backing up 4 down jeep jk

I have backed up my toads, non-Jeep. Suzukis and Chev Tracker.
Big issue is not to allow it to get in a bind to the point of nearly jack knife.

I have too I am just wondering about this jeep, If I am reading this correctly.

• Tow only in the forward direction. Towing this vehicle backwards can cause severe damage to the transfer case.
• Automatic transmissions must be placed in PARK for recreational towing.
• Manual transmissions must be placed in gear (not in Neutral) for recreational towing.

Seems clear...NO
And I doubt MFG is talking about long distance reversing

As far as I understand, the issue with backing is the steering wheel going one way while you want the vehicle to go the other way. I've seen people get around this by using a heavy bungee strap through the steering wheel attached to the brake pedal (only when backing up, not when moving forward).

I've backed up a few feet also with no ill effects.

I find it hard to believe that backing up a few feet would hurt he transmission/transfer case and the note about towing backwards means just what it says - don't TOW it backwards.

Furthermore, it backing it up a few feet really caused damage, I would certainly expect to have heard about it somewhere. To the contrary, seems like a lot of people have said they back up a few feet when absolutely necessary without any damage.

Just my two cents...

enblethen wrote:
I have backed up my toads, non-Jeep. Suzukis and Chev Tracker.
Big issue is not to allow it to get in a bind to the point of nearly jack knife.

yep, that is the issue, watch it closely.
bumpy

I was "forced" to back up my Jeep Wrangler once (yeah, I know, I could have disconnected, got the Jeep out of the way, backed up the truck, then reconnected. I should have!)
It was fine for about 4 feet, then the steering SLAMMED over into a full left turn against the stops. Yes, I was backing straight, no turn.
I will never do that again, I do not care how many people brag that they have done it with no problems.
One experience was enough.

mowermech wrote:
I was "forced" to back up my Jeep Wrangler once (yeah, I know, I could have disconnected, got the Jeep out of the way, backed up the truck, then reconnected. I should have!)
It was fine for about 4 feet, then the steering SLAMMED over into a full left turn against the stops. Yes, I was backing straight, no turn.
I will never do that again, I do not care how many people brag that they have done it with no problems.
One experience was enough.

X2.

Dave

I believe they are saying not to tow it backwards at speed! Not that you could anyway. 5-10 feet is not going to damage the drivetrain. That is however if you can keep the wheels straight while backing!

Thanks for the replies. I am only talking a few feet here and I am aware of the steering issue. Disconnecting is a snap with this tow bar. So I imagine I will disconnect now and then.

dodge guy wrote:
I believe they are saying not to tow it backwards at speed! Not that you could anyway. 5-10 feet is not going to damage the drivetrain. That is however if you can keep the wheels straight while backing!

Thank you!!