Hi all,


My boyfriend and I are planning a weekend trip with our jet boat about 60 miles from home. All of our vehicles that we typically tow with are down for the count at the moment, so that leaves my XJ as our best option right now. The boat is about 22 feet long with the trailer and has a 454 in it. I don't think it's too heavy because we can move it around the yard with a quad, but I was just wondering if anyone had any experience towing on the highway. I have a 6 inch long arm lift and 5.13 gears as well, so I know we won't be going anywhere fast. Also already have a drop hitch in the mail, so height shouldn't be an issue.


Thanks!

 

What's the boat weigh wet along with the trailer weight? You need to establish that first, and then we can help you.

 

Without knowing the weight of the boat and trailer, the jeep will probably tow it just fine. The problem is braking, leave plenty of room.

 

I would say around 3,000 lbs for the boat and trailer based off of average weights. I wish I could check for you guys. I'm at work at the moment. I have TJ rubicon axles with disc brakes, so that should help the braking a bit I hope, but I will definitely leave plenty of room.

 

I think you're being way optimistic. I had an 18' runabout with a 3.0 liter four cylinder that weighed over 2,000 pounds wet and the trailer weighed nearly 1,000. That 454 will add a few hundred pounds let alone 4 more feet of boat. I would also guess the trailer for that boat is a 2 axle trailer which adds a ton of weight. I am thinking you're closer to 4,500 pounds if not more which will be pushing it with a lifted XJ with oversize tires. Braking is a concern for certain, and a dual axle trailer is likely to have trailer brakes, and you should seriously consider a brake controller.

Honestly, you'll be fine if it's for mostly short trips. If you have an automatic transmission consider a transmission cooler. It's a cheap and easy mod. Add a transmission temp gauge too while you're at it to keep an eye on things.

 

If you do tow with it make sure to hook up your front sway bar.

 

If your trailer does not have perfectly serviceable brakes on it, it can and will completely manhandle your XJ. Emergency braking or while in a turn will be very dangerous. I've gotten into serious trouble with bigger vehicles towing smaller boats. My trailer did not have brakes. Remember safety first.

 

I'm pretty sure the trailer doesn't have brakes, which is certainly a concern of mine. Also, I don't have a sway bar at all right now. I need to find one that will work because my steering box is in the way. Robertj, I have been considering a transmission cooler anyways, so I may do that before we leave. My jeep is definitely not built for the highway and even just driving it 60 miles worries me let alone hauling something along with it. Thanks for the advice everyone! I may be going out to buy a cheap truck so I don't have to beat up my baby or hurt anyone.