Jeep Patriot Towing Capacity: Advantages, Disadvantages & FAQ

If you are an avid outdoor enthusiast, the towing capability of your Jeep Patriot can be a critical factor, as you may need to tow vehicles or camping gear. The towing capacity and engine size can also change from year to year, so if you are in the market for a new vehicle, are considering the Jeep Patriot, and would like to know more about these important features, the Jeep Patriot can tow 1,000 pounds. Keep reading as we explain further.

General Overview of Jeep Patriot

The Jeep Patriot is a small crossover SUV, which means the body has the same frame that a car uses instead of an SUV frame. Jeep started to make these vehicles in 2006 at Chrysler’s Illinois manufacturing plant, and it remained a good-selling vehicle until Jeep stopped manufacturing it in 2017. On some models, it has two four-wheel-drive systems that the computer controls to maintain maximum traction.

Freedom Drive I

The first is Freedom Drive 1, which mainly uses front-wheel drive under normal conditions but can send up to 50% power to the rear wheels when it detects traction problems.

Freedom Drive II

Freedom Drive II is a system like the first but adds a lower gear ratio for off-road use. It also adds a hill-descent control system, better traction control, and an electronic stability program.

What Are the Different Types of Jeep Patriot?

Where Is It Used?

While the towing capability of the Jeep Patriot isn’t as good as what you might find on some bigger trucks, there is plenty of power to tow small trailers and even campers. If you have a motorcycle or quad, the Jeep Patriot is a great choice for taking them to the trail. The towing capacity is also perfect for small trailers that hold lawn care equipment or sports supplies.

Advantages of Jeep Patriot Towing Capacity

The advantage of the Jeep Patriot’s towing capacity is that it’s enough for most people with only a small trailer or camper to tow. Small jobs are perfect for this vehicle, and all models have the same towing capacity, so you don’t need to worry about making a bad choice. The Jeep Patriot also has a trailer-sway control system that reduces sway by using sensors to detect abnormal movement in the trailer and automatically works to correct it.

Disadvantages of the Jeep Patriot Towing Capacity

The disadvantage of the Jeep Patriot’s towing capacity is that it’s not that high, so you won’t be able to tow any large campers, and it won’t be something that you use to pull vehicles out of a ditch because they will likely be too heavy. Many of the Latitude Patriot models also have a small engine, making towing heavy objects difficult and slow, especially when moving uphill

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is My Jeep Patriot Ready for Towing?

Unfortunately, your Jeep Patriot is not usually ready for towing off the lot. Many car dealers will list the towing package as an upgrade, like power windows or heated seats. However, since Jeep stopped making Patriots in 2017, you will need to purchase the towing package separately if it isn’t on the model that you are considering.

What Is the Towing Package?

Before you can pull a trailer or another object with your Jeep Patriot, you will need to install the towing package. This contains the hitch to connect your trailer to, the wiring harness to work the lights, and the other components that you need to make it work correctly and safely. Most tow packages also include an additional oil cooler to help maintain proper operating temperature under stress. Without the cooler, the engine can overheat and experience more wear and tear than usual.

Can I Install the Tow Package?

If you are an experienced mechanic, you might be able to install the towing package, especially if you don’t get the oil cooler. However, we recommend having a licensed technician install it to ensure that there are no future problems.

Conclusion

All models of the Jeep Patriot have a towing capacity of 1,000 pounds and have several features that make towing easier, like the trailer-sway control system. However, you will need to purchase and install a towing package before attaching your trailer if it didn’t come preinstalled. When you purchase the package, install an oil cooler to keep the engine cool and help reduce strain on your engine.

• See also: 10 Wildflowers That Grow in Texas (Identification Guide With Pictures)

Featured Image Credit: 2014 Jeep Patriot (Image Credit: SsmIntrigue, Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 4.0)