Towing Jeep
I have a question about towing with a TJ. I'm looking to purchase a bass boat when I get back home from my five-month deployment. I have an '03 TJ with a 4-inch lift on 33s with 4.56 gears and an auto transmission. I know the TJ tow rating is 2,000 pounds, and the boats I'm looking at are all less than 1,500 pounds, including the trailer with brakes. I know I should just get a truck or a good tow rig, but I can't afford two insurance payments, so I was wondering what you know about towing with a TJ. Will it be able to handle a 1,500-pound boat easily? Is there any upgrade I should make? Anything you have for me will help because there's not much information online about towing with the TJ.SrA Zach Bingham379th ECESAl Udied Ab Qatar
Your TJ should be able to easily handle hauling a 1,500-pound bass boat and trailer. Your '03 automatic should be the 42RLE four-speed overdrive. It's a sturdy unit, but to ensure its good health, I'd add an aftermarket transmission cooler in line with the factory tranny cooler. Also, when towing, if you encounter a lot of hills and you notice the tranny shifting in and out of Fourth gear Overdrive, I'd pop the shifter into Third gear to prevent the hunting. This cycling in and out of Fourth gear heats up the tranny and accelerates clutch wear. Also, if you don't already have one, I think you'll notice a difference by replacing the factory airbox and ducting with an aftermarket high-flow, cold-air intake of your choice. They're usually good for around 1 mpg and 5 hp.
Otherwise, add a good hitch or rear bumper rated for towing and leave the sway bars hooked up for increased stability. Enjoy the fishing when you get back, and thanks for being over there for us.
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