Tow or not to Tow a boat??
Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 216
Likes: 0
From: Seattle, Wa
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 HO
I towed my 18.5 ft Bayliner all over the place last summer with 31s 5speed and 3.07s it was fine until I hit hills. Now I have 33s and the same gears so I will not even bother trying to tow it anywhere over 35mph until I re-gear. The biggest problem I had was braking, I toasted brakes super fast running the boat around.
Seasoned Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 316
Likes: 0
From: 10 mi NE of Albany NY
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
No problem (specs in Sig) 16.5' 50hp merc

X1000000 On the brakes, I can feel it pushing. Any bigger and I'd be looking for a trailer w/brakes/torsion axle maybe.

X1000000 On the brakes, I can feel it pushing. Any bigger and I'd be looking for a trailer w/brakes/torsion axle maybe.
Last edited by raypla; Apr 20, 2010 at 04:09 PM.
i have a 21 rabalo boat my dad thinks it weighs around 3500 can i tow that with my i6 cherokee? my main concern is launchin it because of the size of it im afraid my jeep will follow the boat into the bay? and will my jeepeven be able to pull it? and stop at trafic lights?
i have a 21 rabalo boat my dad thinks it weighs around 3500 can i tow that with my i6 cherokee? my main concern is launchin it because of the size of it im afraid my jeep will follow the boat into the bay? and will my jeepeven be able to pull it? and stop at trafic lights?
Probably need to start a new thread. Towing successfully is not only the vehicle but the driver is the other part of the equation. With a little common sense and awareness of the dynamics behind you it is possible.
I tow a similar setup with an '04, I-6 GC with no problem.
CF Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,150
Likes: 1
From: Nashville, TN
Year: 1997, 1993
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
I've pulled an 18' aluminum around for with my nearly stock 97 many times. Barely know it's there. I've also pulled a car on a trailer (very sketchy, never doing it again).
Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 247
Likes: 0
From: Columbia, SC
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L

Basically stock, with my 17.5' Procraft (2600lbs), and completely loaded with gear in the back(~650lbs) of the XJ. Worn out springs squat but ride well. I used drive until i hit the interstate, and put the cruise on at 70mph. It's like it's not even there unless i'm braking. I run both F&R sway bars still.
Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 167
Likes: 0
From: Charleston SC
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
I pull a 21ft Key West which I think is about 3000 lbs. It is fine on the flat roads, and launching is fine, I just put it in low 4WD to get some traction on the slippery slip. Hills are a different matter - you can see the temp gauge creeping up and feel the motor struggling. I'd never consider pulling it long distances.
CF Veteran
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 3,004
Likes: 1
From: Wilmington,NC
Year: 1989
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0

Basically stock, with my 17.5' Procraft (2600lbs), and completely loaded with gear in the back(~650lbs) of the XJ. Worn out springs squat but ride well. I used drive until i hit the interstate, and put the cruise on at 70mph. It's like it's not even there unless i'm braking. I run both F&R sway bars still.
CF Veteran
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,074
Likes: 0
From: Bergen County, New Jersey U.S.A.
Year: 1990 Laredo
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 Inline 6 Renix
If when towing it did not feel right check a few things... Are your rear leafs saggy? Does your jeep have a Trans cooler?
Heres my cherokee with a 16ft aluminum which towed really well. I also tow a sled trailer with two sleds on it. I have done a few trips towing the sled trailer that were over a 1000km. My cherokee has the 4cyl. I do not see why you should have any problems
CF Veteran
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 3,004
Likes: 1
From: Wilmington,NC
Year: 1989
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0


