Towing a Boat with 1997 Jeep Wrangler TJ

Published 07/13/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(72)

$200.93

etrailer Ball Mount Kit for 2" Hitches - 7,500 lbs

(1381)

$88.29

Question:

Can a 97 TJ 4.0 5 speed, pull a boat with about 150 pounds tongue weight and boat weighing 1600 to 1700 pounds

asked by: Marcos B

Helpful Expert Reply:

After doing a little bit of research I was able to determine the maximum tongue weight of your 1997 Jeep Wrangler TJ is 300lbs and your maximum towing capacity is 2000lbs. So given the parameters that you're describing, you should be able to tow a small boat in your TJ. In case you don't already have a hitch you may want to look at the Curt Class III Receiver # 13430 , which is sized to fit your Jeep. To go along with the hitch you need the trailer wiring # 118356 and a ball mount. The most versatile ball mount package that works with this setup is the # 989900 which gives you a few options in the event that you need to tow something else aside from your boat.

The one thing I am noticing is that a lot of the resources that I've seen recommend a trailer with brakes for anything close to the Jeep's 2000 lb capacity. The shorter wheel base of the early model Jeep is one of the reasons for such a low towing capacity and if you're going to be towing a lot on hills or any type of winding roads it may be something to consider since the limits of the stock braking system are going to be tested in those types of conditions.

expert reply by: Erik B