LOST JEEPS :: View topic - Towing capacity

I have a kj liberty 2005, Say's in the log book tows 3000kg = 3 tons but every time I tow my boat witch is no more than 2 ton the jeep over heats, fan working, new map sensor any idea's, it's driving me crazy.

The max towing capacity is with the towing package, which has an oil cooler, heavy duty cooling, consisting of two fans (one electric, the other mechanical). With these options, I have a 3300 lb. pop-up camper that I've towed up to 500 miles at a time, with no over-heating. At that weight, however, I notice that I don't have the power on the hills at 70 mph (Of course, if i'd bother to go slower, it wouldn't be as much of an issue, details, details).

In any case, the max towing capacity without the tow package is only 3500 lbs. if you are towing above 3000, maybe the reason your libby is running hot is because you don't have the heavy-duty cooling package. Unless you do, in which case, start looking at the thermostat (which is a p.i.t.a. to replace, for the record).

The gassers had different available towing options, it is my understanding that all diesel powered Libertys came with the same standard cooling equipment (no other cooling options), i.e. mechanical fan, fan clutch, fan shroud, transmission cooler integrated into the bottom part of the AC condenser, and a two speed electric "pusher" fan on the front side of the AC condenser/radiator... :roll:

There is no transmission cooler in the radiator!

I just perfed the original combo AC/Trans cooler on my 05 CRD while doing a Head Gasket job. As I have to lean over it for multiple R&R procedures, I sort of suspected I wouldn't complete the job without damaging the thing. If I'd planned properly before commencing surgery, I would have taken the beast to an AC shop to have the system discharged and just removed the unit for working-space (I try not to dump AC chems/gas to the environment and feel like crap on the occasions I've released to air).
Post-op, simply buying a few cans of refrigerant to recharge the AC system is cheaper than replacing a cooling assembly (and greener).

I'm assuming it's the original unit because of the combined AC/trans cooling functions, but I'm seeing replacement units ($85 online) that appear to be identical dual-function units.
Now, I'm reviewing this thread's info to seek advice on most robust replacement options. Given that this is a decision that will have a fundamental impact on towing capacity, any replacement recommendations?

On Etrailer, they have Libby-friendly Class III rated trans coolers for $65, but going that route I'd still have to purchase a separate AC condenser replacement unit ($50).
Any opinions on independent versus integrated cooling units?
Does improved trans cooling capacity for towing argue for an independent cooler, or are the benefits nominal versus an oem dual-function unit?
Thanks.

Author:	Avo [ Mon Sep 05, 2016 1:06 pm ]
Post subject:	Towing capacity
I have a kj liberty 2005, Say's in the log book tows 3000kg = 3 tons but every time I tow my boat witch is no more than 2 ton the jeep over heats, fan working, new map sensor any idea's, it's driving me crazy.

Author:	WWDiesel [ Mon Sep 05, 2016 4:16 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Towing capacity
Avo wrote: I have a kj liberty 2005, Say's in the log book tows 3000kg = 3 tons but every time I tow my boat witch is no more than 2 ton the jeep over heats, fan working, new map sensor any idea's, it's driving me crazy. First thing to check and possibly replace is the fan clutch, they wear out! If you replace it be sure and get a NAPA or Hayden quality fan clutch replacement. You can also go to a 11 blade plastic fan blade to get a little more air flow through the radiator with a NEW good quality fan clutch. NAPA sells a heavy duty GM 11 blade fan blade and HD fan clutch for V8 chevy/gmc that is a direct replacement for the Jeep fan blade/clutch and it is a few dollars cheaper than buying Mopar replacement parts... These are the part no.s GM Severe Duty Fan Clutch NAPA 271625 or Hayden Fan Clutch for GM is: HY 2986 GM 11 blade HD Cooling Fan NAPA No. 8552223 ($49) Next possibility is the thermostat is bad and not opening all the way to allow full coolant flow through radiator, but if this is the case, you should possibly be seeing some high temps when not towing...

Author:	mass-hole [ Tue Sep 06, 2016 8:04 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Towing capacity
3000kg is a lot. In the US they are only rated for 2250kg(5000lbs) and I feel like even that is a lot for these jeeps. If you are at any significant elevation then that could play a roll as well.

Author:	Avo [ Thu Sep 08, 2016 1:04 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Towing capacity
Thanks Guy's will give it a look.

Author:	jdr [ Thu Sep 08, 2016 8:11 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Towing capacity
i have an 05 crd that has towed a 3500lb camping trailer all over Wa, Or, & Id with no problems. i finally hit some serious wind in the columbia gorge and decided that just because it has the power, it just doesn't have the wheelbase to be stable under all conditions. bought a pickup for towing and kept the crd to have fun with.

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Author:	marcos [ Sat Sep 10, 2016 6:32 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Towing capacity
Good afternoon. I used my 2006 Liberty 3.7 to tow a 2000 lbs pop up trailer over the Quebec mountains and believe me it was not the easiest things to do. Going up hills was sometimes stressing. No overheat, just engine rpm's in the 3000rpm..... Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Author:	QuestMan [ Sat Sep 10, 2016 10:26 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Towing capacity
The max towing capacity is with the towing package, which has an oil cooler, heavy duty cooling, consisting of two fans (one electric, the other mechanical). With these options, I have a 3300 lb. pop-up camper that I've towed up to 500 miles at a time, with no over-heating. At that weight, however, I notice that I don't have the power on the hills at 70 mph (Of course, if i'd bother to go slower, it wouldn't be as much of an issue, details, details). In any case, the max towing capacity without the tow package is only 3500 lbs. if you are towing above 3000, maybe the reason your libby is running hot is because you don't have the heavy-duty cooling package. Unless you do, in which case, start looking at the thermostat (which is a p.i.t.a. to replace, for the record).

Author:	marcos [ Sun Sep 11, 2016 7:21 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Towing capacity
I have the towing package with the 3.73 gears but you are right I would not pull anything above 3000 pounds. I would even go as far as making sure the front of the trailer is as low as possible to prevent wind issues Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Author:	Mountainman [ Mon Sep 12, 2016 10:53 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Towing capacity
Not saying it's the safest thing, but I've been towing about 7k pounds (jeep CRD's on heavy custom tow dolly) all over the west. Big mountain grades. No trailer brake or stabilizer bar, but gearing down, and taking it slow down hill 35-50 mph. Top speed comfortable is about 55 mpg... Lots of mods and zero overheating with the HDS thermostat with 203 stat. Don't expect these results with AC on. I actually cut the AC portion off of the transmission cooler, and got the stock electric fan out of there so the air has less obstruction. This is also all with a lifted CRD. A stock one would tow better IF the suspension can handle the load... I can imagine an RV catching a lot of cross wind and being a pain even if it's a lot lighter. My heavy tow dolly probably helps keep the center of gravity a LOT lower than an RV.

Author:	mass-hole [ Tue Sep 13, 2016 8:57 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Towing capacity
Avo wrote: I have a kj liberty 2005, Say's in the log book tows 3000kg = 3 tons but every time I tow my boat witch is no more than 2 ton the jeep over heats, fan working, new map sensor any idea's, it's driving me crazy. Oh, also, these Jeep crd's will defuel if the coolant gets too hot. I know on the factory US tunes I have looked at this will start to occur at 107C which would put the temp gauge between 1/2 and 3/4. After that fuelling drops off pretty quickly so you will likely see it stop around there. By 113C fueling is cut ~25%.

Author:	TwoBobsKJ [ Fri Sep 30, 2016 10:15 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Towing capacity
QuestMan wrote: The max towing capacity is with the towing package, which has an oil cooler, heavy duty cooling, consisting of two fans (one electric, the other mechanical). With these options, I have a 3300 lb. pop-up camper that I've towed up to 500 miles at a time, with no over-heating. At that weight, however, I notice that I don't have the power on the hills at 70 mph (Of course, if i'd bother to go slower, it wouldn't be as much of an issue, details, details). In any case, the max towing capacity without the tow package is only 3500 lbs. if you are towing above 3000, maybe the reason your libby is running hot is because you don't have the heavy-duty cooling package. Unless you do, in which case, start looking at the thermostat (which is a p.i.t.a. to replace, for the record). I may be picking nits here but for clarification.... The HD cooling on the tow package has only one difference from the standard cooling system: It includes the mechanical clutch and extended fan shroud housing the electric cooling fan (which is different than the electric fan that comes with standard cooling.) There is no "oil cooler" - just the same transmission cooler that is on (nearly) all other KJ's. A few, rare KJ's did not include a transmission cooler but besides those exceptions all others came with a trans cooler and the power steering cooler. The transmission cooler on the 2002 models and very early '03 models was an in-radiator cooler while 2003 mid-year and later KJ's have a standalone transmission cooler that sits in front of the A/C condenser and the radiator behind the grill. The power steering cooler sits on the left/drivers side of the radiator and is a vertical cooler about 3 inches wide and 8 inches tall. So for HD cooling and the tow package the only additions to a non-tow package KJ is the mechanical fan and extended shroud and the 7-pin trailer wire harness. So any 3.7 KJ can tow up to 5000 lbs with the addition of those two items. Bob

Author:	marcos [ Fri Sep 30, 2016 10:25 pm ]
Post subject:	Towing capacity
I have a 2006 Liberty with the towing pkg and it comes with 3.73 gears, mechanical and electric fan and tranny cooler. Even with that, towing about 2200 lbs, I need to be off overdrive, even on level roads or temps go up to about 95/96. Off over drive, temps stay around 92 Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Author:	WWDiesel [ Sat Oct 01, 2016 9:54 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Towing capacity
The gassers had different available towing options, it is my understanding that all diesel powered Libertys came with the same standard cooling equipment (no other cooling options), i.e. mechanical fan, fan clutch, fan shroud, transmission cooler integrated into the bottom part of the AC condenser, and a two speed electric "pusher" fan on the front side of the AC condenser/radiator... There is no transmission cooler in the radiator!

Author:	mass-hole [ Sat Oct 01, 2016 7:24 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Towing capacity
WWDiesel wrote: The gassers had different available towing options, it is my understanding that all diesel powered Libertys came with the same standard cooling equipment (no other cooling options), i.e. mechanical fan, fan clutch, fan shroud, transmission cooler integrated into the bottom part of the AC condenser, and a two speed electric "pusher" fan on the front side of the AC condenser/radiator... There is no transmission cooler in the radiator! This is my understanding too. I think the wiring and hitch were the only thing that were added with the CRD tow package. I am assuming the OP has a CRD considering he is talking about the MAP sensor and is in Europe.

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Author:	Gypsy62 [ Sat Oct 15, 2016 12:43 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Towing capacity
I just perfed the original combo AC/Trans cooler on my 05 CRD while doing a Head Gasket job. As I have to lean over it for multiple R&R procedures, I sort of suspected I wouldn't complete the job without damaging the thing. If I'd planned properly before commencing surgery, I would have taken the beast to an AC shop to have the system discharged and just removed the unit for working-space (I try not to dump AC chems/gas to the environment and feel like crap on the occasions I've released to air). Post-op, simply buying a few cans of refrigerant to recharge the AC system is cheaper than replacing a cooling assembly (and greener). I'm assuming it's the original unit because of the combined AC/trans cooling functions, but I'm seeing replacement units ($85 online) that appear to be identical dual-function units. Now, I'm reviewing this thread's info to seek advice on most robust replacement options. Given that this is a decision that will have a fundamental impact on towing capacity, any replacement recommendations? On Etrailer, they have Libby-friendly Class III rated trans coolers for $65, but going that route I'd still have to purchase a separate AC condenser replacement unit ($50). Any opinions on independent versus integrated cooling units? Does improved trans cooling capacity for towing argue for an independent cooler, or are the benefits nominal versus an oem dual-function unit? Thanks.

Author:	lacabrera [ Sun Oct 16, 2016 10:37 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Towing capacity
Avo wrote: I have a kj liberty 2005, Say's in the log book tows 3000kg = 3 tons but every time I tow my boat witch is no more than 2 ton the jeep over heats, fan working, new map sensor any idea's, it's driving me crazy. Check the radiator for restrictions, inside and out? do you need to top it up occasionally? If you do than you may well have a more serious problem.

Author:	mass-hole [ Mon Oct 17, 2016 12:06 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Towing capacity
Gypsy62 wrote: I just perfed the original combo AC/Trans cooler on my 05 CRD while doing a Head Gasket job. As I have to lean over it for multiple R&R procedures, I sort of suspected I wouldn't complete the job without damaging the thing. If I'd planned properly before commencing surgery, I would have taken the beast to an AC shop to have the system discharged and just removed the unit for working-space (I try not to dump AC chems/gas to the environment and feel like crap on the occasions I've released to air). Post-op, simply buying a few cans of refrigerant to recharge the AC system is cheaper than replacing a cooling assembly (and greener). I'm assuming it's the original unit because of the combined AC/trans cooling functions, but I'm seeing replacement units ($85 online) that appear to be identical dual-function units. Now, I'm reviewing this thread's info to seek advice on most robust replacement options. Given that this is a decision that will have a fundamental impact on towing capacity, any replacement recommendations? On Etrailer, they have Libby-friendly Class III rated trans coolers for $65, but going that route I'd still have to purchase a separate AC condenser replacement unit ($50). Any opinions on independent versus integrated cooling units? Does improved trans cooling capacity for towing argue for an independent cooler, or are the benefits nominal versus an oem dual-function unit? Thanks. So one thing you may want to consider is running two separate units and stacking them one in front of the other to help open direct, cool, airflow straight to the CAC and radiator. I see a 10-15C(18-27F) rise in Intake temps just from turning on the AC. I would expect a similar reduction in radiator performance as well. I may try to do this sometime, I already have a separate trans cooler waiting to be installed but its pretty tall so I may look for one thats 10"x20" to cover only half the radiator.