xj towing question...

Well, it looks like im gonna be makin a trek from Texas up to Portland, Or. hear soon. My question will my lil cherokee make it towing a loaded 4x8 uhaul trailer (maybe 2000# max). Its an 87' I6, ax-15, class III hitch, regeared to 4.10's, and a 3" lift (bastard pak in the back). The brake system is all fairly new and works good, as is the clutch. Its currently running 33's, but I think I will be downsizing them to 31's or 32's before I leave. OH!!! and one other question...Im trying to decide what route to take...Straight up and over the rockies (shorter, but more mountains), Or I-10W to I-5N (longer, hotter, boring scenery, but not as much mountain climbing). Just want to give it every chance I can...

You'll definitely like 31s over 33s with that drivetrain. You've already covered the XJ brakes and clutch. The big suggestion would be trailer brakes. With a U-Hell, you'll be stuck with surge brakes (which I despise, but that's a different discussion.)

I towed a 2k+ lb. pop-up from Chicago to Moab 3 times, and took I-70 each time. All with 4.10 gears, twice with 31s, once with 33s. The XJ struggled more with the 33s.

Make sure your cooling system is in good shape. IIRC, an 87 is an open cooling system. Make sure your overflow bottle holds pressure, and that your radiator fins are clean. I hope you've got a full gauge dash, you'll be running warm.

Actually the cooling system was converted...I got sick of the pressure bottle cracking and having to fuss with trapped air...sooooo no more issues with that. I do have the full guage dash and figured it would run a little bit warmer, but am hoping if I take it nice and slow it will be ok.

Keep your eyes on your temp gauge, understand that you will not be keeping pace with the Suby WRXes going up the mountain, enjoy the drive, and keep the wheels down.

Don't forget to post up in the North West Chapter, say hi and join us on a Run once your settled.

If you are doing the trip soon I would consider an upgrade to a ZJ HD fan clutch, NAPA 272310, $44, direct fit.

It has been in the triple digits here in So. OR and No. CA, and Las Vegas had an EXTREME TEMPERATURE ALERT--now just how hot does it have to be in Vegas for that kind of warning???

joe_peters said:

It has been in the triple digits here in So. OR and No. CA, and Las Vegas had an EXTREME TEMPERATURE ALERT--now just how hot does it have to be in Vegas for that kind of warning???

Click to expand...

If I was you I'll drive at night when the air tempetature is in the mid 80s
But if you do, Get your self some off-road lights in the 100w size and use them on the dark roads

How long of a trip is it anyway ? time/miles

Good Luck !

you should be fine if your jeep's in good shape. I towed my wife's escort through the ozarks. Not nearly the rockies but a heavier load. I think the mistake a lot of people make when towing is the let the revs drop too much on hills. Downshift! 2000 rpm is fine when empty on the flat but when towing up a hill 3000 rpm is a better idea. When the revs drop you can overheat. 3000 keeps it near the torque peak and flows water and air better. I have a scangauge and can watch temp to the degree and mine never rose more that 2 deg when pulling a hill. On steep hills don't be afraid of holding the rpm in the 3200-3500 range.

The trip is 2161 miles or somewhere around there according to mapquest...or about 31 hours. Its a bit of a haul, but ive made the drive so many times I dont even need a map anymore. !st time doing it in an XJ though

I am far from an expert but this seems like a great time to do a fan switch and do the washer trick for the hood (Hillbilly Cowl) or hood vents…