Bad idea to tow long distance with 2.7?

Have a 98 2.7, and am thinking about towing a 17' boat about 7 hours. Boat probably weighs about 2-2.5k lbs. This seem like a bad idea? Anything specific I should do to the truck before hand besides change the oil, (about due).

I've towed tons with other trucks, just not sure if the little 2.7 is up to the challenge of long distance towing.

 

I hauled a 21' Chris Craft Cabin cruiser from Kansas City, Mo to Columbus, Ga with mine on a tandem trailer. Rained on me the entire time and the bilge had 6" of water in it the whole time. I didn't have any problems, even towed it over Monteagle in TN.

 

I've towed my 20' bass boat up to 5 hours no less than 20 trips, and never had an issue.

Is yours an auto?

Just make sure your receiver is tight, topped off coolant, brakes are good, and air pressure is good.

 

you'll be fine. check all the normal stuff like JPP said.

just watch your speed on the hills. Don't expect to be doing 75 up the hills.

I was hitting 40-45 going over some spots with my 2004 V6, towing a 2500# popup trailer.

 

JPP asks the correct question: AT or manual tranny?

If AT, consider adding a tranny fluid temp gauge.

 

Ive towed my 13ft Whaler with full custom decks weighin bout the same (2-2.5k) from North GA Appalachian mountains to jacksonville, fl up and down all the mountain roads with no issues... but like said before dont expect much over 45 on the steep grades... some times not over 30 on real steep grades (2nd gear). I drive a 05 tho so idk if that makes a huge difference

 

Should be able to handle it, as mentioned above. The only other concern I would have is due to the year, how good is the cooling system in your truck? Also, brakes and general maintenance of the truck.

 

My 04 2.7 when i had it was a towing machine. I fish at least 30 hours a week all year round. So in the summer I tow one of my three boats, the heaviest being maybe 2k lbs, but in the winter I pull an enclosed 2 place trailer with two snowmobiles in it and the bed full of ice fishing gear. Trailer might be 2k lbs with the sleds. I once pulled it to Labrador which is a 17 hour drive. Like said, you won't passing many people on the uphills, but it will get there. If you are really worried about it, talk to your dealer or shop about a transmission cooler. The 2.7 even with a 4x4 doesn't come with one. I never had one and the auto tranny was still working great at 220k miles when I sold it. I would eat through brakes though, like 25k miles and the pads and rotors were spent no matter how high end I bought.