XJ... can it tow my YJ?

[Joopin]

I have a chance to buy my dads 93 2 door XJ for cheap... I will probably just use it for a regular everyday vehicle and keep the YJ for offroading.

Question is... If I get a trailor will this tiny XJ be able to tow the big stomper down the highway for maybe a 2 hour drive? (thinking paragon) It's only got the 4.0 in it with a 5spd. Does anyone do stuff like this with the xj?

 

[graewulf]

You can do it if you know what you are doing and the trailer has a good brake system on it. If you take it real easy on the XJ, and don't expect fast acceleration, you could to that trip once in a while with the YJ in tow. If you don't have trailering experience with a big load I wouldn't recommend it. You could get in sreious trouble towing that much if you aren't careful

 

[TwistedCU]

RE: rhino liner on the exterior

It should have plenty of power to haul it. The manual trans is a plus, too. Braking could be ugly in bad weather, I'll second what Graewulf said about making sure the trailer had good brakes.

 

[Saurian]

RE: ICE AND SNOW FOR A TJ?

Just take it gently, the 4.0 is a fine engine, I would think it would have plenty of power for towing... Just don't expect it to drive like it would under no load; my mom did that with her caravan towing our Scout troop trailer, crash, ping, there went the transmission...

 

[Joopin]

Cool thanks guys, the reason I asked is cause usually I see people towing thier toys with a V8. The 4.0 is a good engine, but I wasn't sure how it would be under these conditions. I never really towed anything, so I guess I will have to practice... oh wait, I need to buy a trailor first!

Joop

 

[bchcky]

RE: what size can I run?

the insurance institute for highway safety says the max towing capacity on a 93 cherokee with the 4.0 is 5000 pounds.

 

[judge09]

gotta love the insurance institute for highway safety. I have seen xj's pulling other vehicles. take it slow and be safe.

 

[graewulf]

well there ya go - YJ & trailer probably will be less than 5000

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

Keep the trailer light. I've towed my YJ with an XJ many times, but I always preferred a tow dolly or towbar for the weight savings. Make sure the trailer has brakes on at least one axle, and the trailer weight is relatively light.

 

[graewulf]

RE: a question for all you mechanics out there

Keep the trailer light. I've towed my YJ with an XJ many times, but I always preferred a tow dolly or towbar for the weight savings. Make sure the trailer has brakes on at least one axle, and the trailer weight is relatively light.

I'm just the opposite - I prefer wheels up towing because you have the trailer brakes to help you out when braking, and it is easier to back up a trailer. If the trailer is the right size for the Jeep and you load it correctly you should have about 400lb tongue weight.