Community Forums

Cbones · 08-16-2013, 08:15 AM

I think the title says it all. The new 2014 Jeep Cherokee 4x4 with 2 speed transfer case includes a neutral setting for recreational towing. Kudos to jeep for making a small crossover SUV with this provision.

topdownman · 08-16-2013, 08:18 AM

Is this news? I've been towing Jeeps for 10 years.

Cbones · 08-16-2013, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by topdownman

Is this news? I've been towing Jeeps for 10 years.

Not all automatic transmission equipped jeeps are flat towable. Additionally, this is a completely new model based on a FIAT. So yes, I believe this is news!

topdownman · 08-16-2013, 08:37 AM

I stand corrected! I knew that only certain Jeep models were towable 4-down, but Jeeps have always been my favorite toads.

FlyingDiver · 08-16-2013, 08:40 AM

Actually, this has been known for months, ever since they put the marketing info on the Jeep website. Still good news, though.

FlyingDiver · 08-16-2013, 08:43 AM

Here's the first thread about it:

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f85/2013-...ml#post1512163

GC Rapidman · 08-16-2013, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cbones

I think the title says it all. The new 2014 Jeep Cherokee 4x4 with 2 speed transfer case includes a neutral setting for recreational towing. Kudos to jeep for making a small crossover SUV with this provision.

Is this only news for the Cherokee? I haven't towed my 2011 Wrangler yet, but I see so many on the road, I just assumed it was towable.

And is flat towing better than using a dolly? What is preferred by most?

Thanks.

FlyingDiver · 08-16-2013, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GC Rapidman

Is this only news for the Cherokee? I haven't towed my 2011 Wrangler yet, but I see so many on the road, I just assumed it was towable.

And is flat towing better than using a dolly? What is preferred by most?

Thanks.

It's news for the Cherokee because it's a brand new model with engine and transmission that have not been used on a Jeep before. It's the 9-speed automatic with the Active Drive II that's flat towable.

4x4 Wranglers with the transfer case are flat towable (manual or automatic). Two wheel (rear) drive are not, because there's no transfer case with a Neutral position.

Dollys can only be used with front wheel drive vehicles (no Jeeps). I would never use use a dolly, but that's MHO.

Cbones · 08-16-2013, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlyingDiver

Here's the first thread about it:

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f85/2013-...ml#post1512163

Yep I remember when the new Escape was coming out, everyone was saying that it was going to be flat towable. Well guess what, it isn't. I had seen pre-release info before on the new Cherokee, but I take that all with a grain of salt until the manufacturer officially puts out an owners manual with an area regarding their official position on flat towing. This is when liability from the manufacturer attaches. Pre-release information always carries a disclaimer: INFORMATION SUBJECT TO CHANGE. Jeep has officially endorsed flat towing in the owners manual which was just recently released.

RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.) Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
4WD Models 2-speed power transfer unit only. All other variants are not flat-towable.

Dan_public · 08-16-2013, 10:04 AM

Need confirmation, but it looks like only the Trail Hawk is towable.

Regards,

Dan.

FlyingDiver · 08-16-2013, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan_public

Need confirmation, but it looks like only the Trail Hawk is towable.

Regards,

Dan.

No, any model with the Active Drive II transmission. Which is an available option on the other models.

joe

Dan_public · 08-16-2013, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlyingDiver

No, any model with the Active Drive II transmission. Which is an available option on the other models.

joe

Joe,

I find the Jeep website difficult to get details. Can you post a link for that option info.

Thanks,

Dan.

FlyingDiver · 08-16-2013, 10:13 AM

This chart shows the available transmissions:

Compare Jeep Cherokee Models | Detailed Chart Comparison | Jeep

Then you need to look at the Owner's Manual where it discusses recreation vehicle towing. Basically, if it's a two-speed (hi/low range) transmission, then it has the neutral and can be towed.

Dan_public · 08-16-2013, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlyingDiver

This chart shows the available transmissions:

Compare Jeep Cherokee Models | Detailed Chart Comparison | Jeep

Then you need to look at the Owner's Manual where it discusses recreation vehicle towing. Basically, if it's a two-speed (hi/low range) transmission, then it has the neutral and can be towed.

Joe,

That's where I looked. Under 4x4 systems it says that all of the models except the Trail Hawk have a single speed power take off. I.e. not towable. Am I misreading that?

Dan