maximum tongue weight ratings compared to the previous models.
– 2010 to 2013 Models
The 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 Patriots have their towing capacity ranging between 1,000 to 2,000 pounds, depending on the model.
However, these models do not have the option of the 2.4-liter engine with the trailer tow preparation package. Only the off-road package was made available for the 2.4-liter engines on these models.
– 2014 to 2017 Models
The 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 Jeep Patriots also have towing capacities of 1,000 to 2,000 pounds. This comes down to whether you have the off-road package or the two packages installed on the vehicle.
Two different engines are offered in these model years – the 2.0-liter and the 2.4-liter engines. However, this wouldn’t make much difference regarding the overall weight capacity ratings. The thing that matters most is the kind of package you have in the car.
Take note of the difference between these models and the 2010 to 2013 models. There are four packages for these newer models, while there are three for the former.
What Does the Jeep Patriot Towing Package Contain?
The Jeep Patriot towing package contains an engine oil cooler, a full-size spare tire, a hitch receiver and a trailer wiring harness. These components perform different functions but they generally contribute to the overall pulling ability of the Patriot models. They help you tow heavier loads safely.
The Patriots are available in two separate packages – the AHC and the AWL packages. Both packages provide you with better trailer weight ratings. Along with other extra amenities unrelated to towing, all these are optional additions that enable the vehicle to make up for the weight in the trailer.
The AHC package includes a trailer wiring harness for connecting your brakes and trailer lights and a full-size spare tire. Compared to the AHC package, the AWL option offers much more. In addition to the full-size spare tire, oil cooler and trailer wiring harness, the Freedom Drive II kit include a ton of other items primarily designed for 4×4 off-road enthusiasts.
The main components of the Patriot towing package include the following:
– Engine Oil Cooler
A car’s engine is subjected to a great deal of stress when towing, and this can result in overheating.
The oil and other fluids may reach harmful temperatures if the engine runs at a high temperature.
Your engine components are shielded from becoming dangerously hot, which can lead to irreparable damage.
– Full-size Spare Tire
Getting everything ready before towing will help you tackle unforeseen situations more proactively. The tires may suffer damage from towing high weights, and your chance of tire blowout grows. When pulling heavy items, having a spare tire might ease your mind. Jeep Wrangler supports big tires but the spare tire will be a regular one so make sure to have a spare tire that matches the actual size of your current tires!
When utilizing a full-sized tire, you don’t have to be concerned about going over a set speed limit or covering too many kilometers, unlike when using a conventional spare tire.
– Hitch Receiver
You must install a hitch receiver if you want to tow anything with your Jeep Patriot. With just a few tools, you can install the completely welded receiver hitch (Curt Class III) onto your Jeep.
The hitch receiver does not need to be welded to your car, and your nearby dealership might be able to advise you on the appropriate option for your Patriot.
– Trailer Tow Wiring Harness
The ability of a car to tow a trailer is not increased by installing a tow wire harness, but it is far safer. The brake lights and turn signals on the trailer and those on your Jeep will switch on simultaneously if you use the wiring harness.
Other drivers will be able to see your direction and when you are stopping if your Jeep and trailer lights are coordinated. Drivers in your rear-view mirror may not be aware that they need to stop in sufficient time if the wiring harness is not in use.
Can You Use All of Your Towing Capacity?
Yes, you can use all of your towing capacity, but experts recommend using only about 85 percent of the Patriot’s maximum towing capacity. Going above this level may put too much stress or strain on the vehicle, and you may risk damaging some of its components.
Although the Patriot’s towing capacity is between 1,000 to 2,000 pounds, you should avoid getting too close to this value as much as possible. This way, you can protect your car’s tires, brakes and suspension. Consequently, you avoid potential accidents.
– Going Beyond Your Towing Capacity
If you go beyond your towing capacity, you risk stressing and straining the components of the car. Some of the common problems you may experience include engine overheating, tire failure, loss of vehicle control and drivetrain.
You may also notice higher CO2 emissions and damage to the suspension.
– Increasing Your Jeep Patriot Towing Capacity
You can increase your Jeep Patriot towing capacity simply by purchasing a model with higher capacity.
However, you can also check the towing package of your Jeep model and check for possible upgrades you can make.
It could be simply adding an engine oil cooler or wiring harness.
– Jeep Patriot for Towing Capabilities
The Jeep Patriot is a good towing vehicle if what you are towing is within its capacity range. However, there are other Jeep offerings that can offer higher towing and hauling capacities.
They include Jeep Wrangler, Gladiator, Cherokee and Grand Cherokee.
– Installing a Trailer Hitch on a Jeep Patriot
A trailer hitch can be installed on a Jeep Patriot to help you make the best use of its towing capacity. You can install the hitch using a few tools at home.
However, the best option will be to employ the services of a professional mechanic for the installation.
Conclusion
The Jeep Patriot is a reliable, compact SUV produced between 2007 and 2017 and is still available in second-hand markets. This article covered the towing capacity of the models and the components of the entire package.
Here’s a recap:
- The towing capacity of Jeep Patriot models ranges from 1,000 to 2,000 pounds.
- The Patriots are available in two separate packages – the AHC and the AWL packages.
- The Jeep Patriot tow package contains an engine oil cooler, a full-size spare tire, a hitch receiver and a trailer wiring harness.
- It is best to use only about 85 percent of the Patriot’s maximum towing capacity, if possible, to prevent straining the engine and other components.
- Other Jeeps with good towing capacity include the Jeep Cherokee, Wrangler, Gladiator, and Grand Cherokee.
Remember that exceeding the towing capacity of your Patriot is not a great idea, so make sure you tow only the right weight.
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