Towing Capacity of 2019 Jeep Cherokee Latitude Plus 4x4

Question:

Just bought this vehicle, I wanted towing ability of 4500 lbs., sales man said just go to U-Haul and put trailer hitch on. Way cheaper. I had read the vehicle pulls max 4500 lbs. which is perfect for camper I want. He said nothing about 2 different tow rated vehicles. Dont think he really knew. I ended up with the none trailer package unit. Is their any way to add whatever is needed to be at 4500 lbs. Is it possible? Programing, what other equipment needed? its a 4x4 V-6. Thanks.

asked by: Dave

Expert Reply:

The towing capacity of any given vehicle is a function of several features including the engine, transmission, suspension and cooling system, among others, and the auto maker gets to determine how much weight any vehicle can tow. Sometimes addition of an optional factory "tow package" will increase towing capacity over that of the base model. The base model of the 2019 Jeep Cherokee Latitude Plus 4x4 has a towing capacity of 2000-lbs; the version that is equipped with the 3.2L automatic with trailer tow package upgrades can tow up to 4500-lbs. The aftermarket hitches we offer are rated for either 4500-lbs or 5000-lbs trailer weight, as with etrailer # e73ZR. When the vehicle has a lower tow rating than the hitch the lower vehicle rating applies.

However, the actual different equipment included in a vehicle with a "tow package" is not standardized. A vehicle with this optional feature could have some or all of the following components: power steering cooler, transmission cooler, oil cooler, heavy-duty radiator, heavy-duty suspension, trailer hitch and wiring harness. While we do offer auxiliary fluid coolers to reduce operating temperatures and engine tuners that can increase power output such aftermarket products do not mean your car's towing capacity is then increased. The vehicle tow rating remains as determined by the auto maker based on the factory equipment.

expert reply by: Adam R