Getting more tow weight our of a Jeep

[Krazytrain]

Ok from what I can tell stock TJ jeeps usually only have about 2,000 lbs tow capacity. Does the Dana rearend increase this...if so how much. What have the rest of you done to increase your tow capacity. I want to haul a 3500 lbs boat with a jeep. How can I do this?

THanks,
CJ

 

[Sully]

You can do it. But I dont recomend it. I have pulled another jeep (CJ7) behind our TJ on 35's. I do not recomend towing anything over 2000 pounds on the TJ. The short wheel base doesnt control whatever you are towing that great. It feels like your trailer has more control than you do. It is just dangerous to drive and you dont want to go fast.

 

[west747]

you can haul that amount or more...the 2,000 pound rating is what you can tow safely...and stop with safely. SWB jeeps have trouble towing heavy loads at highway speeds..the jeep is just too light.

others may have some suggestion on how you can safely increase your tow capacity...for now i would suggest getting a 1/2 ton. :wink:

 

[88Wrangles]

Always be sure to hook up the safety chains whenever towing anything, especially stuff heavier than what the factory reccomends. Make sure they are hooked to somethign solid as well!!

 

[whiterubicon]

Anyone going to the Jeep meet and greet this saturday?

The short wheel base is going to limit your directional stability at high speeds. Another concern is the available braking power. Electric brakes will help with this. Pulling a 3500 lb Boat will not be fun.

 

[dick_wilderness]

flares

Short wheel base + steep decline = lots of trouble.

At the bottom of the hill the trailer could be towing the jeep backwards.

 

[graewulf]

I would agree with the above posts, its the short wheel base that is imiting you the most. the rest you can deal with if you are careful (and experienced with a heavy trailer). I wouldn't recommentd it unless towing a short distance where you can take your time.

 

[jps4jeep]

If the trail has a braking system, you will be a little better off, but not that much better. I have towed a boat with my old YJ, I olny went a couple miles and top speed was only 30 mph, and it got a little shady on some of the rolling turns.