How To Tow A Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
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:
RELATED:
The Best Towing and Hauling Tips & Products
don, You need to install a driveline disconnect in the rear driveshaft so that when towing the rear wheels are disconnected and will spin free without turning the rest of the drivetrain. Check out this link: http://www.drivetrain.com/parts_catalog/towing/towing_products_by_remco.html
we have a 2005 jeep wrangler the book says you can not tow with two wheels on a dolly what do we have to do as we tow our jeep with the front wheels on a trailer and the back wheels on the road.
Bill, I could not locate where the burning smell was coming, but for sure it stopped when I started pulling it with the tranny in neutral also. So far everything went well with both AT & TC in neutral.
Robert
I just pulled my 2007 wrangler x to Colorado
and back. I pulled the fuse to avoid dead battery. I smelled the same unlocateabe burning smell. Could it have been because I
put trans in park like book said?
Billy
Sorry Robert, I only have access to what I can find on the internet.
Thanks I will try it. The MH and Jeep both use one bulb systems
Curtis, I was reading another forum about the steering wheel lock on Jeep Wranglers. Someone said the lack is not installed on the 2009.
So I put mine to the test.
I jacked up the front end of my 2009 Wrangler Unlimited gettin g the front wheels off the ground, and first by holding the tires I moved it from far left to far right. There was no hesitation. I reached thru the open driver window and turned the steering wheel to far left and far right , with no Key. The steering did not lock as like other vehicles with steering locks.
Can you confirm this with the Jeep MFGr.?
Thanks, Yeah, NO Key issues, or having to turn on the system, or pulling the IOD fuse.
Robert
Kenneth, Two possibilities come to mind. First check the ground wire on both the MH and Jeep. With a test light put the clip or ground part on the ground wire of the pigtails rather then the frame of the vehicles then check out the lights. With a bad ground feedback may be lighting things it shouldn't. Other possibility if your MH has a two bulb system (Brake lights and turn signals on the same bulb) and the jeep has a three bulb system. (separate bulb for turn signals) you will need to install a tail light converter something like this: http://www.wiringproducts.com/contents/en-us/d141.html Hope this helps.
I have a 95 Jeep Wrangler and an trying to to behind our 35 ft motorhome. Can't figure the wiring out. With tester I verified plug on MH is correct, and front plug in on Jeep is correct, only when I plug it in, the tail lights work, the brake lights work but when either blinker on the MH is activated the left and right tail lights on both MH and Jeep dimley blink. Any ideas?
Al, If it is true All wheel drive, no transfer case and automatic transmission with no way to put a mechanical gearbox into neutral you may be right. I'm no jeep expert but I didn't know jeep made anything like that, at least as early as 93'.
Robert, You do have a point there, admittedly I was picturing the tail shaft of the transmission spinning at speed. I still have a bit of concern maybe more because it just goes against what I've always been told in the past. Good luck
I don't see how the auto trans can turn if the transfer case is in neutral, maybe a little by centrifugal force. but no major turning internally. Like I said in the first two trips I smelled burning rubber when the auto trans was in Park.
I need a second opnion on towing my 93 grand cherokee with my 3/4 ton truck (diesel) 6.5L
do I or not have to remove the drive shaft(s)
to tow for wheel down ? jeep is fulltime 4x4
Robert, I have serious concerns about your method of towing. With the automatic transmission in N you will be spinning internal parts without lubrication as the front pump relies on the torque converter to turn it. You may get away with it for a while but I see transmission failure in your future. Check out this link:
http://www.irv2.com/forums/f85/instructions-on-towing-new-2009-wrangler-53982.html
Lower down on the page is step by step the procedure to tow a 2009 Wrangler. I can't guarantee the validity of the procedure, but I'm fairly confident that towing with the automatic in N will eventually cause you problems.
Hi All, I have a 2003 Itasca Horizon 40'er,
and I have just started towing my 2009 Wrangler Unlimited. Blue/Ox tow bar, saftey cables, and my own home made light system(I made a light bar that attaches to the rear tow receiver with the wiring up under the vehicle to the front, then I attach a pigtail from the RV to the wiring plug, totally bypassing the vehicle wiring, Except I also added a 12+ from the RV to a "toad charge system" in the Jeep.
Issues: First 2 times of towing I smelled burning rubber. Transfer case in "N" but tranny in "Park". Last few times towing was OK, Tranny in "N" and transfer case in "N" also. So make sure you put both in "Nuetral".
If you have any questions I'm happy to answer them.
Robert
Tony, A 97' is old enough likely it can be towed by placing the transfer case in neutral, transmission in 1st gear, and steering wheel in the unlocked position so the wheels can turn freely. On newer models 07' and up there is a fuse you must pull but I haven't heard of that issue on older jeeps.
I am looking to buy a 1997 Wrangler sport 4.0, 4x4 standard transmission. Anyone else have one of these and know the process for towning 4 wheels down behind RV?
Thanks for any help you can provide/
I have 97 wrangler and when I try to tow it turns opposite direction. Steering wheel is unlocked and everything like it should be. It does have lift kit and mud tires.Any Ideas?
DOES ANYONE KNOW THE BEST SETUP TO TOW A NEW 2009 JEEP WRANGLER 4X4 ( UNLIMITED ) WITH A GULF STREAM 36 FOOR MOTORHOME. ?
Billy, Check out this forum
http://www.irv2.com/forums/f85/disconnecting-the-battery-on-2009-jeep-wrangler-for-towing-54309.html
Apparently you can remove the IOD fuse under the hood rather then disconnect the neg. battery terminal. The whole point is due to an ignition switch change after 2006 the battery will drain if the key is in the unlock position.
Do I really need to disconnect the negative
battery cable on my 2007 Jeep Wrangler x?
I cannot tell for sure reading these postings.
Dave, The transmission should be in gear, any one will do (I usually us 1st gear when towing a 4x4)as the point is to prevent it from turning. Of course as you stated the transfer case should be in neutral. You can order the Brakemaster 9160 direct from Road master:
http://www.roadmaster-tow-bars.com/brake9160.php
I'm sure any RV dealership could get it for you also.
Just bought 1999 Wrangler Sport, manual 5 speed, PS,PB. No owner's manual. Preparing to install hidden hitches for towing behind 2004 Discovery. Can you provide the transmission setting (neutral vs in gear (which gear prefered?)) with transfer case in neutral? Also looking for reasonable outlet for Brake Master 9160 second vehicle kit.
Denny did you ever find out how to disconnect battery yet still have juice for the braking system. I am currently fighting this issue myself. Thanks for any words of wisdon.
Skip, I can only speak for the one I have. It has performed very well and I like that it can either be left on the car or removed and put in the trunk. It is the Stow Master which is manufactured by Roadmaster Inc.
http://roadmasterinc.com/products/towbars/index.html
In your opinion what is the best tow bar to tow a 98 Wrangler (manual trans) behind a 40 foot deisel pusher?
Thanks,
Skip
Denny, You might want to take that question to the dealer. There may be something specific concerning your particular model that I'm not familiar with.
Robert, Transfer case in neutral, and leave the transmission in park.
HAVE A 2008 RUBICON I TOW IT BEHIND A 38 FOOT MOTORHOME. HERES MY QUESTION. FRIST I PUT THE DRIVETRANS CASE IN NEUTRAL AND THEN DO I LEAVE IT IN PARK OR PUT IT IN NEUTRAL. THANKS
The manual for our '07 Wrangler says to disconnect the negative battery cable. My question is how do you supply power to the auxiliary brake in the Jeep with the battery disconnected?
Hey I was talking to a guy at an automotive shop today. he said if i tow my 2001 jeep cherokee limited across the country that i could over heat the transmition with all 4 down. He said to put the fronts up on a dolli and to disconect the driveshaft i think is what he said. what do you think??
Clark, With the transfer case in neutral I would put a manual transmission "In Gear" to tow it. It won't hurt anything to leave it in neutral but if it is gears will spin and wear will accumulate over time. I agree when your ready to stop towing putting the transfer case in gear with the motor off will guarantee you won't clash spinning gears.
Sorry, new to all of this towing. I have a 05 Wrangler X, manuel transmission. I can follow the instructions above, but my question is after shifting the transfer case into Neutral and starting the vehicle, you shift into gear, assure no movement, then shut engine off. In an automatic, you shift into park. What do you do with the manuel transmission? Leave it in gear or shift back to neutral? My dealer thought neutral, but wasn't 100% sure (new guy) and that makes me NERVOUS! Also, once at your destination, I assume you do the above steps with the engine off correct?! Thank you in advance.
Jackie, All you need to do is place the Transfer Case in the neutral position. This will allow the rear wheels to turn free of the front wheels.
what do we have to do to haul our jeep wrangler with the front wheels on a trailer.Does the drive shaft have to be taken out?
Chad, By placing the transfer case in neutral you can tow a vehicle that has an automatic transmission (which should be in park). Most automatic transmissions can't be towed without causing damage due to lack of lubrication.
On manual transmissions putting the transfer case in neutral and the transmission in gear means less stuff turning and wearing when towing.
On a Jeep Wrangler, why do you put the transmission in gear and not neutral?
it seems like, (I have seen this before) you turned the key to on position then back to unlock but can still leave ignition on, on some vehicles unless you turn it back to lock or even take the key out, then put it back in and turn it back to the unlock, (but not "On" position), this might be what happened. Make sure it's just forward of the lock position but all dash lights are NOT on. Then you'll be fine.
Ross, what kind of wiring harness are you using? I have been looking for a wiring harness to directly hook up to my 07 wrangler so that i don't have to buy the magnet braking lights.
I left the ignition in the correct position and the battery still went dead - nothing else was on. This disabling the steering lock will solve the problem. I checked with an RV dealer in the area and they frequently do this for their customers - thought I could do it.
Larry
Maxine & Lynnette,
The speedo on the new jeeps is electronic and
the pickup is in the transfrecase, where the
rear drivshaft is hook up.
My guess wouldbe that the diffrent year jeeps
is the differce, for Maxine toleave the
steeringwheel unlocked the power was on, thus the
speed0 was recording miles.
Bruce
L. Ross, All vehicles that I'm aware of have a three step ignition switch. The first position releases the steering lock, the second position turns on the ignition, and the third position engages the starter. You need to leave the switch in the first position when towing. To make sure you indeed have the switch in that first position you need to turn the steering wheel back and forth to make sure it doesn't lock on you as when it does you will be dragging the front end hence you will ruin your tires or worse. If your uncertain about what position you should be in, go to your jeep dealer and they will show you.
I tow a 2007 Jeep Wrangler. I was told to leave the key on to keep the steering wheel lock unlocked. Battery went dead - destroyed tires. How do I disable the steering wheel lock so I do not have to have the battery on?
My first thought too! But the key was in the unlocked position. My husband and I have a routine. Whatever work he does I check and whatever work I do he checks with a check list form the Jeep manuel.
Linda, When you mention the wheels locked to the right my first thought is possibly the ignition switch wasn't in the unlocked position. When you made a corner the wheels went right and the steering wheel locked in that position preventing the wheels from self-centering when you straightened out.
We have towed a Jeep Wrangler for 3 years without one problem untill yesterday. The tires started tracking to the right and became locked in place. I don't need to tell you what happened to the front right tire! In tring to solve the problem as to why this happened have two opinions. The right tow bar on the Falcon two may have released or there is something wrong with the front end of the Jeep. Any suggestions?
Marco, Nope it does not register any miles.
Does the Jeep TJ record mileage while being towed? I'm guessing not.
Where can I find information about towing a 1985 Jeep CJ7, automatic?
Hector, Generally speaking most 4x4's can be towed by placing the automatic transmission in park or stick transmission in gear, then place the transfer case in neutral.
Remember you must leave the ignition key in the unlocked position so that the steering will turn so the vehicle can track properly.
Of course there may be some instances where this general rule doesn't apply, check with your original dealership to verify this is correct in your particular situation.
can you help me? i want to tow a ford explorer 4x4 automatic, whath i have to do. Please. Thank you.
we have a 2005 jeep liberty 4x4 can we tow it behind our r v? and what is its weight and can you send towing instructions
thanks
I just bought a 1990 jeep wrangler. What is the best way to tow the jeep,on all four? Plus witch style and brand. Thanks Tom
I want to tow a 2008 JEEP WRANGLER (STICK SHIFT)X model behind my 34' RV. What is the cheapest way to tow this vehicle? Or do I have to buy the HIGH END towing package?
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.
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.
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!
Karon -
Nope, it doesn't add any miles to your Jeep.
If I tow my 2005 Jeep Wrangler behind a motorhome, not on a trailer, does it add miles on the odometer?
Can you tow a 2007 jeep liberty sport 4x4 0n all 4 wheels by a motorhome ?
Phil -
Yes, you will lose all radio & navigation settings if you disconnect the battery.
As to your question about lights...
According to RV View Magazine:
"Any trailer that you tow should be properly equipped with a wiring harness to control the trailer's lights and brakes."
Here are a few more links about towing lights that might be helpful:
What You Should Know Before You Tow
Tow Vehicle Lights Too Dim?
Towed Vehicle Lighting & Wiring
A Word About LED Tailgate Light Bars...
Dealing With Dim Brake Lights
More Great Tips For Towing A Vehicles Behind A Motorhome
We Just purchased an 08 Jeep Rubicon to tow behind our motor home, if you disconnect the negative battery terminal (as the manual says to do) do you lose all the radio and navigation setting? And, when towing at night what is the correct way to light up the Jeep?
Troy -
Nope... doesn't add any miles to the Jeep's speedometer.
When you are towing any of the aforementioned Jeeps, are you putting any miles on the speedometer?
I just purchased an 08 wrangler x with auto trans and plan on towing. Thanks for all the info, I now know what questions to ask.
Have a 2007 Sahara for our tow vehicle. Dealer said to keep from draining battery ounce set up for towing take key fully out then put it back in and turn to ACC position. This keeps from draining battery. I was going do a battery disconnect switch before.
Great article and very nice Jeep setup!
Anyone towing a YJ with the NP231 transfer case might want to check this article out.
http://www.4wheeloffroad.com/howto/3103/
If you ever decide to sell your Jeep, let me know - it's my dream setup!
Jason I just purchased a tow bar from 4wheel drive.com they specialize in jeeps. I mounted it to my bumper with drilling which is required and some very strong locking bolts which are included in the kit. It costs me 169.00 and 27.00 for shipping. I also picked up magnetic towing lights from uhaul with 4 pin wiring for only 24.00. other places where wanting 69.00 to 140.00. I towed mine 400 miles to moab utah with no problems. Just make sure all drive s are topped up with fluid ditto to transfer case. Curt towbar for jeeps has a 5,000lb rating. Jeeps weigh in 4,450 loaded. good luck
I found one for 2007 4x4. It looks like 4x2 can't be done this way.
http://www.justforjeeps.com/towbar.html
Jason
Does anyone know where to purchase the towing adapter for pulling the Wrangler? All I can seem to find is a tow hitch for the jeep, not something to tow the jeep.
Thanks!
Jason
Fort Lauderdale, FL
when you are in the towing positoin does the driveshaft still turn. thank's james
James -
For older Jeeps (pre-2004), we THINK the above instructions would still apply, but we cannot say without a shadow of a doubt -- the owners manual is the only way to be 100% certain.
For newer Jeeps (2007 and newer), I would heed the advice of Pat (Aug 20, 2007) and Trey (Sept 3, 2007) above and follow these instructions with this one addition:
"Disconnect the negative battery terminal".
The above instructions were found in the manual of a 2004 model Jeep Wrangler Unlimited.
We have to rely on input from Jeep owners of other years to know for sure which method works best for each year of Jeep.
I'm sure everyone would appreciate some feedback from Jeep owners of other years...
I have a 1999 jeep wrangler 4 wd with no owners manual, do I tow as you described in your article? I will tow bebind a motorhome.
Thanks for your information,
James
Been towing a 2006 Wrangler Unlimited w/ auto transmission behind a motorhome for the last year. The differential had to be replaced recently and fortunately was under warranty. What are the chances of this having been caused by towing it incorrectly?
2007 Jeep Wrangler Sahara Unlimited - the instructions say to leave the key in the ACC position, vs. #8 above (Off position). Unfortunately, I did not disconnect the battery - and after 10 hrs there (some driving of the Jeep) and 10 hrs return - the battery was DEAD - just took delivery of vehicle on Aug 27.
Hey Pat:
I reread my manual to confirm. Nothing about the battery on the 2004 version. My guess is that the key remaining in the ignition for the newer models might keep a computer on or a light or something that would discharge the battery.
I would hate to disconnected my battery (lose clock and radio station settings), but I would hate worse getting to my destination with a dead battery.
Check with your local dealer service manager to be sure, but I might be willing to try it without disconnecting the battery (with a charger it tow the first few times anyway.)
Happy trails -
I just purchased a 2007 Jeep Wrangler Sahara Unlimited 4 Door 4WD. The manual restates, almost verbatim, your instructions for flat towing of the vehicle behind a motorhome. It also says to disconnect the negative battery terminal. Is that something new or did it also apply to your 2004? Any idea why they would be a good idea or if not doing that would cause problems?
Robert -
You'd have to check your owner's manual to be sure, but I'm pretty sure it would be the same as I stated in the article above. That's what it said in our owner's manual for our 04 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited.
Let us know if you find something different.
just bought a new rubicon unlimted four doors wanted to see whats the best way to tow it behind a itasca gas 37 foot motorhome
Great photo of Jim enveloped in the enviroscape surrounding him.