I was just looking at the two manuals I have for the 2012 Liberty. One says with the factor tow package it can handle 5000 pounds. The other says with the factory two package you can tow 2000 pounds, and if you go over that you need a weight distributing hitch.

Does anyone know the true answer?

depends...

do you have a factory hitch or not?

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2012 Jeep Liberty KK 109k miles and stong
4" lift.
Gen 5.5 A-Arms
Maxxis 31x10.50x15
ATS42rle

If you have the factory tow package (which comes with hd cooling/mechanical fan) it's 5k lbs. If you don't have that it's 2k or 2500lbs can't remember which. You can add an aftermarket hitch and hd cooling for 5k lbs though. This is all speaking 3.7 v6 and 4 speed auto. The manual or CRD models (from overseas) might be different.

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2011 Deep Cherry Red KK - Skyslider - JBA/Bilstein Adjust-A-Strut set at 3.5" - OME 731 Rear Springs - Bilstein Rear Shocks - Al's A-arms - 245/75-16 Duratracs - Rock Liazard Super Sliders

Not sure where you are reading that. This is from the 2012 KK OM The UG reads the same.

Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)
The following chart provides the maximum trailer weight ratings towable for your given drivetrain.
Engine/Transmission/Model/ Frontal Area Max./ GTW(Gross Trailer Wt.)/Max. Tongue Wt. (See Note)
3.7L/Automatic 4x2/ 32 sq ft (2.97 sq m)/ 2,000 lbs (907 kg)/ 200 lbs (91 kg)
3.7L/Automatic 4x4/ 32 sq ft (2.97 sq m)/ 2,000 lbs (907 kg)/ 200 lbs (91 kg)
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Refer to local laws for maximum trailer towing speeds.
NOTE: The trailer tongue weight must be considered as part of the combined weight of occupants and cargo (ie. the GVWR), and the GVWR should never exceed the weight referenced on the Tire and Loading Information placard. Refer to “Tire Safety Information” in “Starting and Operating” for further information. 5 STARTING AND OPERATING 415
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When Towing Trailers With Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) Between 3,500 Lbs (1 588 kg) And 5,000 Lbs(2 268 kg)
The following chart provides maximum trailer weight ratings towable for the following engine/transmission combinations, ONLY if using a weight distributing hitch.
Engine/Transmission/Model/ Frontal Area Max./ GTW(Gross Trailer Wt.)/Max. Tongue Wt. (See Note)
3.7L/Automatic w/Trailer Tow Package/ 4x2/ 64 sq ft (5.94 sq m)/ 5,000 lbs (2 268 kg)/ 500 lbs (227 kg)
3.7L/Automatic w/Trailer Tow package/ 4x4/ 64 sq ft (5.94 sq m)/ 5,000 lbs (2 268 kg)/ 500 lbs (227 kg)
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Refer to local laws for maximum trailer towing speeds.
NOTE: The trailer tongue weight must be considered as part of the combined weight of occupants and cargo (ie. the GVWR), and the GVWR should never exceed the weight referenced on the Tire and Loading Information placard. Refer to “Tire Safety Information” in “Starting and Operating” for further information.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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07 KA Light Khaki, Manual trany.
2.5" Adjust-A-Strut JBA lift, Euro taillights,
Home made; Front Tilt Hood, Roof Rack, RAM Air, & CAI.
ESP Off Switch
Take a ride on the Trō side!

Thanks for answering.


Yes I have the factory tow package. -- One manual (the thin glossy one) states clearly, in a table that even with the factory package the tow limit is 2000 lb, without a weight distributing hitch.

After thinking about it more, I suspect that is probably and error, or it was aimed at towing with a 4 pin harness. -- Because the other manual states that with the factory package and a 7 pin harness to a trailer with brakes that the jeep computer will sense sway and try to correct it. -- I assume that means the brakes will be used automatically by the jeep and apply trailer brakes as needed. Or it will cut power to slow the jeep/trailer.

If that is true, I would think that adding a weight distributing hitch might lead to over correcting sway.

In a week I have to tow a 12 foot, 2000 pound tandem trailer a 1000 miles, so I'll see how that goes.

I can't see 2000 pounds causing any sway danger, unless you brake hard down a steep hill. I've towed a crushing weight of 7k with the KJ (CRD OME HD springs) and I couldn't exceed 55 without death sway on decel, but that's 3.5x the weight. That was without and anti sway bars, just mechanical trailer brakes (weird Uhaul trailer). Stupid, and I'll have a good weight distribution hitch next time I exceed about 6000.

With stock suspension I've hauled my heavy duty tow dolley and another CRD for thousands of miles at 55 with not so much as trailer brakes. I'm guessing that at about 6000 pounds. I could go 65 with a stabilizer bar I'd guess. Let us know how it feels. I barely notice when I'm hauling 2000 or 3000 pounds, with stock or lifted KJ. I can't see the KK being much different

I'd like to hear how the 2000 goes at higher speeds

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05 CRD: H.D.S2 stat,WW Ironrock trilink&LCA's, OX rear,ARB front, 4.10's, ARB bumper, Suncoast,OME 3.5, JBA UCA,rock rails, Moabs&265/75 Duratracs, GDE tunes ,FFD fan,ARP's, 2 micron fuel, new valves,sasquatch battery tray & grid heater, tensioner relocated
Mech fan, VH & AC delete

I've done about 4-5,000 lbs gross with a dual axle, 10-foot U-Haul trailer with my KK and had no issues. It needs to be loaded with 60% of the weight forward of the axle and 40% behind to avoid sway. I have a 4-pin harness, but the trailer had its own mechanical surge brakes.

I added the mechanical auxiliary cooling fan and a Mopar hitch, so I pretty much have the tow package. If I ever have to tow a trailer with electric brakes, I'll upgrade the wiring for a 7-pin harness.

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2008 Liberty Sport 4x4 Automatic

Jeepin By Al 4" Lift Kit
BFG KO2’s 245/75R16
Full MOPAR skid plates
Rock Lizard Skink Super Sliders
AtTheHelm Front Recovery System & Roof Rack
M116A3 Trailer build thread: viewtopic.php?f=72&t=77997

The Max weight for towing has been a long on going question. Even C.J.D. is not sure. Looking at the different years OM and UG the #'s seem to change (2000, 3500, 5000).
I believe it has more to do with C.J.D. worrying about liability then anything.

Besides the physical stuff, the factory tow package also comes with sway mitigation programming for the computer. Which is quite effective BTW.
But having the programming should not take place of common sense (watch your speed and anticipate stopping distance) and proper loading like lfhoward mentioned(60/40).

If you have the factory tow package and 7 pin harness, it does not come with a trailer brake controller. Trailer brake controllers are an aftermarket purchase and install item.
With the factory 7 pin harness there is a red trailer brake wire installed which is coiled up and taped off behind the drivers kick panel for you use to connect to your controller.

_________________
07 KA Light Khaki, Manual trany.
2.5" Adjust-A-Strut JBA lift, Euro taillights,
Home made; Front Tilt Hood, Roof Rack, RAM Air, & CAI.
ESP Off Switch
Take a ride on the Trō side!

""If you have the factory tow package and 7 pin harness, it does not come with a trailer brake controller. Trailer brake controllers are an aftermarket purchase and install item.
With the factory 7 pin harness there is a red trailer brake wire installed which is coiled up and taped off behind the drivers kick panel for you use to connect to your controller.[/quote]

Thank you for that bit of information. I haven't seen that anywhere else.

I have the factory tow package. I towed an empty 1800 pound tandem v-nose cargo trailer with brakes about 1200 miles. It tracked true and there was no sway except a few times when a tractor trailer was passing me. I mostly kept my speed to 55 or 65 MPH. The millage was 9 to 11 mpg, but there is a lot of wind resistance with this trailer. It has 6'3" of head room inside.

It was mostly level, but I can see the use of a weight leveling hitch if it was loaded to 5000 pounds. The only interesting moment was at on I-95 on ramp in Virgina where instead of have a gradual turn it was closer to a right angle. I was doing about 55 on a four lane street and locked up the brakes to make the surprise turn. I almost came to complete stop. It was at night. The jeep and trailer tracked 100% straight. What surprised me was there was no pulsing of the anti-lock brakes. There has been with other vehicles I've drive. But this one just seemed to apply the brakes and held them steady without pulsing or locking the wheels.