Towing with my XJ

[Weasel Mender]

I will most likely be moving to Texas this summer (95% probability) and in my plans are buying a boat, no rocks but plenty of water where I will be moving to. My plans are for an 18-21' center console bay boat, package weight about 4k with an anticipated tow range of 50 miles or less. Am I barely within reason or am I smoking crack? My crrrent vehicle is an 89 XJ 4.0 3 inch lift rancho front with bastard pack rear springs. OBTW I am not one bit afraid of refiting the trailer with a load leveling tow setup.

Weasel

 

[Root Moose]

Anything over 3.5k lbs requires weight ditribution bars. The auto is rated for 5k lbs max, the stick 3.5k lbs max. At least on the 97+ XJs that was the rating.

 

[Momrocks]

It'll tow it, Texas is flat and nobody wants or needs you to tow a boat at 80mph anyway. If memory serves, every road has a far right lane.

The 4.0L, unibody, wheelbase, bastage pack aren't the critical factors, brakes are your biggest challange. Brakes at their best on an XJ are barely adequate (I'm using my '99 XJ as the basis of this statement). Please explore good trailer brakes and controler. For the sake of your rig (unless it has a third pedal), make sure you have proper trans cooler. Heat is a killer for slush boxes. You already know about XJ engine cooling traits and I am sure have attended to the issues you've needed to.


(edit) BTW, while living in Europe I saw countless VW Golf, Audi Foxes, Opels and Fiats towing caravans (travel trailers) and tandem car trailers.

 

[Tanto]

All I have to say is that my old XJ was the worst tow vehicle I ever owned.

 

[Backwoods Rambler]

I would think 4k for an XJ is pushing it (despite the ratings), but on flat land for an occasional tow, it would probably be ok.

Get a trans cooler.

Have fun on the water.

 

[JCMatthews]

You'll be fine

I own a '97 XJ, I have pulled my father's 22 1/2 foot Bayliner w/350 Mercruiser, and also a 17 foot camp trailer with mine several times. I have a 5" lift, and 33" tires. I also have an AX15 five speed. I just remind myself to leave plenty of space between me and the other cars and I'm not in a race. I can maintain highway speeds and stop when needed and that is all that matters.

 

[Nikson]

smoking crack... if... - on that note -

1. Your gears arent setup for your tire size (if different from factory)
2. No brakes on trailer
3. No tranny cooler
=======
When towing, consider speeds of 65MPH & under. Keep plenty of distance.

I tow a trailer with 2 snowmobiles & feel that 4.0L has plenty of power left...

 

[Root Moose]

Yeah, power isn't the problem with the XJ... lack of wheelbase and weight is what makes me nervous.

 

[timh]

My XJ had a 3.5" Rub Exp lift with 32's. It was OK on power but the suspension was just too soft even for a small trailer with 2 ATV's.

The biggest thing to consider when towing is not the power of the vehicle but the stability and wieght of the tow vehicle being able to control the load when it might get out of control. I think that much boat would take that Jeep for a ride if something went wrong!