So during a family trip in Missouri, my transmission went out in my car. It would be cheaper for me to tow it back to Portland and fix it their with my dad. I've got a 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee. We are possibly going the northern route if its accesable to avoid the longer spurts of mountains, but need to be prepared if I have to take the I80 route. Is this even possible? I've got a tranny cooler and replacing a few minor things as well as taking a full tool box with replacement parts and extra fluids.

 

What engine does your Jeep have and what is the car you are wanting to tow?

The short answer is this: is it possible? Probably. Is it recommended? Probably not.

Having said that, there is a member here who regularly tows his XJ with his Grand Cherokee without any issues. It all depends on what you've got.

 

4.0L Honestly as crappy as it sounds... I dont mind the wear and tear... its fixable. I just want to get there. We are towing a 2004 Toyota Corrolla possibly on a tow dolly, not sure yet about the trailer.

 

I haul cattle with my 94 ZJ 4.0. Mine has the tow package but I think you should be fine. Just go easy!

 

Long distances? I think the only things I am worried about are the distance and terrain causing motor issues.... and being blown around by semis and such. I have never towed anything bigger than a 5X7 uhaul trailer before, and even that was only from Virginia to Missouri. We are going 2000 miles in just 3-4 days.

 

I havent done anything quite that long, but I have hauled from the top of NC down to GA before in our old cherokee. You seem to be well prepared and plan on taking basic tools with you. Check all your fluids (oil, coolant, tranny, tcase, diffs) and keep some extra fluids on hand. Watch your gauges and keep an eye on things. I dont see you having any issues as long as your jeep is in good shape. Again, just go easy.

 

When was the last time you did a brake refresh? GCWR isn't very high with a 4.0L. The V8 models are rated for something like 7,000 lbs.

I've towed 3000-3500 lbs with a 4.0L XJ and it was awful. Mostly the braking... There wasn't enough. I had to execute an emergency stop in the city and had to hit the ditch to avoid a crash.

The GC is heavier so controlling the load wouldn't be a problem, but stopping really is. A trailer with surge brakes helps a lot, but they're heavy bastards (U Haul one weighs 2000 lbs), so you kind of lose what you gain.

You should be okay if you keep it slow (like 40 MPH) and keep the 42RE out of overdrive. Going on the interstate would be a really bad idea with that combo.

 

I replied to your other post but it looks like your more active on this one....


Anythings possible if your brave enough lol! Sure you got enough power. The problem is with your brakes. That's what makes towing with a truck nice, much bigger brakes. I guess it depends on how much its going to save you. You'll have to decide if its really worth it. Just watch your gauges, be easy on the brakes, and dont follow anyone too close and you'll be fine. I don't know what the area your going to be driving looks like but I would definitely try to avoid going down long steep inclines but if you do have to brave one try not to stand on the brakes all the way down.

 

And also I wouldn't normally say this but I would recommend using a dolly in order to keep the weight down. I think UHaul even rents out some aluminum ones.

 

In early August I did a brake refresh. I planned on not going over 50-55. Makes for a long long trip but worth it not tearing the heck out of it.

 

Aluminum would be awesome, I'll def check it out!

 

we are trying to figure out which route would be the easiest with the least amount of passes for us right now. There really isnt a way to totally bypass the mountains but we are sure gonna try the best feesable route LOL

 

If your gunna go down any long grades just be sure to slow down using firm pulses of the brakes instead of long steady braking. If you brake for too long you'll turn your perfectly good rotors into the shape of a pringle chip lol. Ive warped rotors several times in a 1 ton diesel truck and those are big brakes, obviously pulling a heavy load, but all it takes is a steep grade and a little to long of braking and it'll shrivel em up quick. It happens way faster than you would think. And trust me after you've warped the rotors bad enough, stopping while overloaded isnt the most smooth ride lol.

 

Just leave like 10+ car lengths between the car in front of you and don't exceed 55 MPH because the XJ is not heavy enough to keep the load "steady", and getting into a tankslapper is not something you want to do.

If you do get into a tank slapper, remember - getting ON the gas HARD will pull the trailer straight. Not always feasible though

Stay safe!

 

I tow my XJ with my WJ quite a bit on a race car trailer (all steel) with surge brakes on both axles. The WJ is a V-8 with complete Class IV tow pkg. and 3.73 gears, if you have a V-8 in yours go for the trailer with brakes as stopping will be a problem without.