Jeep Compass Trailhawk Towing Capacity
When properly outfitted, the Jeep Compass Trailhawk can tow up to 2,000 pounds.
Written by Sarah Gray
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
The
Jeep Compass Trailhawk
is capable of towing up to 2,000 pounds when outfitted with Jeep’s
Trailer Tow package.No matter what you plan on pulling behind your SUV, it’s important to know your vehicle’s towing capacity to avoid damaging the engine, brakes, tires, and more. Most SUVs are capable of towing at least 2,000 pounds, but with the right equipment and engine options, you might be able to increase that amount.
To help you determine if the Jeep Compass Trailhawk can meet your towing need,
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How much can a Jeep Compass Trailhawk tow?
Base towing capacity: 2,000 pounds
Maximum towing capacity: 2,000 pounds
Engines: 2.4L I4 Zero Evap MultiAir® Engine
The Jeep Compass Trailhawk is a compact SUV that offers a lot of off-road capability, but not much in the way of towing capacity. If you’re looking to tow more than just some canoes or a small boat, you’ll want to consider a larger model Jeep or other SUV.
The Compass Trailhawk can tow a maximum of 2,000 pounds when outfitted with the optional Trailer Tow package. While this is the max towing capacity Jeep lists for the vehicle, drivers have the option of installing aftermarket upgrades that could increase their vehicle’s towing capacity.
Trailer hitches for the Jeep Compass Trailhawk
When you purchase a new Jeep Compass Trailhawk, you’ll have the option of including the Trailer Tow package, which includes a Class III hitch. While this hitch class is capable of pulling up to 8,000 pounds, the Compass’s engine, brakes, and axles can only handle up to 2,000 pounds of towing weight.
Current Compass Trailhawk owners have the option of adding their own aftermarket hitch, such as the
Draw-Tite Class III Max Frame Hitch
. Remember, though, that while this hitch is rated for up to 4,500 pounds, the Compass is only capable of pulling up to 2,000 pounds.MORE:
How to install a tow bar
How to calculate the towing capacity you need
Just as important as knowing how much your vehicle can tow is knowing what you can tow. The Jeep Compass Trailhawk can tow up to 2,000 pounds, but what types of items does that translate to? A few examples of items you could tow with your Compass include:
- A small boat
- One motorcycle
- Four kayaks
- A small A-frame camper
Whatever you’ll be pulling, it’s important to ensure its total weight does not exceed your vehicle’s maximum towing capacity.
The Compass Trailhawk is a great option for people looking to do some very light towing of recreational vehicles, lawn equipment, and other items, but if you need to haul anything heavier, you’ll need to do some serious aftermarket upgrades or consider buying a different vehicle for towing.
How to increase towing capacity
Drivers looking to increase their Compass Trailhawk’s towing capacity beyond 2,000 pounds will need to consider one or more of the following upgrades:
- Upgrade your radiator: Since the Compass’s engine size is one of the key things holding up its towing capacity, any increases in that capacity will have to address the engine first. Installing a larger radiator will help keep your engine from overheating when you place it under heavier loads than it was intended to pull.
- Upgrade your brakes: The Compass is a pretty lightweight vehicle, so pulling anything heavier than its max-rated capacity is going to put a lot of strain on the brakes. Be sure to install beefier pads and rotors to help you stop when pulling heavier loads.
- Upgrade your axles: Even if you completely swap out the Compass’s engine for one capable of generating more horsepower and torque, it won’t matter if your vehicle’s axles can’t hold up the weight of your trailer. These will need to be replaced with heavy-duty versions.
- Install a weight-distribution hitch: This will help level the load the trailer places on your vehicle and avoid overtaxing your suspension.
- Upgrade your suspension: The weight distribution hitch will help even things out and avoid sway, but the diminutive Compass’s stock suspension will likely still need to be upgraded to a heavier duty version to handle anything more than the max-rated 2,000 pounds.
Even with these modifications, you’ll only be looking at an increase of about 1,000 pounds of towing capacity for your Compass. If you plan on towing more than a few kayaks or a small boat, consider upgrading to a
Jeep Cherokee
, which can tow up to 4,500 pounds, or a Grand Cherokee
, which can tow up to 6,200 pounds when properly equipped.
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FAQs
Is the Jeep Compass Trailhawk good for towing?
The Jeep Compass Trailhawk is capable of towing a maximum of 2,000 pounds when outfitted with the optional Trailer Tow package. This means you can use it to pull small loads, like a canoe, or a small A-frame camper.
Can you put a trailer hitch on a Jeep Compass Trailhawk?
Jeep offers a Trailer Tow package, which includes a Class III hitch, but you can easily find aftermarket hitches compatible with your Compass Trailhawk as well.
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