I have the 2014 Jeep Cherokee Limited and completely agree with your comments on the towing instructions. They were the same on the 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee we had.
We always hook up first, then do the jeep process to get it set up for towing. One in three times, we don't guess right and have to move the jeep a little forward or backwards to get the tow bar attached.
Plus I think it is much safer to be attached and use the motorhome brakes before putting the jeep in neutral.
I don't think it matters what towbar you use. We have a readybrute.
The instructions also say after putting the 4wd ptu in neutral, to start the engine and put the transmission in reverse, then release the brake to check the jeep doesn't move. Well, it does move if you are headed uphill due to gravity! So this makes no sense to me either. Does Jeep think we are all on level grounds when we hook up... don't I wish!
I still put the jeep in reverse, just in case there is another reason for going thru the gears in the order listed.
Because I hook up first, I don't use the parking brake. We had it go on on its own when the door was open, and it locks the rear wheels. It's electronic and I'm still not clear what must happen before you can release it.
So the order is: hook up, put the jeep in towing gear, check the brake lights, then move forward and check the wheels all move (no parking brake.)
We towed the jeep 4000 miles this summer and hooked up first every time.
Susan
