Pros & Cons of towing a Jeep Liberty

[Mr_Bill]

We are looking to tow a Jeep Liberty and would like input from those that currently, or have in the past, towed one. We will we using it as fulltimers.

Bill

[NLOVNIT]

Pros:
4WD automatic can be towed 4-down w/no restrictions (no fuses to pull, no speed limits, no having to stop every so many hours to run the engine).
If it gets dirty from towing behind, IT'S A JEEP, it's supposed to get dirty
You can pick up a used one at a much more reasonable price than a new one (also you don't feel so bad if the used one gets a rock chip)

Cons:
Kind of heavy (although still under 5000 lbs) due to beefed up suspension
Stiff ride, again, due to beefed up suspension
Tail lights are hard to see, when on & hooked up through connection w/coach running lights, during daylight hours. Braking lights are fine, though. I'd suggest replacing bulbs wLED for more visibility when driving down the road or attaching a separate set of bar tow lights.

Ours tows like a dream behind our Bounder. Tracks great & we really don't even know it's there. I recommend a Jeep for a toad.

Oh, & I'd also suggest you have a "dummy key" made up for in the ignition. The dummy key, will allow the ignition/steering to be unlocked for towing, but it won't allow the Jeep to get stolen if someone unhooks it & tries to break in & steal it. The dummy key will only allow the engine to briefly start, then it shuts down the engine because it doesn't have the chip inside that signals to the vehicle's computer that it's a valid key. You can then manually lock the Jeep from inside & shut the door or use the chip'd fob (which you keep w/you) to lock it. Don't lock the Jeep w/the chip'd fob inside - you're hozed then & will have to call AAA.

Lori-

[RVThere]

Check out the Jeep website and you can download the Liberty users manual which shows that you can only flat tow a 4 wheel drive Liberty.

I tow a 2008 Grand Cherokee for the last year and it is great. The only difference I see in the 2011 Liberty flat tow instructions is the Liberty requires that you disconnect the negative battery cable for towing. This complicates things if you have a Brake Buddy that you need to plug in.

[kjburns]

We also tow a Grand Cherokee. I would recommend the GC over the Liberty if you can handle the added weight.

[Larryb]

We have towed a 2004 Jeep Liberty since it was new. Easy to set up, easy to tow. The only problem we had was the poor gas mileage (17 hwy, less in city) once we got there. That's why we now have an Equinox.

[SideRoads]

I have been towing the 08' Lib for the last 2 years, 25k miles,,,,,,

Tows great!

No steering wheel lock, key is not required to be in the ignition....

moving one fuse, keeps the 12v plug hot for the BB,,,,,,,,battery holds up with the BB plugged in for 5 days of towing,,,,without starting problems....may even go longer....not sure,,,,have not had to tow longer than 5 days without using the Jeep.

[phranc]

we tow an 03 Liberty 4x4... Easy setup .Easy to tow. Trouble free auto. A newer one would be just as good if not better with the better system on the steering wheel lock

[wa8yxm]

Looking at the PRO's.. Every year one of the gearhead magazines does a "Bang for the Buck" contest.. Car companies send over their cars and assorted drivers try 'em out and rate them for all sorts of things including head and leg room, comfort and just how much FUN those rides are.

They take the FUN value. and divide by COST

Now there are some real nice cars. Lots of "Go Fast" cars, Mustangs, Camaro, that kind of thign, And sporty imports a plunty.

So.. What car wins... Jeep Liberty

Lots and lots of "BANG" (one of the funnest rides out there)

Not so many bucks.


So you get a lot of BANG (Fun, Pleasure) for, compared to the high speed sports cars, very few bucks. A clear winner.

So put that in the PRO column.

The Cons... .. Humm,,, having a hard time there.

[W8RLM]

I also tow a 2008 Liberty Limited, 4WD, automatic. As mentioned, there is no steering wheel lock with the automatic transmission - don't know about the stick shift. I leave the ignition switch off and take the key with me - no problem.

The rear light fixture has three chambers. The bottom one is not used and has a stencil to cut out to install a light fixture. I used a conventional dual element bulb. I don't need any diodes and don't interface with the Jeep's electrical system.

I had an M&G braking system installed since I have an air brake system on the motorhome. As others have said, I don't know it is back there.

It is a great tow vehicle.

W8RLM - Bob

[Mr_Bill]

Appreciate all the replies. Sounds like the Liberty is a good vehicle to tow. I'll be looking for one.

[Meandering Retiree]

Towed a Jeep Liberty for two years...no problems...

[W8RLM]

TO: fxdave

I saw your reply on my e-mail. You said that you have an 06 Liberty. My 08 Liberty is a new design. I don't know if you have an ignition lock or not. Maybe someone else with an 06 Liberty and an automatic transmission can answer that. You can test yours by trying to turn the steering wheel while the ignition is off and the transmission is in Park. Obviously, it will be harder without the power steering, but if you can turn the wheel lock to lock, then there is no steering wheel lock.

Good Luck

W8RLM - Bob

[JimM68]

We tow an older Wrangler, But we bought my wife a new liberty limited just last week. That is one heck of a jeep. smooth ride, all the luxery one would need, most every bell and whistle there is. and under 30k after rebates.

[NLOVNIT]

fxdave's issue is being discussed here.

Lori-