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what am i rated to tow?

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Old Aug 12, 2012 | 02:45 PM
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Default what am i rated to tow?

I seem to recall that it's 5000lb right? but I have 31's, so concerned that its going to kill my auto trans. Just looking for assurance before I take a 24 hour trip to texas from cali...
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Old Aug 12, 2012 | 02:57 PM
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5k lb tow rating is when the XJ is equipped with a auxiliary tranny cooler, auto tranny, HD cooling (standard with a/c) and 4.0L motor. Tow limit is 2k or 3k if any of those 4 items are missing. We've towed 1500 lbs with the XJ and u can definitely tell it's back there, especially when stopping. The trailer needs brakes....be safe, be smart.
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Old Aug 12, 2012 | 03:08 PM
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I towed a few Expeditions and Suburbans, which is not very smart. Finally I upgraded to Durango. I suggest 4x4
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Old Aug 12, 2012 | 03:13 PM
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Ok it has all that except the cooler, which is going in next weekend. How much will these 31's effect me? should i tow in 3rd the whole way? I'm expecting to tow under 3k and will have 4 people in the cab.
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Old Aug 12, 2012 | 03:20 PM
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Originally Posted by rklettke
Ok it has all that except the cooler, which is going in next weekend. How much will these 31's effect me? should i tow in 3rd the whole way? I'm expecting to tow under 3k and will have 4 people in the cab.
What rear axle are you running
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Old Aug 12, 2012 | 03:23 PM
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that my friend,will be a FULL load,please use caution when u attempt this feat!
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Old Aug 12, 2012 | 03:29 PM
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Most 4X4 vehicles have a lower tow rating than the same 4X2 vehicle.
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Old Aug 12, 2012 | 04:17 PM
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Originally Posted by rklettke
should i tow in 3rd the whole way?
yes. read owners manual.
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Old Aug 12, 2012 | 04:43 PM
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Originally Posted by car5car
yes. read owners manual.
i agree with the read owners man.,if ya got one,,i politely disagree with the yes though
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Old Aug 12, 2012 | 04:46 PM
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i wouldnt run my rig from the great state of Texas to California in 3rd gear, that will most certainly be counter productive to the longevity of yer trans
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Old Aug 12, 2012 | 04:52 PM
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Originally Posted by gone4x4
i wouldnt run my rig from the great state of Texas to California in 3rd gear, that will most certainly be counter productive to the longevity of yer trans
I dunno about that you still get tc lockup in 3rd gear wouldnt be that hard on it
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Old Aug 12, 2012 | 04:55 PM
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Originally Posted by Parsnip

I dunno about that you still get tc lockup in 3rd gear wouldnt be that hard on it
Would still be over spoiling 3rd at 70mph +.... But Idk...
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Old Aug 12, 2012 | 04:57 PM
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I towed an XJ with my XJ for a short while once. Definitely felt it back there. With 33"s and stock gears I didn't have a lot of power. Stopping was the biggest problem.
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Old Aug 12, 2012 | 05:00 PM
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I was always told not to tow in overdrive with the xj. Not sure why but ill take the advise of the wise people that have mentioned it.

Keeping it in overdrive just seems like it would put more strain on the tranny.
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Old Aug 12, 2012 | 05:01 PM
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Originally Posted by rklettke
Ok it has all that except the cooler, which is going in next weekend. How much will these 31's effect me? should i tow in 3rd the whole way? I'm expecting to tow under 3k and will have 4 people in the cab.
Besides what has been stated with regards to the requirements to achieve a 5K towing capacity which is reduced when any are missing, towing capacity is also affected by weight within the towing vehicle. Typically weight within the towing vehicle is considered full fluids and a driver of 150lbs. So any additional weight of a heavier driver, passengers and gear, reduces the towing capacity. As far as towing in 3rd gear the whole way, depends on the terrain and traffic. If there are a lot of hills and/or congested traffic the answer is yes, because the tranny will be asked to shift more which contributes to excess wear on the tranny. For stretches of flat terrain "D" should be fine.
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