My 5 speed 97 XJ has towed my 16.5' aluminum boat for 5 years back and forth to the boat launch which is 5 miles away over 100 plus times a SEASON, with little to no trouble. Regular engine oil changes, and making sure the tranny, transfer case, and differentials were all topped off with fluid. I am retiring that jeep, and have a new to me 2000 XJ with the 4 speed AW-4 automatic in it. Im addition to an the regular engine oil/filter changes, I plan on changing the ATF fluid, transfer case fluid, and rear differential oil, before I start towing next week or so, and then yearly after that. Any other recomendations? The boat/trailer combo only weighs 1500lbs, and the trip to the launch is generally flat, one 1/4 mile stretch that is up a gradual hill. A few times a year I may go to the next lake over which is less than a 45 min drive, and no "real" hills between here and there. I don't beat my Jeep, and am an on road only guy, In between towing this boat it will also be my daily back and forth to work driver 15 miles a day round trip. Thanks guys.

 

you mean AW4
I would put a trans cooler on it, in front of the radiator. (I just took my condenser out. lots of room behind the grille). Use Dexron III only in the trans and Tcase.
Other than running hot, the AW4 is a strong trans and you will have no problems with it.

 

Yes AW-4 sorry. I am a newbie with the terminology. I will look into getting a cooler, am I really going to generate that much more heat just going 5 miles or so with the smallish boat? I know.......rather be safe than sorry. Thanks for the reply.

 

doubt it... but, just like you say "better be safe than sorry".
Mine is stock, I dont tow with it, and it has 235s on it. Still has a trans cooler.