Originally Posted by Muggy

Recently picked up a 1,500lb pop up camper. Towed it home with Ram 2500 so didn’t have to test the XJ. I need to replace the suspension, currently it’s on a budget 3” lift, extended shackles and pucks. Currently running 235 tires and plan on only going up to 30 or 31in once I run through these tires. I want to go up to 4.5” using the zone kit but not sure how that’ll affect towing. Max weight of the trailer is 2K, I have the tow package, and max I'm driving is 2.5 hours away. Im in AZ though so anywhere I go has some mountain passes, the trailer has electronic brakes though so braking should be covered. Just curious how 4.5” will affect going 65 and uphills in the mountains. Anyone have any info or advice?

Originally Posted by Very Red XJ

I had difficulty towing a 2,100lb tear drop with 235/75/R16's on an OEM 2" front lift and a 3" rear lift (sets level when towing) and stock gearing. We climbed hills at 35mph. The gap between 2nd and 3rd on the AW4 becomes pronounced and the meager braking system became fade city in the mountains.What does your pop-up weigh fully loaded? How much are you going to re-gear? Is your 4.0 stock? Do you have a your eye on a 5-speed? I highly recommend a fully articulating hitch/coupler if your planning to pull off-road

Originally Posted by Muggy

The popup will be 2K fully loaded with water, propane, and gear.

what do you mean do I have an eye on a 5 speed?

Some convert to the 5-speed auto from the Grand Cherokee 4.0
Some convert to the 5-speed manual

I’ve travelled the mountain passes with 200lbs on the roof, another 200lbs of gear in the car, and 4 people + dog without getting below 55. Also drove 2 hours away on mostly flat but with a hilly dirt section with 400lbs on the tongue thanks to my dirt bike and my average speed was 70. I’m lucky that my engine has 5K miles on it, bought the XJ with a reman motor just installed. Only thing I’ve done to it is add 12 hole injectors. I do plan on a flow master 44 exhaust and 62mm throttle body soon. I’ll be on the 235 tires for a while, they still have plenty of life left.

Yes - we've over-landed in our XJ with a full roof rack and 4 people too. Congrats on your new motor. We live in California and many of the passes are very steep. We wouldn't have bought the truck (265hp/261ft/lbs with a 5-speed auto) if the XJ was suited for towing. We learned the hard way that it isn't. .

i don’t plan anything on regearing which is part of the reason i wont go past 31”.

Originally Posted by Very Red XJ

Yes, You don't have to re-gear for 31's, but you should for towing with 31's, But if you stay on the flats and put better brakes, thicker radiator, vent the hood and add a transmission cooler you may get by towing 2,000lbs

Originally Posted by Muggy

For now I’ll be rocking the 235’s/29”. With how infrequently I drive the XJ I’ll still be rocking these tires in 2 years. It really only gets used for real off-roading twice a year and maybe once a month do I even drive it out of town. Perks of having kids and my wife’s car, it’s the family car.

I do plan on picking up a second hood to add vents, for now I just have the rear hood
spacers I installed after some slower trail driving led to some more temp than I would’ve liked.

I certainly agree

I do plan on an entire cooling system refresh, including hoses and heater core. There’s a small leak somewhere but I can only tell my
smell after driving for about 30 minutes. I flush coolant once or twice a year and it’s always the same amount.

I'd recommend a Mishimoto radiator

I’m actually rethinking the 4.5” lift and just going with a 3” since I won’t be going to 31’s for a couple
years. Should handle alright with the suspensions refresh.

Originally Posted by Very Red XJ

We have an Old Man Emu suspension system with springs and shocks. With the coils in front the lift was 2-1/4"; with all 6 leafs in the pack, the lift was 3-1/4". It sat level with a 297lb tongue weight setting on the hitch. We ran 235/75 r16's (29.7") .When we got the truck, I put an 1-1/2" seat/spacer in front (deleting the stock worn 1/2 seat) which netted a 3-1/4" lift front & rear with 245/75 r16 (30.5") One could install a shackle relocate kit and adjust the rear lift as needed. OME shocks are stout enough for towing. Convert to Grand Cherokee front brakes and install a rear disk kit to improve stopping power to be safe on the pavement. If your pop - up has trailer brakes, have a brake controller installed - adjust to around 3 volts. Climbing a hill towing with the AW4 shifting down from 3rd to 2nd with the tech wildly swinging from 3,000 rpm to 4,600 rpm may not get on your nerves, but that old 6 sounds grating to mine.