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The Utzes · 04-11-2008, 09:42 AM

I'm towing a 2007 Jeep Wrangler that has 4WD and standard six speed transmission. The manual says to tow an automatic in park but doesn't address manual transmissions. I can't see that it would matter but somewhere I remember reading a suggestion to tow in fifth gear. Of course the transfer case is in neutral.

Anybody know a reason for towing in gear as opposed to neutral?

By the way I'm using a Blue Ox Aventa LX Tow Bar (heavy to handle but very secure) and a Unified Tow Brake. I'm really happy with both.

The Utzes · 04-11-2008, 09:42 AM

I'm towing a 2007 Jeep Wrangler that has 4WD and standard six speed transmission. The manual says to tow an automatic in park but doesn't address manual transmissions. I can't see that it would matter but somewhere I remember reading a suggestion to tow in fifth gear. Of course the transfer case is in neutral.

Anybody know a reason for towing in gear as opposed to neutral?

By the way I'm using a Blue Ox Aventa LX Tow Bar (heavy to handle but very secure) and a Unified Tow Brake. I'm really happy with both.

MonacoMama · 04-11-2008, 10:07 AM

Henry & Shirley...
I have short-cut this topic to the Towing & Toads forum.
You will see a much greater response from that area.

MM

SargeW · 04-11-2008, 01:27 PM

Hi Henry,

In a nut shell, you don't want the transmission to turn without the benefit of the pump to circulate the transmission fluid. It would cause significant unnecessary wear on the bearings and gears. That's why autos tow in park, and standards in gear. Plenty of good reading in the other threads, this is just the short answer.

You can actually use any gear to keep the tranny from turning, folks have just suggested 5th (or your highest gear) in case the transfer case "jumped" into gear while you were going down the road. Although I must say I have never heard of that happening.

Sarge

offthewall · 04-11-2008, 04:18 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by The Utzes:
I'm towing a 2007 Jeep Wrangler that has 4WD and standard six speed transmission. The manual says to tow an automatic in park but doesn't address manual transmissions. I can't see that it would matter but somewhere I remember reading a suggestion to tow in fifth gear. Of course the transfer case is in neutral.

Anybody know a reason for towing in gear as opposed to neutral?

By the way I'm using a Blue Ox Aventa LX Tow Bar (heavy to handle but very secure) and a Unified Tow Brake. I'm really happy with both. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

My 08 owners manual states to leave the manual transmission in gear. It doesn't specify which gear but NOT neutral.

Rick 2005 Dolphin 5376 · 04-13-2008, 05:37 AM

I've read 5th gear for a manual. The JK tows very well. If your motorhome uses the same bulb for blinking as it does for braking lights, don't forget to pull the M1 fuse along with the IOD under the hood.

d-rab · 07-28-2008, 02:51 PM

I tow my wrangler in neutral, neutral.... MAKE SURE THE STEERING DOESN'T LOCK.... LEAVE KEY IN "OFF" POSITION.

M&EM · 07-28-2008, 03:59 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by The Utzes:
Anybody know a reason for towing in gear as opposed to neutral?
</div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I believe lubrication in most manuals occurs by action of the gear teeth. When in neutral and towing, viscous, fluid friction, or what ever you want to call the fluid coupling effects in the transfer case will cause the output shaft of the transmission to rotate. Since non of the driven gears are coupled to the output shaft, there are no gear teeth moving to aid in lubrication. All other gears connected to the input shaft and will be stationary as long as the engine is not running. So, the main output shaft bearings could run dry. Placing the trans in any gear stops that rotation. The transfer case has its own pump for lubrication at its output shaft.

Rick 2005 Dolphin 5376 · 07-28-2008, 04:34 PM

My owners manual for the 07 Wrangler states to tow in park if an automatic and 5 gear if manual tranny.

Forest Grump · 08-05-2008, 12:29 PM

I answered this somewhere else but the reasons given here to tow in gear are correct. 5th gear will provide sufficient lubrication to prevent damage to the tranny. The transfer case should be in neutral. I use 5th incase the does jump into gear. I've had it jump out so I suppose it could jump in.

Dutch Star Don · 08-05-2008, 05:30 PM

I was re-reading my 2007 Dodge Dakota 4WD Automatic tow instructions a couple of days ago. It also had instructions under the Recreational Towing section for manual transmissions. It said to tow in 4th.

Rick 2005 Dolphin 5376 · 08-06-2008, 05:02 AM

How many gears does a manual transmission Dakota have. I'm guessing five. The jeep Wrangler manual doesn't state what gear to tow in. I took a look last night. Seems 5th, (the wrangler has 6) gear is the accepted gear. Park if it's an Automatic.

Kyp J · 08-07-2008, 09:57 AM

Quote: ".... 5th (or your highest gear) in case the transfer case "jumped" into gear while you were going down the road. Although I must say I have never heard of that happening." Unquote

I have heard of transfer case lever being "bumped" while getting in or out before hitting the road. Burned down the toad and barely escaped burning down the coach. I think the toad was in a lower gear.

Forest Grump · 08-07-2008, 11:01 AM

My Wrangler has jumped out of gear into neutral while off road several times without being bumped. Usually when in high 4x4 and not when under a load. I have not had it go into gear.

5th gear is chosen because that will provide more than adequate lubrication for the tranny.