Cummins makes a small 4cylinder but that'd be a big project. VW makes a diesel SUV that's pretty small tow capacity at 6000 I think but they are hard to find and about 40 grand used.

I think the VW is rated at 26 mpg but not sure

You can make a vehicle tow easier but can't increase its towing capacity as that is regulated by the gvrw and a bunch of other stuff with the vehicle. The XJ's towing capacity is 5000lbs. If you really want to keep the XJ you can tow up to 5k but you will want to regear, install a trans cooler, etc to make the towing easier on your motor.

I think the best bet is a WK Grand Cherokee in either the 5.7 Hemi or the 3.0 Diesel. Both have tow ratings of 7200lbs+. Not much bigger then the XJ but an extra 2000lbs of towing capacity.

If it's that you're xj dose'nt seem to have enough power, a lower set of gears would help make up for that. If it's an automatic don't forget a trans cooler. If you're still wanting more towing capacity, a 93-98 zj with the v8 has a towing capacity of 6500 and is similarly sized and not to expensive. (keep xj and have zj)

Tow capacity is a function of engine output, frame member strength, axle strength, suspension, and brakes.

You'd have to upgrade all of those to consistently upgrade your tow capacity.

If you tow consistently, often, or for long distances, I will concur with the "get a Diesel" opinion. That's pretty much what Rudolf Diesel invented his engine for.

(My wife wants a motorhome. My answer? "Fine. Find me a Diesel, that is not a Ford.")

You are not going to find a small SUV, with a gasoline engine, with a big tow capacity and fuel economy. With a Diesel, no trouble.

(And, if you get an older Diesel, it's easier to go to WVO or greasel. If you run greasel, you can do it with the same tank - but a second tank to split Diesel/greasel is helpful. If you go WVO, you have to have a second tank, because you can't start a Diesel on WVO. But, since Herr Diesel designed his engine to run on either peanut oil or coal gas, conversion isn't such a big issue...)

Swap in a 4BT...

Or look at the new diesel Rangers.

Sounds like you need to upgrade something else in your lifestyle.

I can't imagine that the size difference between a single cab F-150 and Cherokee would make so much of a difference that it wouldn't fit in your yard.

Maybe stop selling boats and start selling Kayaks?

Or, I like the idea of the Fork Lift to move boats around in the tight spaces and the trucks to make the hauls down the road.

I tow my Jeep with a Chevrolet 1500 down the road and move the trailer (and my camper) around in my yard with my 4-wheeler.

So...the tow capacity if the XJ is 3500lbs with the 4.0L engine, and up to 5000lbs with the tranny cooler and a weight distribution hitch (quite generous IMO). There's no way to safely increase the GCWR of a vehicle - as other posters have said it's a combination of the axle rating, engine power/torque, braking system, and the structure of the vehicle itself - some of which you can upgrade, but some you cannot.

IMO more importantly than the power to pull the load (and the braking force to stop it), is the weight of the vehicle doing the pulling. The cherokee is relatively light (~3350lbs) - if you are pulling something heavier than that, the tow vehicle will no longer be able to CONTROL the load, no matter how strong of an engine or brakes you have. If that load starts swaying from side to side (due to wind, blowout, oscillation, etc), there's no way you'll be able to pull out of the sway and it will end VERY badly.

Bottom line - get a vehicle designed for towing. Anything else is irresponsible and dangerous. Nothing the same size/weight as an XJ can tow more than an XJ.

This my zj has the tow package only weighs a few hundred more than the xj. I've towed xjs on a dolley with it before, maybe 3 miles. I just don't feel comfortable doing it.

My uncle has a 02 Grand Cherokee limited, with the 4.7 v8, and its a little bigger then the Xj, but it tows great, we tow cars with it on a flat bed, ( around 5k pounds ) we towed my dads 6,000 lb 23ft boat, it did great. Only thing that was bad about towing with it, was the rear-end sag, but i think they make aftermarket blocks that you can put in between springs for towing .

Alright thanks.

Thanks.

I'd love to have an f-150 but as I said, it's too big meaning that it's too long and too wide.

The 5.7 L sounds like a good engine for towing but it uses more gas than we
can really afford.

That was our first suggestion but our yard isn't big nor long enough.
The forklift idea would work if our yard was a dry storage facility but sadly it's
still just our backyard.

They make them for cars too ?
I thought they were only meant for marine/industrial (tractor) use.

I'd than prefer the diesel over the hemi.
At first I thought it would only tow as much as a Liberty or Compass because
of the 3.0 L engine.

Alright, thanks.

Hmm, never heard of this but thanks.

Or look at the new diesel Rangers.[/QUOTE]

I know this isn't really a reason for not buying one but my dad doesn't like their exterior.
He doesn't like the Dodge exterior either.

You would be surprised how much of a difference it makes.
I do like the idea of moving them with a 4-weeler.

Understood.

We had an exact same model but from 2000
We loved it but as most know, Grand Cherokee's have had the tendency to break down alot (I don't know about newer models though)
After fixing her up, she worked perfectly but then we sold her.