Jeep tow question?

[Handyhiker]

I am looking at getting a jeep CJ\Wrangler style to tow. My question is, does it need to be a manual transmission or is putting the transfer case in neutral enough to flat tow it? It will be a few years older version somewhere around a 2000 or so.
Thanks

[Rockwood27]

A Wrangler TJ (don't know about CJ) is easy to tow 4 down, either auto or manual transmission. Put it in park/1st gear and transfer case in neutral. Unlock steering wheel and you're good to go.

[RedRaider93]

I wish I could answer your question about a 2000 model, but I have a 2014 Wrangler, and I love it as a tow vehicle. I have automatic transmission, and it is super easy to disengage the transmission to tow it. As long as it's a 4 wheel drive, I think you should be good. Hopefully the older models are the same way. Good luck!

[hardy1000]

I have a 2009 Wrangler JK with an automatic and it tows 4 down. Great toad you see alot of them. No need to have the key in the ignition when towing because it has no steering wheel lock.

[JFNM]

If possible, find one without the steering wheel lock (or with it defeated). I can't keep track of which years do what but I have a 2010 manual trans without the lock and towing (including hookup/unhook) is ridiculously simple.

[docsdock]

We had a 2008 Liberty and now a 2012 Liberty both 4wd - Just put in neutral unlock transfer case - back into park turn off kee and lock up - good to go

[TLGPE]

No need to have the key in the ignition when towing because it has no steering wheel lock.

Don't mean to step on anyone's thread, but that's not always true. I had read that and believed it, so the first time I towed my 05 Liberty somebody came up by me and said that my wheels were twisted around and the tires were scrubbing. Sure enough, the steering lock was engaged and my front tires were ruined after about five miles.

I figured out that this car DOES have a steering lock when the key is turned completely off and the key is removable. The correct position is one click up so that the engine is off, but the key cannot be removed. This position does not have any electrical power used, so the batteries don't run down.

You can check this by turning the engine off, making sure that the key is still trapped, and trying to turn the wheel. It's hard without the power steering, but it can turn. Try it with the key removed and the wheel will lock after you turn it a few degrees.

For me it was a $330 mistake, so maybe this will help someone else.

Tom

[Lt Dan]

Originally Posted by hardy1000

I have a 2009 Wrangler JK with an automatic and it tows 4 down. Great toad you see alot of them. No need to have the key in the ignition when towing because it has no steering wheel lock.

The 2000 Wrangler will have a steering wheel lock unless it's been disabled. Jeep did not do away with the locks until the late '07 models. Anything newer than '08 does not have a steering lock.

I towed an '05 Wrangler for years and it's still pretty easy. All you have to do is leave the key in the ignition and turn it to the FIRST position. That unlocks the steering wheel. The second position is accessory and you don't have to turn it to accessory.

[Handyhiker]

Well, I bought the 2000 Wrangled I was looking at. It will be the road and an occasional driver for me. It is a 5 speed stick.
What about the hubs? This one does not have lockout hubs. Any problem?

[lakewoodpaul]

Originally Posted by JFNM

If possible, find one without the steering wheel lock (or with it defeated). I can't keep track of which years do what but I have a 2010 manual trans without the lock and towing (including hookup/unhook) is ridiculously simple.

Whats the big deal with the steering wheel lock? towed a 99 Cherokee and currently towing a 06 liberty, just put the key in the UNLOCK OR 1RST position[no battery drain] transfer case in neutral, transmission in some forward gear preferably 5th 6th or drive and go. Have done this for close to 200,000 mi. No problem

[ddahlen]

I'm considering an 11 Liberty 4wd with auto. Do all Jeep products have a manual lever to unlock the transfer case? So far I have only seen pictures, haven't driven the Liberty yet. How do I tell if it's towable? Thanks, Dave

[Tytlfamily]

Check out these Dingy Towing guides, should help you out. Here is the 2000 version, if link does not work, just Google Dingy Towing Guides

http://webcontent.goodsam.com/DinghyGuide2000.pdf

Cheers, I have a 2013 Wrangler, so easy to tow!

[CJ7365]

The CJ you can not tow 4 down without removing rear drive shaft, or you will burn up the xfercase output bearing


I remove the end of the driveshaft at the differential and then tie it up.

[KIX]

Originally Posted by Handyhiker

Well, I bought the 2000 Wrangled I was looking at. It will be the road and an occasional driver for me. It is a 5 speed stick.
What about the hubs? This one does not have lockout hubs. Any problem?

No problem with no lockout hubs. Put transfer case in neutral and transmission in 3rd or fourth gear.