Can A Jeep Wrangler Tow A Pontoon Boat? (Let’s See)
Jeep Wranglers are exceptional against rock and mountain climbing challenges due to their excellent strength.
They are also very reliable in towing, being able to tow outrageous weights, courtesy of the various tow packages they come with.
Nevertheless, a pontoon boat weighs considerably, which could make towing challenging. So, is the Jeep Wrangler up to the task?
Can it tow a pontoon boat efficiently? Let’s find out.
A Jeep Wrangler can tow pontoon boats seamlessly. On average, pontoon boats weigh between 2000 to 2500 pounds, while a Jeep Wrangler can tow weights up to 3500 pounds; towing a pontoon boat would be easy for a wrangler. Additionally, pontoon boats have reasonable sizes and regular shapes, making it easier for Wranglers to haul them over distances.
Can I Pull a Boat With a Jeep Wrangler?
You can definitely pull a boat with a Jeep Wrangler. However, this depends on the boat in question and the Wrangler model year and trim, determining its towing limit.
For example, Jeep Wranglers like the TJ, JK, and YJ have a towing capacity limit of 2000 pounds. So, they don’t towboats that weigh more than that for safety reasons.
When considering towing a boat, you should keep in mind the trailer‘s weight if the boat doesn’t come with tires.
You apply a little bit of calculation here. After getting the trailer’s weight and the Boat’s size, compare it with the towing vehicle.
If the result falls within the range, try another option if it doesn’t.
The size of the trailer is also as important as the weight.
When the trailer is too wide or small for the Jeep Wrangler you’re using because we have length limits, it will be unstable and lead to improper handling.
And this increases the risk of towing. Thus far, we have considered what it would take for a Jeep Wrangler to rowboats.
Now, let’s take a quick look at specific examples of boats a Wrangler can tow.
#1. Pontoon Boats
You can still tow pontoon boats with a Wrangler despite their peculiar size and shape. But you’ll need a trailer hitch because all Pontoons have flat bases.
The models of Pontoons that can be towed with the Jeep Wranglers include; Lowe SS210 (1900 pounds), Avalon Catalina DRL 24 (2000 pounds), and NauticStar Anker 193 SC (2100 pounds).
Note: The above are the dry weights, and they’re within the maximum towing capacity of the four-door Wranglers.
#2. Small Fishing Boats
These boats also fall within the weight range that a Jeep Wrangler can tow. However, they have flat bottoms, so you need a trailer to tow them safely.
Examples are Tracker Pro 2017 (179-878 pounds), Charger Elite (210-1900 pounds), and Bass Cat Jaguar (2150 pounds)
#3. Airboats
This boat type falls within the recommended range for a few models of Jeep Wrangler. An average airboat weighs about 2000 pounds.
When you add the trailer, since you require using one to tow an airboat, it might weigh up to 3200 pounds.
#4. Personal Watercrafts
These boats aren’t known for having much weight making it easier for Jeep Wranglers to tow them. Some don’t even regard it as a boat due to this.
Typically, boats weigh between 2500 and 5500 pounds; meanwhile, an average pontoon weighs about 2200 pounds.
Although, we have some Pontoons that weigh way more than that, probably because they use more than a single motor.
Following are some well-known PWC models and their weights; Sea-Doo Spark (450 pounds), FX Cruiser HO full (838 pounds), and Kawasaki Ultra 310 LX (1974 pounds).
#5. Ski Boats
These boats have a wide range of weights. However, some types of these boats have weights that are within the range for a Jeep Wrangler to tow.
Here are some examples that a Wrangler can tow efficiently;
Boston Whaler 170 Montauk ( 1700-2254 pounds), Mastercraft Prostar 2017 (3100 pounds), Give 2017 RZR 20 (3100 pounds), and Boston Whaler 170 (1700 to 2254 pounds).
What Jeep Can Pull a Pontoon Boat?
Judging by the towing capacity and the weight of Pontoons, only Jeep Wrangler Unlimited them. That is because their towing capacity is very high.
The Unlimited trim is a four-door, Jeep Wrangler.
Therefore, it can tow as much as 3500 pounds. Meanwhile, Pontoon boats have an average dry mass of around 2200 pounds across all their classes.
Although, we have some Pontoons that weigh way more than that, probably because they use more than a single motor.
Here’s some extra information that will blow your mind; the 2019 Unlimited trim can tow as much as 5500 pounds!
Therefore, this particular model year can tow any pontoon boat, even a double motor engine.
What Towing Capacity Do I Need for a Pontoon Boat?
It is safe to say the conveyor’s towing capacity shouldn’t be less than 2500 pounds. That is because we’ll need to consider the trailer’s weight too.
Jeep Wranglers with a max limit of 3500 can tow a Pontoon boat safely. Towing the Lowe SSW210 is the easiest of them all.
For more effective towing, I recommend you use a standard vehicle with towing packages.
These towing packages better equip vehicles to handle towing more effectively without unnecessarily straining your vehicle.
Additionally, it also comes with extra safety measures to keep you and your property safe.
Are Jeep Wranglers Good for towing?
Jeep Wranglers are good for towing, but their towing efficiency varies across the model year and trim of the Jeep Wranglers.
All Jeep Wranglers of the two-door models can tow vehicles weighing as much as 2,000 pounds, while those of the four-door models can tow up to 3,500 pounds.
They also differ in cargo space and seating capacity. Two-door models can’t tow Pontoons but can tow Vehicles that weigh less.
A good example of four-door models Jeeps is the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. Having spacious cargo space and enough power to tow heavy boats, I always give a thumbs-up to this trim.
So, as a four-door Jeep, when equipped with all it needs, like a good engine, it can tow as much as 3,500 pounds.
Jeep Grand Cherokee and Gladiator are good for towing as well.
The 2020 and 2021 Jeep Wrangler has a maximum towing capacity of 3500 pounds, although its models vary in towing capacity.
Again, all Jeep Wranglers are good for towing as long the weight you ate towing falls within its recommended range.
Jeep Wrangler Towing Capacity
Jeep Wrangler Towing Capacity ranges from 2000-3500 pounds. The two-door Wranglers have a maximum capacity of 2000 pounds while the four-door is 4000 pounds.
So, towing capacity also depends on whether it’s a two-door model or a four-door model.
This change and increased capacity came with the release of the 2012 Models. Before then, the Wrangler’s towing capacity was pegged at 1000-3500 pounds.
Jeep Wranglers tow Vehicles within this range alone; it would be unsafe to tow beyond this range.
Final Thoughts
Jeep Wranglers are good for towing boats. However, I recommend you only tow weights within the maximum capacity and not beyond.
Don’t ever assume Jeep Wranglers can tow more than their capacity; you’ll only damage your vehicle. Remember to be safe when towing at all times. Don’t risk anything.
