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Sky_Boss · 05-10-2020, 08:22 PM

Converting from our previous 2013 CRV to the 2020 Jeep isn't really a big deal. However, the set up and return to normal use is a bit more "techie".

BTW, I've attached the hook-up and unhook instructions formatted for a regular sheet of paper, larger print and in PDF form.

We will be doing our first tow of the Jeep in a couple weeks. So, in prep I carefully reviewed the instructions and did a dry run. No big surprises but the 2 items I see you have to be careful about are making sure the suspension is set to normal height and the shifter is in PARK. Anyway...

The instructions to attach the tow bar is near the end of the list. With our CRV would hook up first, back the car up to lock the tow bar and then go through the set up to tow. I'm not seeing any reason we can't continue hooking up first, lock the tow bar and then set up (steps 2-13) for towing. Am I missing something?

Also, the CRV had a 65 MPH towing speed limit and accelerated transmission fluid replacement requirements with the latter not being easily noticed. I'm not seeing either of these issues addressed in the Jeep owners manual. I'm thinking I am not missing anything but just in case...any thoughts?

gpounder · 05-10-2020, 08:45 PM

I do one more thing. I push the jeep to make sure I can move it just before hooking up the tow-bar or do it to move it into position to hook up the tow-bar. The reason being that I want to be absolutely sure I am disconnected from the drive system. Just make sure it will not roll away.

twojayhawks · 05-11-2020, 08:04 AM

Skyboss
The instructions you posted are for the Grand Cherokee right? Most mfg's don't write the towing instructions as logical as they could- even Jeep. You can google short actual videos of the set up to tow each of the three Jeep models if you want to watch. But lastly I see no reason why you can not continue to hook up the Jeep FIRST and then after all connections get in the vehicle & set to tow. Pulling up behind the motorhome, setting the vehicle to tow, and THEN getting out & making connections would never work for me. Connecting the tow bar is when I sometimes realize I need a redo & move the car a smidge.

Cousin Ed · 05-11-2020, 08:26 AM

We tow a 2019 GC. I hook up the tow bar before I do anything else. I just don't want the Jeep rolling away or over me. I then follow the instructions but after that's done (with the engine running) I shift to drive and reverse to make sure the transfer case shifted to neutral. We also tow a 2011 Sierra; I do the same thing in the same order. Hoping I don't miss a step. Repetition is a good thing.

Sky_Boss · 05-11-2020, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twojayhawks

Skyboss
The instructions you posted are for the Grand Cherokee right? Most mfg's don't write the towing instructions as logical as they could- even Jeep. You can google short actual videos of the set up to tow each of the three Jeep models if you want to watch. But lastly I see no reason why you can not continue to hook up the Jeep FIRST and then after all connections get in the vehicle & set to tow. Pulling up behind the motorhome, setting the vehicle to tow, and THEN getting out & making connections would never work for me. Connecting the tow bar is when I sometimes realize I need a redo & move the car a smidge.

We have the 2020 Grand Cherokee Overland. I copy and pasted the instructions from a PDF copy of the owner's manual into a word document and reformatted it (font size mostly) for readability. I set it up to have each be on a single page instead of different pages like in the owners manual. It really is word for word from the owner's manual.

You point out the EXACT reason why I want to connect the jeep to the tow bar first then do the set up after I'm satisfied with the that part of the process. I was pretty certain that doing the tow bar connection first wouldn't be a problem but I thought I would verify my hunch was good.

I think Jeep's order of things may be more the result of an engineer's approach instead of an RVer's approach. Besides, it isn't always easy to find a level surface that would insure the jeep wouldn't roll a little or a lot. Hooking the tow bar first seems safer to me just for that reason only.

THANKS!

Sky_Boss · 05-11-2020, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cousin Ed

We tow a 2019 GC. I hook up the tow bar before I do anything else. I just don't want the Jeep rolling away or over me. I then follow the instructions but after that's done (with the engine running) I shift to drive and reverse to make sure the transfer case shifted to neutral. We also tow a 2011 Sierra; I do the same thing in the same order. Hoping I don't miss a step. Repetition is a good thing.

If I am understanding what you are saying...

Step 7 of the set up says to put it in reverse with the foot brake on then (step 8) release brake to see if it moves...but you also test in in drive. Correct?

The only reason I'm being a bit specific on this is because of the CRV instructions. In the case of the CRV one particular step you had to be very careful about. If you when from reverse to neutral (the tow setting) you would destroy the transmission. You always had to make sure you went from drive to neutral. I know, different vehicle but just something ingrained in our towing practice.

Cousin Ed · 05-11-2020, 02:41 PM

Yes I try in both drive & reverse. I turn of the engine before I put in park. I'm not sure if that's necessary but was a while ago and it can't hurt. We started towing an '01 Cherokee then a couple of GCs and then we needed to carry a golf cart so we towed a Colorado and now a Sierra or the GC.