Community Forums

Mckeerw · 01-09-2023, 07:55 AM

Dodge Guy: Thanks for the reply. I'm 99.99% sure it's in Neutral tow. Dark dash, no noises, rolls freely, etc. But look at these pictures of the rubber left on the road from just making normal turns in a parking lot.

ChrisDParise · 01-10-2023, 07:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mckeerw

Dodge Guy: Thanks for the reply. I'm 99.99% sure it's in Neutral tow. Dark dash, no noises, rolls freely, etc. But look at these pictures of the rubber left on the road from just making normal turns in a parking lot.

Don't know if anyone can see the picture in the above post, but I can't. Viewing on my phone as always.

So, your wheels are turning freely?

It is not unusual for hot tires on pavement or just plain slow turns on concrete to leave tire foot prints on concrete (assuming it's concrete in the picture)

I see examples of this all the time on my own concrete driveway from my car as a toad, as a car, Class C driveway "Y" turns, Amazon delivery step vans, etc.

Mckeerw · 01-10-2023, 08:26 AM

Wheels turning freely, steering wheel unlocked. I agree its not unusual to see rubber track after tight turns, it's not that... it's dragging the front sideways pealing rubber off the tires. The front wheels are not steering into the turn.

ChrisDParise · 01-10-2023, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mckeerw

Wheels turning freely, steering wheel unlocked. I agree its not unusual to see rubber track after tight turns, it's not that... it's dragging the front sideways pealing rubber off the tires. The front wheels are not steering into the turn.

Ok, I understand it's an example of your original complaint. Sorry for that misunderstanding

This would definitely be priority one for me to figure out can't imagine what your going through.

For what it's worth...

I wonder if the vehicle thinks it's in tow mode - having gone through all 15 steps to get where you're at - but it's not in tow mode because of a memory issue due to prior fault (possibly an issue with one or more of the 15 steps that was eventually corrected to move on to the next step?)

Assuming disconnecting the negative terminal from the battery will not do any harm other than having to reset your date and time, this may be worth trying to clear out what's in memory - clearing working cache or rebooting so to speak

Then try setting it up to tow again.

Mckeerw · 01-20-2023, 07:25 PM

Dodge Guy: Should the power steering stay active in Neutral tow mode?

Mckeerw · 02-08-2023, 12:15 AM

Jeep has had the vehicle for almost a month now. They say everything checks out as it should be from their end. They can't explain why it won't track in a turn and just scrubs the tires. Says it has to be the baseplate but can't say how the baseplate could possibly cause the problem.

The Roadmaster baseplate was verified by Jeep as the correct part number for the vehicle per Roadmaster, and it was professionally installed by a firm whose only business is installing baseplates and braking systems.

If what they say is true, then the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland is NOT flat towable.

I'm sorry, I just don't buy that!

ChrisDParise · 02-08-2023, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mckeerw

Jeep has had the vehicle for almost a month now. They say everything checks out as it should be from their end. They can't explain why it won't track in a turn and just scrubs the tires. Says it has to be the baseplate but can't say how the baseplate could possibly cause the problem.

The Roadmaster baseplate was verified by Jeep as the correct part number for the vehicle per Roadmaster, and it was professionally installed by a firm whose only business is installing baseplates and braking systems.

If what they say is true, then the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland is NOT flat towable.

I'm sorry, I just don't buy that!

Following, thanks for the update.
Exasperating but don't give up. Persistence usually pays off.

KenNJ · 02-24-2023, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mckeerw

Jeep has had the vehicle for almost a month now. They say everything checks out as it should be from their end. They can't explain why it won't track in a turn and just scrubs the tires. Says it has to be the baseplate but can't say how the baseplate could possibly cause the problem.

The Roadmaster baseplate was verified by Jeep as the correct part number for the vehicle per Roadmaster, and it was professionally installed by a firm whose only business is installing baseplates and braking systems.

If what they say is true, then the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland is NOT flat towable.

I'm sorry, I just don't buy that!

I agree with you and just purchased our 2023 Overland. We have not had the base plate installed yet. Will be watching for your reply. I plan to have the Blue Ox Base plate installed since I have the BO tow bar.

Thanks for posting this, I had no idea there is a problem.

Mckeerw · 02-24-2023, 10:50 PM

I think there is a problem specifically with MY Grand Cherokee. Over the past month I've observed quite a number of new Grand Cherokees being towed. I've been able to talk directly with a half dozen or so and no one has had any issues like mine. One gentleman was even kind enough to make several sharp turns while I observed in a parking lot. His wheels steered properly thru the turns with no scrubbing at all. He had the EXACT setup as mine, and his GC was delivered one month after mine. About 50/50 Blue Ox vs. Roadmaster. I think those are the only baseplate options available at this time. Be sure to report how the tow setup works for you!

KenNJ · 02-25-2023, 11:38 AM

Okay I have this figured out so here are the steps I followed to put my 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland in 4 Down towing mode. Also posted is a video of the steps.
1. Start GC
2. Foot on the brake turn the selector for P to N
3. Foot still on the brake pedal use the Pen and hold down the Neutral selector until the light turns red
4. With Foot on the brake turn the selector to R or D and make sure the GC does not move.
5. With foot on the brake turn selector back to N.
6. With Foot on the brake pull the parking brake lever until the brake indicator shows on your display (speedometer area).

7. Take your foot off the brake and Push the start button to turn off the car.
8. Now put your foot back on the brake and push the parking brake (do not pull) and the car will now be in 4 Down tow mode.
9. Finally with your foot off the brake push the start button one last time to turn off the GC driver display.
The GC is now in 4 down towing mode and ready to roll.

Here is a link to the video demonstrating the steps listed above.
2023 Overland 4 Down - https://youtu.be/dMR1bmu5phI

Hope the steps and video help.

Mckeerw · 02-25-2023, 02:19 PM

Great Video review KenNJ! Have you actually towed it yet? Your steps certainly are clearer than the Jeep owners manual. I don't have access to mine right now so I can't try it with your instructions. I can't for the life of me see where they get me to a different place than the owners manual, but I can't wait to try! Remember my only issue is the tracking in turns. No issue at all with the Neutral tow, parking brake on, or freewheeling. THANKS!

KenNJ · 02-25-2023, 03:24 PM

With all of my testing what I found is Overland would not disengage all 4 wheels correctly without using the steps with the parking brake. I tried for an hour until I finally figured it out. Like I said in the video the steps for the overland are different than the Grand Cherokee Limited.

Once you get the Overland back let us know what you find.

Mckeerw · 03-03-2023, 05:22 PM

Update on flat tow problem. No update... Looks like it will be a few weeks before I can go to the next level, very frustrating but not entirely their fault.

ChrisDParise · 03-03-2023, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mckeerw

Update on flat tow problem. No update... Looks like it will be a few weeks before I can go to the next level, very frustrating but not entirely their fault.

Gotta believe your patience will payoff. Thanks for the no update update!