We get quite a few questions on this, in some ways a lot of ratings do not make any sense and cause a bit of confusion and debate about the Jeep crowd. In many ways I am mystified by some of the ratings too, especially when it comes to the new JK. The rated towing capacity of a 2 door and 4 door JK is 3500lbs, a Liberty is 5000lbs. I can see the JK rating on a 2 door but a 4 door too? The 4 door is longer and wider than the Liberty, hmm. I really like the image in the official Jeep brochure that shows a JK pulling a trailer with a CJ-5 on it, that seems 
close to exceeding the limit to me. A CJ-5 typically weighs in at 3000+lbs and a dual axle car trailer usually weighs in at 1500 lbs. Doesn’t that add to 4500lbs? I realize there are ultra-lightweight trailers out there but the one pictured doesn’t look like one.
Maybe a clarification on some common weight rating terminology.
GVWR – Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. This is the total maximum weight of the vehicle including passengers and cargo.
GCWR – Gross Combined Weight Rating. This is the total weight of the towing vehicle and what’s being towed.
In most states exceeding either of the above (and getting caught) can result in a citation of some kind. I have also heard stories of individuals getting into accidents and being denied a claim by insurance due to exceeding the above.
The towing situation above is probably best left to a more qualified vehicle. I have towed Jeeps with all kinds of vehicles and a full size truck still is my favorite. Why take chances, wrecking one vehicle is bad enough, two? ugh!
Related article: Trailering Safety and Trailer Hitch Information
