I have a 02 Jeep TJ that I am looking to use to two a boat. That is one of the reason that I had purchased the Jeep. The other is to have fun with my kids. I really need to know the answer becuase I always like to dump money on my toys to hook them up but if its not good for towing a boat then I will not dump so much into it. I am a true believer in Jeeps, I have seen really junked up six cylinder trucks pull boats and I dont see why my Jeep wouldn't be able to also. All info will be greatly appreciated.
Can a 02 Jeep TJ Tow a boat?
- Thread starter jeep_tj
- Start date
Bounty__Hunter
Super Moderator
Depends on the weight of the boat and trailer.
Bounty__Hunter
Super Moderator
Having enough power to move the load is only a small part of being able to tow safely. If you can't stop properly or if you don't have enough weight in the tow rig to control sway it's possible for the tail to wag the dog.
I've launched my boat quite a few times (21" cuddy cabin), and the Jeep can pull like nobody's business - I have no problems getting up the ramp. I do have problems stopping and staying in my lane if it's windy though. Your Jeep is too light, and doesn't have the brakes to do any serious highway towing.
Get trailer brakes for your boat, and keep the speed down (I usually stay under 25, and on back roads), and you should be fine.
Get trailer brakes for your boat, and keep the speed down (I usually stay under 25, and on back roads), and you should be fine.
Bounty__Hunter
Super Moderator
If you are towing something heavy enough that you think you need trailer brakes, definitely keep speeds below 45mph and stay off the highway. I used my old 350 YJ for launching & pulling the boat around the campground & that's about it.
shiftclick
New member
I have a 4,000 lb aftermarket tow-hitch on mine and have towed at least 3500 lbs. It's a Reese hitch and my jeep is an almost stock 2002 "X" 4.0. So, yes would be the answer, but you wouldn't want to go with much more weight behind you...
Bounty__Hunter
Super Moderator
Doesn't matter that the hitch is rated for 4k, the Jeep isn't. I wouldn't recommend somebody towing that much weight with a light weight, weak braked, short wheelbase vehicle. The tail WILL end up wagging the dog.
Just because you've done it, doesn't make it right or safe.
Just because you've done it, doesn't make it right or safe.
SteelHeadz
Super Moderator
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That pic is hillarious!!!! Lmao!!
That pic is hillarious!!!! Lmao!!
stinkfist
New member
nice pic:lol:Doesn't matter that the hitch is rated for 4k, the Jeep isn't. I wouldn't recommend somebody towing that much weight with a light weight, weak braked, short wheelbase vehicle. The tail WILL end up wagging the dog.
Just because you've done it, doesn't make it right or safe.
Mr.Bo
New member
From TrailerLife.com: Trailer Life> Tow Ratings
A JK is rated at 2,000 lbs. with a 300 lb hitch weight. With an automatic its 1,000 lbs. Trailer brakes required over 1,000 lbs.
From Jeeps website: Jeep - 2010 Jeep Wrangler - Capability - Towing
Towing Capability
Wrangler can tow a healthy 2,000 pounds when properly equipped.
A JK is rated at 2,000 lbs. with a 300 lb hitch weight. With an automatic its 1,000 lbs. Trailer brakes required over 1,000 lbs.
From Jeeps website: Jeep - 2010 Jeep Wrangler - Capability - Towing
Towing Capability
Wrangler can tow a healthy 2,000 pounds when properly equipped.
Bounty__Hunter
Super Moderator
OP asked about a TJ.
Mr.Bo
New member
I know but I really doubt the TJ has a higher towing capacity than a JK. Most likely they'd be the same, at least within a couple hundred pounds
My point was if a JK is 2,000, no way a TJ is 4,000
Bounty__Hunter
Super Moderator
I believe the JK can be optioned to tow more than the TJ, not to mention the added width, length, and weight make it a little safer to tow with.
ruajetpilot2
New member
According to the owner's manual, a TJ is rated to tow 2000lbs with an LJ at 3500lbs. With my 2006 LJ, I pull at 4 ski trailer with 3 jetskis and a large aluminum toolbox full of crap on the front of the trailer. Skis are approx. 1450lbs, trailer is heavy duty, 25 ft long, & weighs approx. 1200lbs empty. It weighs the back of it down quite a bit but pulling it is no problem. However, when the skis are full of fuel & everything is loaded down, the trailer sometimes wants to get a little squirrely. The trailer has brakes which helps.
I think the towing capacities for the JKs are the same as the TJs but this is a guess.
I agree with previous posters. The weight and the length of the trailer make a difference in being able to tow safely.8)
I think the towing capacities for the JKs are the same as the TJs but this is a guess.
I agree with previous posters. The weight and the length of the trailer make a difference in being able to tow safely.8)
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