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10-11-2018, 03:56 PM
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#1
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Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2018
Posts: 3
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2003 Jeep Liberty Flat towing question
I just purchased an '03 Jeep Liberty Sport 4WD Automatic. Seller was second owner but first owner set it up for flat tow. Blue Ox base plate, etc still on vehicle. Wish I could speak to original owner but could not locate them.
I have read the owners manual regarding flat tow and it gives step by step instructions none of which mentions leaving the key on.
I'm new to flat towing and during my research on vehicles, it seems that most manufactures mentioned something about the key being left on in some position during the time the vehicle is towed to keep the steering unlocked.
I know what the Jeep manual says but I'm reaching out in hopes of avoiding a huge mistake.
Does anyone out there have a '03 Liberty they tow or any information to share regarding the key on/off question?
Input would be appreciated.
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10-11-2018, 04:04 PM
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#2
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Registered User
Winnebago Owners Club
Join Date: Feb 2018
Posts: 1,336
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We towed an '02 for many years and per the owners manual;
7. Shut the engine OFF and place the ignition key into
the unlocked OFF position
The front wheels need to be able to turn left and right to track with the motorhome.
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10-12-2018, 10:10 AM
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#3
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Senior Member/RVM #90
Monaco Owners Club
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Columbus, MS
Posts: 54,768
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Hi !  Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the gang! 
Can't answer your question but noticed that you are kinda new on IRV2 and wanted to say hello! Have fun and keep her between the ditches!
Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!  
__________________
Joe & Annette
Sometimes I sits and thinks, sometimes I just sits.....
2002 Monaco Windsor 40PBT, 2013 Honda CRV AWD
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10-12-2018, 01:11 PM
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#4
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Member
Appalachian Campers
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 64
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We towed an 03 Jeep Liberty for several years. Place the key into the unlocked off position.
__________________
Earl and Bettye
2011 Cedar Creek Custom 36RE
2008 Ford F-350 CC Lariat 6.4L Diesel DRW 4x4
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10-14-2018, 08:56 PM
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#5
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Member
Holiday Rambler Owners Club
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 66
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it is what I have. I use the second key and do exactly what the owners manual says. You have to leave a key in the ignition. There are two off positions: Off and Locked - this the position after driving, turning off, and pulling the key out. The next position (turning toward the start position) is the off but unlocked position. I can not pull the key out in this position. It is where you want the key after putting drive train in neutral.
Good Travels
__________________
Keep on Truckin (It's a 70s thing)
2022 HR Vacationer 35K (Ford)
2023 Jeep Wrangler (Toad)
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10-14-2018, 09:04 PM
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#6
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Community Administrator
Pond Piggies Club LA Gulf Coast Campers Outdoors RV Owners Club Entegra Owners Club Skyline Owners Group
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 40,725
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We towed an 06 for 10 years & what others have said about having the key in the OFF position is correct.
Have a dummy key made for this. A dummy key will insert in the ignition & do what you want it to do, but it won't have the circuitry to allow the car to be stolen. If some thief has thoughts on stealing it, it will start with the dummy key, but within a few seconds the engine will shut down.
We never had an issue with even an attempt at stealing, but a precaution we took just to be sure.
Lori-
__________________
Lori (& Dave, my spirit guide) - RV/MH Hall of Fame Lifetime Member | My iRV2 Photo Albums
2016 Phoenix Cruiser 2350S, 2018 Phaeton 40IH,2006 Bounder 36Z, 2004 Cougar 285EFS, 2000 Aerolite 25FBR
There is great need for a sarcasm font. 
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04-01-2019, 07:25 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 1,048
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I know this to thread is several months old, but I needed some info here and hope what i found works for me. I have an 06 liberty 4x4 as a toad. In shop now for brakes, wiring and tow brackets. I had a dummy key made today and will see if that works as stated above. I'll re report back for any others who may find this thread later on, looking for information on key position and steering wheel lock. Thanks
__________________
2008 Tundra DC, 5.7L, Airlift 5000 Airbags
2013 Rockwood 8282WS
Signature Untralight Diamond Package
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04-13-2019, 08:30 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 1,048
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Quote:
Originally Posted by davendeb
I know this to thread is several months old, but I needed some info here and hope what i found works for me. I have an 06 liberty 4x4 as a toad. In shop now for brakes, wiring and tow brackets. I had a dummy key made today and will see if that works as stated above. I'll re report back for any others who may find this thread later on, looking for information on key position and steering wheel lock. Thanks
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Well, turns out the dummy key will start the Jeep every other try but goes dead in about 3 seconds.
In between attempts it cranks but does not start. Cool.
__________________
2008 Tundra DC, 5.7L, Airlift 5000 Airbags
2013 Rockwood 8282WS
Signature Untralight Diamond Package
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04-13-2019, 08:35 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Fleetwood Owners Club Ford Super Duty Owner
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: SoCal
Posts: 15,749
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If there is a steering wheel lock, you need to leave the key in/on so as to unlock it.
__________________
Vince and Susan
2011 Tiffin Phaeton 40QTH (Cummins ISC/Freightliner)
Flat towing a modified 2005 Jeep (Rubicon Wrangler)
Previously a 2002 Fleetwood Pace Arrow 37A and a 1995 Safari Trek 2830.
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04-14-2019, 04:49 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Keeseville ny
Posts: 648
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Turn key to run position and back up one click. Or find a mechanic to take out lock pin. Should take about one hour.
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04-17-2019, 08:29 PM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 1,048
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NLOVNIT
We towed an 06 for 10 years & what others have said about having the key in the OFF position is correct.
Have a dummy key made for this. A dummy key will insert in the ignition & do what you want it to do, but it won't have the circuitry to allow the car to be stolen. If some thief has thoughts on stealing it, it will start with the dummy key, but within a few seconds the engine will shut down.
We never had an issue with even an attempt at stealing, but a precaution we took just to be sure.
Lori-
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Absolutely true. My dummy key will start it but goes dead before you can put it in gear. 2008 liberty
__________________
2008 Tundra DC, 5.7L, Airlift 5000 Airbags
2013 Rockwood 8282WS
Signature Untralight Diamond Package
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04-17-2019, 08:31 PM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 1,048
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Quote:
Originally Posted by vsheetz
If there is a steering wheel lock, you need to leave the key in/on so as to unlock it.
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Yes. I figured that out. With key out, wheel locks.
With key inserted and in the off position, wheel will not lock. Thanks.
__________________
2008 Tundra DC, 5.7L, Airlift 5000 Airbags
2013 Rockwood 8282WS
Signature Untralight Diamond Package
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04-18-2019, 01:17 PM
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#13
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Registered User
Triple E Owners Club Ford Super Duty Owner
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,745
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Quote:
Originally Posted by igor2brvn
We towed an 03 Jeep Liberty for several years. Place the key into the unlocked off position.
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I also went to a locksmith and had a dummy key made so the Jeep could not be stolen. It would not start and the locksmith knew exactly what I wanted.
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