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:
- Start with the key in the “accessory” position.
- Depress the brake pedal.
- Shift the automatic transmission into NEUTRAL (N) or depress clutch pedal on manual transmission.
- Shift the transfer case level into NEUTRAL (N).
- Start the engine.
- Shift the automatic transmission into DRIVE (D) or the manual transmission into gear.
- Release the brake pedal and ensure that there is no vehicle movement.
- IMPORTANT: Shut the engine off and place the ignition key into the unlocked OFF position.*
- Shift the automatic transmission into PARK (P).
- Apply the parking brake.
- Attach the Jeep to the tow vehicle with a tow bar.**
- 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:
- Shift the automatic transmission into NEUTRAL (N) or depress the clutch pedal on a manual transmission.
- Shift the transfer case lever into desired position (usually 4-Hi)***
- 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:
The transfer case NEUTRAL (N) position disengages both the front and rear driveshafts from the powertrain and will allow the vehicle to move despite the transmission position. The parking brake should always be applied with the driver is not in the vehicle.”
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Over the past several years, I've been involved with transporting RVs, renting RVs, and fulltime RVing (months at a time). I'm fortunate to have had a number of different RVs available to me to try out — which has enabled me to experience the nuances of RVing firsthand. When I'm not RVing, you can find me at the corner of Good News & Fun Times as publisher of The Fun Times Guide (32 fun & helpful websites).
