Jeep Wagoneer Towing Capacity: What You Can Actually Pull in New York

The 2026 Jeep Wagoneer can tow up to 10,000 lbs - but that number only applies with the right engine, hitch, and towing package. Knowing exactly what your specific configuration can haul saves you from an unpleasant surprise at a boat ramp in Freeport or a campsite in the Catskills.

Bottom Line: Wagoneer towing capacity ranges from 5,000 lbs (base V6) to 10,000 lbs (HEMI V8 with towing package). Getting the most out of yours requires the right factory options at the time of purchase.

• Base 3.6L V6 is rated for 5,000 lbs - enough for a smaller powerboat or jet ski trailer
• 5.7L HEMI V8 with towing package unlocks the full 10,000-lb rating
• Integrated trailer brake controller is standard on Series II and III trims

Understanding Wagoneer Towing Capacity by Engine and Trim

Not all Wagoneers tow equally. The engine choice at the time of purchase permanently determines your towing ceiling - you cannot upgrade the powertrain later. For everything on the Wagoneer platform, see our complete Jeep Wagoneer guide.

Towing by Engine and Package

What 10,000 Pounds Looks Like on Long Island and New York Roads

Ten thousand pounds is substantial. To put it in perspective for South Shore Nassau and Merrick drivers: a 24-foot center console powerboat with trailer typically weighs 6,000-8,000 lbs. A midsize travel trailer runs 5,000-7,500 lbs loaded. A two-horse trailer with horses can hit 8,000-9,000 lbs.

The Wagoneer with HEMI V8 and towing package handles all of these within its rated capacity. The Tahoe maxes out at 8,400 lbs and the Grand Cherokee L at 7,200 lbs, leaving the Wagoneer as the practical choice for families who regularly tow larger loads.

New York State has specific towing regulations you need to know before heading out. Any trailer over 3,000 lbs gross weight requires trailer brakes in New York. The Wagoneer’s integrated trailer brake controller - standard on Series II and III - handles this automatically and meets state requirements.

Required Equipment and Smart Towing Setup

The towing package matters. Simply having the HEMI V8 does not guarantee 10,000-lb capacity. The factory Max Towing Package adds a Class IV receiver hitch, a heavy-duty transmission cooler, an engine oil cooler, and the integrated trailer brake controller. Missing any of these items from your build drops the rating to 7,200 lbs.

When configuring a new Wagoneer at Merrick Jeep, confirm these items on the window sticker before ordering. Browse current Wagoneer inventory at Merrick Jeep to see which units on the lot have the full towing package already installed.

Tongue weight and payload work together. The Wagoneer’s 1,625-lb payload limit is the combined weight of passengers, cargo inside the vehicle, and tongue weight (typically 10-15% of trailer weight). A 10,000-lb trailer puts about 1,000-1,500 lbs of tongue weight on the hitch - meaning you need to be thoughtful about how many passengers and how much gear you carry simultaneously.

Towing Safety Features: What the Wagoneer Brings Standard

The trailer sway control on Wagoneer Series II and above is more sophisticated than on the Tahoe at equivalent trims. Integrated with the 4WD system, it can selectively apply individual wheel brakes to counteract trailer oscillation before you feel it building. For Long Island drivers who tow to upstate campgrounds or Montauk, this matters on the Sprain Brook Parkway and Route 17 grades.

Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring is available as an add-on and worth having for long hauls. The backup camera with trailer guidelines is standard on all Wagoneer trims - a welcome feature when reversing a boat trailer at a crowded Bellmore launching ramp.

The NHTSA recall database is the place to check for any outstanding safety notices on a Wagoneer you are considering, especially on pre-owned units. Always run the VIN before purchase.

View current Wagoneer specials or check used Wagoneer options at Merrick Jeep on the South Shore.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Jeep Wagoneer’s maximum towing capacity? The 2026 Wagoneer is rated to tow up to 10,000 lbs when equipped with the 5.7L HEMI V8 and the factory Max Towing Package. Without that package, HEMI V8 capacity is 7,200 lbs. The base 3.6L V6 is rated at 5,000 lbs.

Can the Jeep Wagoneer tow a boat in New York? Yes. A 24-foot powerboat with trailer - typically 5,000-8,000 lbs - is well within the Wagoneer’s towing range with the HEMI V8. New York State requires trailer brakes on trailers over 3,000 lbs gross weight, and the Wagoneer’s integrated trailer brake controller handles that automatically.

How does Wagoneer towing compare to the Jeep Grand Cherokee? The Wagoneer tows significantly more - up to 10,000 lbs vs. the Grand Cherokee’s max of 7,200 lbs. If your trailer exceeds 7,000 lbs loaded, the Wagoneer is the right vehicle in the Jeep lineup.

Does the Wagoneer V6 have enough power for towing on Long Island? The V6 handles lighter loads - jet skis, ATVs, utility trailers, and smaller powerboats under 5,000 lbs - without issue. For larger boats, campers, and horse trailers, opt for the HEMI V8 with towing package.

Where can I find a Wagoneer with the towing package on the South Shore? Visit Merrick Jeep in Merrick or check our current inventory online. Our team can also locate specific build configurations at other VIP Automotive Group Jeep stores in Nassau County.

Ready to Tow More?

The Jeep Wagoneer with the HEMI V8 and Max Towing Package is the strongest tow vehicle in its class for families who need genuine 10,000-lb capability without sacrificing 8-passenger comfort on the way to Bellmore or back from the Catskills.

Schedule a Wagoneer test drive at Merrick Jeep and we’ll walk through the towing package configuration - including which current inventory units are fully tow-ready.