Towing bass boat

So I'm contemplating the idea of getting a used bass boat. I've got the fishing itch now that spring has hit. However before I get too excited i want to be sure I can haul this boat around. I've got a '01 XJ that is stock aside from a Hayden rapid cool AT oil cooler. My xj does not have the tow package but I did install a class iii hitch.

I'm looking for a 17-18' fiberglass boat, single axle trailer. I'm guessing this will weigh around 3000lbs.

I don't plan on going cross country but I would like to go on maybe a 3hr trip to lakes in the area. I'm in the Ozarks of Missouri/Arkansas so it's not mountains but there are good hills & inclines.

Is this xj safe to do this regularly? Should I consider adding a brake controller? What else should I consider adding to the setup to make sure it's safe & reliable?

I do regular maintenance on the xj. Just put new radiator, fan clutch, water pump, t-stat. Need to change AT filter & fluid. Change oil regularly.

There are two things to consider. Trailer brakes and tongue weight. As far as moving 3K, sure it will do it. But you might want to consider a way to stop it better than just your XJ brakes. XJs don't handle much tongue weight well. But you can get some add on devices for a stock rig such as air bags and helper springs and fancy load distribution devices for the hitch

Thing is most of the boats I'm looking at don't have brakes on the trailers. I'm talking about a 17-18' bass boat which really isn't that heavy of a load. & I don't think you can add trailer brakes unless the axle has the bracket originally equipped. Is this correct? I would certainly make sure my brakes are well maintained before trailering a boat.
As far as tongue weight, I may need to replace the rear leafs at some point, mine are a bit saggy.

def gonna need rear leafs if yours are sagging. As far as the total weight, you're getting close to the max an XJ can do safely. you can move the boats position forward or back to fine tune your tongue weight. I would do this before adding a bunch of junk to the jeep.

Trailer brakes aren't required in most states until you hit 3500 or 4500 lbs. So don't expect to find a boat of that size with trailer brakes on it. If you do, they're most likely electric where you need a controller. surge brakes would be best as they respond to tow vehicles braking and can really stop you in a hurry if they're tuned and setup right.

as far as adding brakes, I have a flatbed I'm looking to add brakes to. Haven't started researching it just yet, so I'm not much help there. surge brakes would require modding and replacing the tongue and running hard lines. electric will be a lot easier. 2 braking hubs are about $100. add a controller and you're in business

lastly, I don't think you're boat will weigh as much as you think, but sounds like you'd err on the safe side.

fun fact: you can tow 15,000 lbs in Texas with NO TRAILER BRAKES as long you don't exceed 30 mph!! Scary!!

biggest oil cooler ya can fit ................

Transmission oil or engine oil? I got 2 transmission oil coolers now. May upgrade the second one I put on but it's down well so far.

trans ...........they hate heat and towing with a little xj will get it going....

Trans cooler and trailer brakes are my recommendation. If its just short distance trips like we have here in S. FL, you will be fine but longer haul, brakes and cooler.

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I anticipate most trips will be an hour or less but I could see a towing this on a trip or two a year going a couple hours maybe three. Just want to be safe with my family in the car.

bigger trans cooler for sure

Some info
1boats are heavier than they look.
2 if you are putting breaks on it. Electric over hydro. Are the way to go.
You can even get disk breaks for extra $$$$.
You didn't say what kind of boat. My 18'Lund deep V came in at 4300#
Now that was with a 125hp out bord. And full of fuel. 2 anchors, trolling motor.
If the axle is a 3500# the mounting flange should be welded on. So all you need is the breaks and drums. And wiring. And the break controller.

If/when I get one, it will prob be an older champion or ranger bass boat, NOT a v-bottom. Something like a ranger 363. 17-18' max. 150 hp or less, maybe 175 if the deal is right but I'm not looking for a 200 hp motor. Can't imagine the weight of something like this being much more than 3k, even with fuel & equipment. Maybe 3500 but no way it's hitting 4K. I'd guess 1400+\- for boat, 500 for motor, 40 gal fuel tank (max) 240lbs full, 150lbs batteries, 700 for trailer. 200 for equip. I think these are over estimates for most. But still, 3000k should be close.
Good to know most 3500# axles have the mounts for electric brakes. I will plan to add. I work at O'reilly so should be able to get a deal on brake setup.

Shop around on them. I spend alot of $$$$ at O'Reillys. And I get a good % off.
But even with that i still found breaks cheaper. Most trailer dealers and spring shops
Are the way to go.

Ha! Yeah I'd be one of the first to admit that the oreilly employee discount isn't always the best deal around.


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