Most vehicles will tow outside their rated class (think of it like derating power levels for insurance from the manufacturers). But that doesn't mean most people should tow outside the class level. When I have towed heavier than usual loads, I pay close attention to the tongue weight, I make sure to balance the load with most of the weight over the axles (sometimes this means loading a vehicle onto a trailer backwards with the engine over the axles), I use trailers with brakes, and I make sure that my tires are properly aired up. Drive 10mph lower than the speed limit if possible, and keep at least 4-6 car lengths or more between you and anyone in front of you. Short of that, borrow a larger tow vehicle or rent one.

 

I have a class 5 Reece hitch on my XJ with the correct nut strips. I also have a three row moden radiater and an oversized trans cooler so I am pretty confident towing with it.

You are correct about some people trying to tow with the wrong hitch as I have seen a mini van class 2 hitch with an adapter for a 2 inch class 3 hitch towing a 26 foot camper.

Modern hydraulic Surge brakes if adjusted correctly and if the tongue weight is right work just as good as electric brakes. In fact most boats have them as they don't want you dipping your electric brakes in the lake all the time. However the odds of getting ones that are adjusted right on a uhaul is likely slim to none.

Getting the tongue weight at 10% and using a load distributing hitch if it squats your vehicle is very important as squatting means your vehicle is out of ballance and will steer and stop badly.

 

The majority of the weight should not be centered over the axles. The trailer can get squirrely real quick.

60/40 distribution with a 10-15% tongue load is what you shoot for.

Don't exceed the manufacturer's ratings. They are there for a reason.

I've never had a problem with U-Haul trailer brakes.

 

Glad to hear you have had good luck with uhaul brakes.

 

I'm not sure if the capacities are the same but I have an 87 with the factory tow package, still with the factory tow rating sticker. Trailer weight capacity is rated @ 5000lbs. 87 - 2000 is a bit of a date gap and I also have the stock Dana 44 so the numbers may be off.

 

Well at least I didn't run off a mountain while towing.

 

The bad part about the XJ's is they are a not a full frame and therefor not the best choice for towing a very heavy load.

 

towing small trailers with them is fine if not overloaded, but as others have said, renting a tow rig or having another full frame vehicle for often towing is better