Towing Jeep Wrangler

[BILLY FRANK]

We recently purchased a 2010 Jeep Wrangler Safari. The book instructions say that when towing behind a motorhome, you have to put the transfer box in neutral, transmission in neutral, turn the key to accessory, and disconnect the negative post on the battery. The question is: why do you need to turn the key to accessory and disconnect the battery, when it does not have a steering lock?

[ImagineIF]

Maybe another unnecesary requirement set by Jeep. They ask that you disconnect the battery on a 2011 Jeep Cherokee as well. There's no reason to do so.

I wonder why they want the transmission in Neutral. This would be a bad idea if it has an automatic. Although the transfer case is in neutral, as it should be, I believe putting the transmission also in neutral will result in the turning of the aftshaft of transmission.

[JimM68]

Odd. I tow my wrangler in park, battery connected, key in my pocket.

[FlyingDiver]

Check your manual again. I don't recall seeing that in ours (also a 2010 Wrangler Unlimited Sahara).

Transfer case in neutral, transmission in park (automatic), key off, remove key. No battery disconnect or anything. The only thing I can think of that might warrant removing the battery connection is if you tow for days without starting the car and the brake lights drain the battery.

joe

[wa8yxm]

You turn the key to the ACCESSORY position (and usually pull a fuse) because in the LOCK position it locks the steering wheel.

IN other positions the wheel is free to turn as you turn so you don't tear up the front tires and bust up your tow system.

NOTE: Older Jeeps had the following positions

ACC, LOCK OFF, ON START

You towed those in the OFF position.

New ones I think it's LOCK ACC ON START, but I"m not sure of that.

But if you tow in LOCK it puts a lot of strain on the lock (Which can fail to unlock)
The steering system (Front suspension tie rods, ball joints)

The front tires
The tow bar and hitch

And in fact it will exceed the specs on the two hardware.

[FlyingDiver]

Quote:

Originally Posted by wa8yxm You turn the key to the ACCESSORY position (and usually pull a fuse) because in the LOCK position it locks the steering wheel. IN other positions the wheel is free to turn as you turn so you don't tear up the front tires and bust up your tow system. NOTE: Older Jeeps had the following positions ACC, LOCK OFF, ON START You towed those in the OFF position. New ones I think it's LOCK ACC ON START, but I"m not sure of that. But if you tow in LOCK it puts a lot of strain on the lock (Which can fail to unlock) The steering system (Front suspension tie rods, ball joints) The front tires The tow bar and hitch And in fact it will exceed the specs on the two hardware.

2010 Wranglers do not have a steering wheel lock. That's the case for 2009-2011, at least.

joe

[Vegasdan]

Auto should be in Park, you better check again. New Jeeps have no steering lock.

[hardy1000]

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimM68 Odd. I tow my wrangler in park, battery connected, key in my pocket.

Ditto on my 09 Wrangler.

[BobGed]

Jeep simply has not updated the towing section of their manual since 2008. No steering wheel lock in 2009s and later. Transfer case should be in neutral, but transmission should be in Park (automatic), or in gear (manual). Ignition in the OFF position, and remove the key. No need to disconnect the battery.

[somarmd]

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimM68 Odd. I tow my wrangler in park, battery connected, key in my pocket.

Hmm, I tow an 02 wrangler and I have to keep key in or steering wheel locks. Something I'm doing wrong?

[FlyingDiver]

Quote:

Originally Posted by somarmd Hmm, I tow an 02 wrangler and I have to keep key in or steering wheel locks. Something I'm doing wrong?

Probably not. Wranglers prior to '09 (IIRC) had steering wheel locks.

joe

[somarmd]

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlyingDiver Probably not. Wranglers prior to '09 (IIRC) had steering wheel locks. joe

Oh ok, thanks.

[pameridan04]

Quote:

Originally Posted by BobGed Jeep simply has not updated the towing section of their manual since 2008. No steering wheel lock in 2009s and later. Transfer case should be in neutral, but transmission should be in Park (automatic), or in gear (manual). Ignition in the OFF position, and remove the key. No need to disconnect the battery.

Bob has it correct. Manual not updated. I have a 2010 Sahara Unlimited, I called Jeep/Chrysler they confirmed above.

[codgerbill]

I have a 2007 Jeep Wrangler Sahara and I do not have an ignition (steering wheel) lock. I put the transfer case in neutral, shut off the engine, put the transmission in park, and then take the key out and put it in my pocket.I dont pull a fuse or disconnect the battery. My travels are usually in the 500 or less miles per day and the only thing that draws power is the brake buddies compressor (plugged into the 12V, always hot, plug on the right side of the consol under the radio). If I travel for three or more days I will either unhook the jeep at nite and drive it or charge the battery after a couple nights.