Community Forums

jblessin · 12-24-2019, 03:15 PM

Our 2018 Grand Cherokee smells of burnt rubber or oil after it's been towed. I've done all the correct things with the transfer case and air suspension. I can't find the source of the smell. Our coach is a 2018 Mountain Aire with the Spartan to Air Force One braking system.
Anyone have similar issues?

autofish · 12-24-2019, 03:19 PM

It is rubber dust from tire on the road that collects on the exhaust.

PJStough · 12-24-2019, 03:23 PM

If that were the case, then wouldnt that effect all toads?

twinboat · 12-24-2019, 03:24 PM

It does effect all toads.

I dolly tow and have smelled it on 3 different toads.

8.3Oilbuner · 12-24-2019, 03:28 PM

Hi Jblessin from down here in Wa. State. X2 on the info Autofish posted. Has happened for years on different Jeep Wranglers we have towed over the years. When traveling from Wa. to Az. we don't unhook the Jeep. After 1600+ miles, WHEW, it sure does stink when we first start her up for the first time. Thought we needed a fire extinguisher handy. Got used to the smell now that we know what it is and does not last very long. Happy Holidays!

Bobbafett · 12-24-2019, 04:53 PM

I drove across country with my wrangler road. Not a single issue with smell. Didn't disconnect almost the whole trip. Did a few more trips with no smell. Just recently I had this issue. I thought the patriot brake system was pushing on brake pedal or something. Brakes weren't hot.

Since so many people report this phenomenon it must be the road oil and dirt as described.

jblessin · 12-26-2019, 08:22 AM

Thanks to all for your thoughts. I think the tire dust and oils off the road on the exhaust makes since. It might not happen on all toads depending on the routing of the exhaust system.

LarryinID · 12-26-2019, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jblessin

Thanks to all for your thoughts. I think the tire dust and oils off the road on the exhaust makes since. It might not happen on all toads depending on the routing of the exhaust system.

And the cabin air intake location. Haven’t experienced with Jeep Patriot or Cherokee. They do get messy if the road is wet.

Bobb.25 · 12-26-2019, 09:25 AM

Autofish is correct. It surprised me the first time too. I was towing a PT Cruiser on a dolly and it smelled for a day or two after towing. I presently tow a 2014 CRV and it does the same thing. I never realized how much "crud" there was being picked up from the road surfaces.
Bob