I have a 2016 2.4l CVT patriot. I’m moving cross country from California to Virginia in the next month or so. I have a class lll tow package installed. I was planning on renting a 5’ x 8’ uhaul trailer. I will only have a mattress, crib and a dresser with a few boxes in it. Is this a safe move or should I make a different plan? Should I make any changes or add any parts to the Jeep? Obviously I will change the oil and get new tires prior to the trip but I just want to be on the safe side and make sure it’s not going to cost me in the long run. Thanks in advance for any advice!
Christian1214
Take a look at this thread. Towing capacity??? You can also use the search bar above. It says "Search Community." Just enter "towing capacity" and see what you turn up. This question comes up a lot.
The truth is that Patriots really aren't great tow vehicles. Factory spec is 900 lbs and with the tow package I believe its double that. I've got a hitch (not the package) on my 2.0 FWD 5-spd for towing a 5x8 open trailer. My trailer has a load capacity of 1000 lbs and the heaviest thing I pull regularly is my lawn tractor so I'm probably right about the limit. When we moved I put a modest amount of furniture in it -- about what you describe -- and it did fine. That was a couple 50 mile trips with a some long hills up & down but I don't live in the mountains.
I guess it depends on your risk tolerance. If it was me I'd probably do it and take it very easy, i.e. slow lane, drive well under the limit and give it lots of rest. Don't risk overheating the tranny.
The truth is that Patriots really aren't great tow vehicles. Factory spec is 900 lbs and with the tow package I believe its double that. I've got a hitch (not the package) on my 2.0 FWD 5-spd for towing a 5x8 open trailer. My trailer has a load capacity of 1000 lbs and the heaviest thing I pull regularly is my lawn tractor so I'm probably right about the limit. When we moved I put a modest amount of furniture in it -- about what you describe -- and it did fine. That was a couple 50 mile trips with a some long hills up & down but I don't live in the mountains.
I guess it depends on your risk tolerance. If it was me I'd probably do it and take it very easy, i.e. slow lane, drive well under the limit and give it lots of rest. Don't risk overheating the tranny.
PS, A couple years ago I saw the State Marine Patrol using a Patriot to tow their lake patrol boat.
You should be ok,
by tow package, if you mean oil cooler and high amp alternator then you are fine,
if just the hitch you will probably be close to its 1000lb limit
an open 5x8 usually weighs around 400-500 lbs
an empty enclosed 5x8 is usually 800-900 lbs?
should be fine in the flats, just be wary in the mountains and uphills, may overheat the tranny putting you into limp mode
by tow package, if you mean oil cooler and high amp alternator then you are fine,
if just the hitch you will probably be close to its 1000lb limit
an open 5x8 usually weighs around 400-500 lbs
an empty enclosed 5x8 is usually 800-900 lbs?
should be fine in the flats, just be wary in the mountains and uphills, may overheat the tranny putting you into limp mode
Just wanted to mention that in 2014 the FDI (4x4 non-trail rated) came with the 6 speed A/T instead of the CVT.
If you have the FDII Trail Rated model (CVT), then in addition to an engine oil change, you might want to consider changing the CVT fluid and both filters if it hasn't been done recently.
Have a safe trip!
Official tow capacity is 1000 lbs without oil cooler and 2000 lbs with it. I believe the Uhaul company's smallest enclosed trailer weighs 1000 lbs empty. And 2014+ 2.4L with CVT means FD2, which has lower ratios and should therefore have a little easier time hauling, but a transmission fluid cooler is always a great help.
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