Community Forums

plebreux · 06-08-2023, 07:01 PM

I have been towing my Jeep Wrangler for 2 years - the last few trips when I would get to the campground the battery would be dead - a friend (not an RVer) told me that there was no need to use the key - the rest of my trip I connected my Jeep as I always did but this time I did not bother using the Key in the ignition - everything worked perfectly (and no dead battery anymore). I can't believe that everyone has told me for the last 3 years that the key must be in the ACC position. Just thought I would share this in case others are also under the mistaken believe that the key must be used in a Jeep Wrangler in order to unlock the steering.

ScotS · 06-09-2023, 07:13 AM

I have a 2003 Jeep Wrangler Sahara that I tow. I upgraded (Rough Country) and rebuilt the suspension a few years ago, installed the tow brakes, wiring and a charge kit. The first time I towed it, I darn near totally destroyed it. Near the beginning of a 250 mile trip, I made a stop at Buc-ees in Baytown, and then made a U-turn under the freeway. I noticed the Comfort Drive having a bit of an issue as the rig was requiring a bit of left correction. Oh weil, it's windy out, just doing it's job. When I got to the destination I found out, it was DOING it's job. During the U-turn my steering wheel found the anti-theft steering lock in a 1/2 left turn position. Destroyed the brand new front tires, placed a lot of wear on the rear tires, drag link was bent, steering joints shot, ball joints shot, etc. Lots of damage. I had also installed RockHard 4x4 bumpers and the Blue-Ox adapters on the front bumper. (I HIGHLY recommend these bumpers). Not a bit of damage or bending to the bumper or tow bar. Needless to say, I had to trailer the Jeep back home and rebuild it. And, I removed the steering lock pin immediately.

The reason I write this is to warn you to DOUBLE CHECK your steering in case you have some kind of anti-theft lock in the steering mechanism that requires the key to be operated, if so, most can be removed. Also, install a charge kit so that your towed car battery is charged from the motorhome while traveling. All 7-pin connectors have this provision.

Have a Safe and Wonderful Day full of happy travels.

lass · 06-09-2023, 09:37 AM

Plebruex. Thanks for the info but In order to help, we need to know what series Jeep and if it’s an automatic or manual. It makes a big difference.

I towed my auto JLUR for 5 years and the instructions manual says to put the transmission into PARK and engine to OFF. Yes there are more steps but this is what I followed.

tnedator · 06-09-2023, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by plebreux

I have been towing my Jeep Wrangler for 2 years - the last few trips when I would get to the campground the battery would be dead - a friend (not an RVer) told me that there was no need to use the key - the rest of my trip I connected my Jeep as I always did but this time I did not bother using the Key in the ignition - everything worked perfectly (and no dead battery anymore). I can't believe that everyone has told me for the last 3 years that the key must be in the ACC position. Just thought I would share this in case others are also under the mistaken believe that the key must be used in a Jeep Wrangler in order to unlock the steering.

My understanding is not all Jeep generations are the same. Both my end of run JK and current JL, are as you say, no need to put the key in ACC. Fact is there is no key, just a button, but you put transfer case in neutral, turn the engine off, lock door and forget about it.

My understanding is either prior to JK, or possibly even in the early part of the JK series (which had a key), you had to put it in ACC or on to unlock the steering wheel.

Bottom line, people really need to look at their manual as the definitive source, because there isn't just one way for all Jeeps over the last decade or two, it can vary. The manual has a section on recreational towing that tells you exactly what you need to do for your year/model.

Dutch Star Don · 06-09-2023, 10:32 AM

I've towed six different vehicles over the years. On each one, I copy the instructions from the Owners Manual under Recreational Towing. I then print the instructions on a card, leaving out all the CYA notes and then laminate it. It stays in the seat backrest and is used whenever we tow the vehicle.

shepardmike · 06-09-2023, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dutch Star Don

I've towed six different vehicles over the years. On each one, I copy the instructions from the Owners Manual under Recreational Towing. I then print the instructions on a card, leaving out all the CYA notes and then laminate it. It stays in the seat backrest and is used whenever we tow the vehicle.

^^^^^^

X2

**Lt Dan** · 06-09-2023, 12:20 PM

The key in lock is only required on Jeeps prior to 2007-2008. I put both years because there were some during the transition that required it. Any Wrangler after 2008 does not require the key in the ignition to be towed. The easy way to tell is take the key out and try to turn the steering wheel. If it doesn't lock and turns with the key out, it doesn't have to be in to be towed. I towed a 2006 for thousands of miles and it did have to have the key in the first, unlock position to be towed.

Cougarkid · 06-09-2023, 03:37 PM

My 2001 TJ had a spot, just before the lock position, where the power was off. I could remove the key and move on. No locked steering.
I rarely locked the steering, even when daily driving it.

**NLOVNIT** · 06-09-2023, 05:59 PM

Like Dan, I had a 06 Jeep (Liberty) & it HAD to have the key in the 1st position.

Making a generalized/all encompassing statement as the OP did is not only misleading, but could get people into BIG trouble. It's not true for all Jeeps.

ALWAYS consult your owner's manual for proper 4-down towing.