Ours is a 2004 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, and we're planning to tow it behind an RV someday soon.
Here's what we've learned...
According to the Jeep manual:
When towing a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited for recreational towing -- such as behind a motorhome -- you must tow with "four wheels down" (as opposed to using a tow dolly), because...Internal damage to the transfer case will occur if a front or rear wheel lift is used when recreational towing!"
How To Tow A Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Behind An RV
First, the transfer case must be shifted into NEUTRAL. Here's how to do that:1. Start with the key in the "accessory" position.
2. Depress the brake pedal.
3. Shift the automatic transmission into NEUTRAL (N) or depress clutch pedal on manual transmission.
4. Shift the transfer case level into NEUTRAL (N).
5. Start the engine.
6. Shift the automatic transmission into DRIVE (D) or the manual transmission into gear.
7. Release the brake pedal and ensure that there is no vehicle movement.
8. IMPORTANT: Shut the engine off and place the ignition key into the unlocked OFF position.*
9. Shift the automatic transmission into PARK (P).
10. Apply the parking brake.
11. Attach the Jeep to the tow vehicle with a tow bar.**
12. Release the parking brake.
*Damage to the transmission may occur if the transmission is shifted into PARK (P) with the transfer case in NEUTRAL (N) and the engine running!
**Do not use a bumper mounted clamp-on tow bar on the Jeep Wrangler Unlmited. The bumper face bar will be damaged.
How To Shift Out Of Neutral On A Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
Once you reach your destination, you will want to unhook the Jeep from the tow vehicle. Here's how to do that:1. Shift the automatic transmission into NEUTRAL (N) or depress the clutch pedal on a manual transmission.
2. Shift the transfer case lever into desired position (usually 4-Hi)***
3. Shift the automatic transmission into DRIVE (D) or release the clutch on a manual transmission.
***We found that it's easier to shift the transfer case into position if you start the engine on the Jeep first.
From the Jeep manual:
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CAN A 2004 JEEP WRANGLER BE TOWED WITH 2" LIFT
Can I tow a 2008 AWD Escape 4 wheels down and what do i need to do? Thanks
I towed my jeep wrangler 2000 4.0 Manual trans behind the RV. I thought it was in nuetral transfer case, but it was 4L, Trans was nuetral. After 43 miles it ended up damaging something and smoking terribly. I'm hoping it's limited to transfer case only damage, what do you think? Is a used Transfer case best option for a 65k mileage vehicle? Thanks!
If I tow my 2005 Jeep Wrangler behind a motorhome, not on a trailer, does it add miles on the odometer?
Karon -
Nope, it doesn't add any miles to your Jeep.
Lynnette,
Can you please explain how you are towing? We did exactly has the manual explained, and the miles added on. Thanks for your help.
Hi Maxine,
A reminder that these instructions ONLY apply to the 2004 Jeep Wrangler (and Unlimited model). That's the model we have.
Regarding your question, the Jeep manual specifically says:
"The transfer case N (Neutral) position disengages both the front and rear driveshafts from the powertrain and will allow the vehicle to move despite the transmission position."
Thus, with the front and rear driveshafts disengaged, there would be no way for the vehicle's odometer to register the miles.
If yours is registering miles, then you need to make sure you're towing it properly according to your specific Jeep owners manual. Otherwise, you could be tearing up the transmission on your Jeep.
That said, there's a good chance that Jeep has modified a few things with newer model Jeeps, and they could be recommending an entirely different way to tow the newer Jeeps these days. I don't have those manuals. I don't know.
P.S. I also phoned the local Jeep dealership and spoke with their service dept. They verified that there is no way for the miles to register on a 2004 Wrangler/Unlimited model when towed using the instructions above.