Quote:
Originally Posted by luvdoggiez
Hi there everyone,
We have a 2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. In the towing instructions, when it comes to hook up, it says nothing about removing a terminal from the battery. However when it comes to unhooking, it says you should reconnect the battery. Any thoughts on what we should be doing? Should we leave the battery connected or unconnect it.
Also, when we tow the Jeep, after we unhook it, and start up the car, we smell a burning plastic smell, which we don't normally smell when it has been a while since we towed the car. Any thoughts on what might be causing this?
Thanks for your insight!
Safe Travels!
Eric and Carol
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Eric and Carol,
First off, this subject of the Owners manual for Jeep JKs incorrectness has been bandied about here and there. It's a goof up by Jeep. There are revised editions out there. But, speaking to a dealer about this is sometimes quite futile. I mean, why would one re-connect a battery cable when, it wasn't DISCONNECTED in the first place? Good one Jeep!
Now, we've only had 9 Jeeps to date. Our present one, a '15 JKUR, and we tow it all over the place with battery cables connected. No issues what so ever. I setup all the tow bar system, cables and the lighting. Piece of cake.
As for your smell that you're getting after you've towed your Jeep. It's quite normal. That subject has been brought up a few dozen times too. It's pretty simple. And, it has absolutely NOTHING to do with what's attached to your motor home. When you drive your Jeep or, any vehicle, the exhaust system gets very hot. Duh!!! And, most exhaust systems are almost the lowest hanging components on most vehicles.
Now, when driving it, the exhaust system is hot and, anything that can come in contact with it, i.e. rain, mud, dust, debris, tire dust, weeds, ANYTHING, get's IMMEDIATELY burned off. And, as a result, you never smell it 'cause it's not on the system long enough to produce a smell.
But, when you tow your Jeep (or any other type toad), the exhaust system on the Jeep is COLD. And, again, things will come in contact with it, all the above items have potential for clinging on to any portion of that system. Now, you get into your Jeep, after towing it for quite a few miles and, start it up to use it. Guess what, all that stuff that potentially coated your Jeeps exhaust system is now warming up and, in fact, will BURN off, when temps reach operating temperature.
That's what you're smelling. Again, it has ABSOLUTELY nothing to do with anything related to your coach. It's just normal road dust, debris and more. Nothing to worry about. Thousands and thousands of RVers have the same issue when they re-start their toads, after they've been towed for a while. Much of it depends on how well traveled the roads are, that you've towed your toad on.
Scott
2018 Goldwing Tour DCT Airbag
Linear Mode
