towing mpgs on a 01 xj sport?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Ok xj friends, I have a move coming up where I will be towing a 4' x 8' uhaul behind my 2001 xj sport. I'm new to jeeps and just purchased it from my sister. Looking to see what kind of fuel economy I can expect. Not really putting to much weight in the trailer, maybe 1000 lbs max. The drive is all down Hill from Colorado to Michigan. The jeep is stock with a little over 80k on the engine and new tires are going on this next week. Any info would be greatly appreciated and help me budget for this trip. Thanks!
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: Fargo ND
Year: 1994
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Doing 55 mph I was able to get 14.5 mpg pulling a 12 foot enclosed uhaul trailer on flat land. I'm on 31s with AW4 and stock gearing. Keep your speed down and you won't take as much of a hit.
Herp Derp Jerp

Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 18,251
Likes: 17
From: Parham, ON
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L OBD-II
If you're concerne about fuel economy keep the speed down. These things are like sails lol. I'm sure the 4'x8' is a lot easier to tow than the 6'x12'
I managed to get about 18-20 MPG towing this doing 60MPH, but I drive a stick and shifted early to avoid BS. At the time I could get 27-28 MPG without the trailer.

I expect an auto would go about 5-6 MPG lower. Don't be afraid to throw the transmission into "3" (locks out overdrive) if it's hilly.
I managed to get about 18-20 MPG towing this doing 60MPH, but I drive a stick and shifted early to avoid BS. At the time I could get 27-28 MPG without the trailer.

I expect an auto would go about 5-6 MPG lower. Don't be afraid to throw the transmission into "3" (locks out overdrive) if it's hilly.
CF Veteran




Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 3,144
Likes: 361
From: Andover, VT
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0 L
If you're concerne about fuel economy keep the speed down. These things are like sails lol. I'm sure the 4'x8' is a lot easier to tow than the 6'x12' I managed to get about 18-20 MPG towing this doing 60MPH, but I drive a stick and shifted early to avoid BS. At the time I could get 27-28 MPG without the trailer. I expect an auto would go about 5-6 MPG lower. Don't be afraid to throw the transmission into "3" (locks out overdrive) if it's hilly.
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CF Veteran
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 7,554
Likes: 17
From: Monett, MO.
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Hell I thought that 20-27mpg was when he missed a curve in the mountains and that was going "OVER THE CLIFF" 
I don't own anything that gets 27mpg that I know of anymore.

I don't own anything that gets 27mpg that I know of anymore.
27 doesn't seem unheard of. my auto gets 22-23 if I drive like grandma. I'm heavily considering an ax15 swap this summer. the 4.0s don't do bad unless you keep your foot in it. the whole straight axle 4wd thing really hurts mileage.
Herp Derp Jerp

Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 18,251
Likes: 17
From: Parham, ON
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L OBD-II
Yes it's pretty common for stock XJs with a manual transmission lol. You can reference many other threads if you like. Sorry to get you all riled up.
Extra rotating mass of 31" tires takes a mileage hit. Lift takes a mileage hit. Speed takes a mileage hit. Improperly geared axles takes a mileage hit. You get the idea. I lost my fancy fuel economy the second I lifted it (though I did regear). To be expected.
Anyway expect poor mileage when towing.
Yeah especially the whole "flying brick" thing. The difference in an XJ between 110 KM/H and 120 KM/H is huge.
Extra rotating mass of 31" tires takes a mileage hit. Lift takes a mileage hit. Speed takes a mileage hit. Improperly geared axles takes a mileage hit. You get the idea. I lost my fancy fuel economy the second I lifted it (though I did regear). To be expected.
Anyway expect poor mileage when towing.
Yeah especially the whole "flying brick" thing. The difference in an XJ between 110 KM/H and 120 KM/H is huge.
CF Veteran
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 3,686
Likes: 6
From: Hudson, FL
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L Inline 6
I'm not seeing anything close to 27 or 28 MPG here:
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bymod...Cherokee.shtml
Most of our modern cars don't even do that well. I think something's off.
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bymod...Cherokee.shtml
Most of our modern cars don't even do that well. I think something's off.
what is going in the trailer? weight will affect mileage.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Honestly, not much weight at all, am aluminum full size bed frame and memory foam mattress , large dresser, some army tuff boxes full of clothes and random ish. And some snowboard gear. Not really all that much. Probley only fill half the trailer... I'm thinking I will average somewhere around 13 but wouldn't mind seeing 15-17 if I take it real easy
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