First Post. I have a 31 foot Jamboree Sport. It is on the Ford E450 chassis and has the 460 motor in it. I have towed a Wrangler X soft top with no issues. I now have a Jeep Unlimited Rubicon that I tow. Here is the issue. At higher speeds, it seems that I am Dragging the Rub around corners, especially longer corners. The coach has almost come to a complete stop with not enough power to tow. The tow seems to do quite well around the neighborhood with sharp turns at intersections. I have verified setup with leaving the key in the On position and moving the steering wheel back and forth and verify that the front wheels actually move when going around corners in the neighborhood. Can not verify if they are turning on the higher speed corners. It also seems that when it finally does start to catch up, I have to move the coach steering wheel opposite to the turn and catch up. Has anyone else experienced this. I have a Roadmaster Falcon 2 tow bar that I leave on the coach and the Rube has the Roadmaster hook up with an extension that supports the Blue Ox ends on the Falcon 2. That is a Long Story starting in San Diego. I can describe it further if needed. The Rube weighs in at 4650 with a full tank of gas. I don't put anything in it when towing.

mount a go pro camera under the hitch and watch what is going on.

I towed my Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited with our old Tioga 29H Class C (E350 460 V8), with no trouble.It tows even better with the F53 based Class A with the V10.Having never encountered the problem you describe, I don't know what is going on.Let us know when you figure it out.

I like the camera idea. Four-Down Towing is wonderful but there are issues. It's probably harder on the toad than a dolly and certainly harder than a trailer. Chipping, tire wear... But also, it's possible to get the toad's steering into a postion it can't get out of. This usually happens on tighter turns, but the scenario is this (based on a sharp right turn by the Coach):1. Coach driver steers Coach Hard Right2. Coach rear overhang swings Left3. Toad steers Left to follow Coach's rear overhang to the Left4. Coach driver straightens Coach out after turn by steerinng Coach Hard LEFT5. Coach rear overhang swings Right6. Toad (some Toads, some of the Time) remains steered Left7. Coach is going Straight8. Toad front wheels are trapped in a Hard Left9. Coach drags Toad front tires SidewaysWe had a Toyota Tercel that would do just that. Not all the time, and I could usually avoid it. But, I left it unlocked because a couple times I had to stop, run back, and horse the steering wheel back to center. We also had a Mitsubishi mini-truck. It newer did that.Why one Jeep model would and another wouldn't, don't know. Why on wider turns than tighter turns really baffles me.

Try putting a bungee cord at the bottom of the steering wheel to pull it back to center at each corner may help easy to try.

That shouldn't be happening at all. Try tying a white rag on the top of the steering wheel when you take off and monitor that rag when doing turns. It's easier to watch the white in your monitor rather than the black steering wheel. Never heard of anything like that. What is this condition doing to your tires? Wearing pattern? Does this happen on both right or left turns? Do you notice anything at high speed turns when you're driving the Jeep? Good luck!

Dragging a Jeep Unlimited around corners | Good Sam Community

40 Replies

OBWan
Explorer
Sep 19, 2013
So has the issue been resolved then or are you still experiencing this drag issue.

I have a 2009 Unlimited Rubicon, that I'm about to tow for the first time today. We are heading up to Mt. Rainier. I drove it up on the highway and around and did not experience any issues, other than some real steep hills. I'm going to have to adjust my driving habits while towing this jeep (Heavy). Jeep stopped putting steering locks in Wranglers in 2009, so anything 2009 or newer does not have a steering lock. So you should be able to set your transfer and tranny, hook up the jeep, pull the key and lock it.
David_homen
Explorer
Aug 08, 2013
David_homen wrote:
Off Pavement wrote:
David_homen wrote:

The users manual for the jeep even says to put it in the unlock position after putting the transfer case in N and transmission in P.

My 2013 is the same as your 2014 mechanically, but your manual sure is different than mine. Here is the quote from the 2013 Wrangler owners manual...

RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
Towing Condition Wheels OFF the Ground Four-Wheel Drive Models
Flat Tow NONE See Instructions

Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for
recreational towing...

1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Turn OFF the engine.
3. Press and hold the brake pedal.
4. Shift the automatic transmission into NEUTRAL or
depress the clutch pedal on a manual transmission.
5. Shift the transfer case lever into NEUTRAL (N).
6. Start the engine.
7. Shift the transmission into REVERSE.
8. Release the brake pedal (and clutch pedal on manual
transmissions) for five seconds and ensure that there is
no vehicle movement.
9. Repeat Steps 7 and 8 with automatic transmission in
DRIVE or manual transmission in first gear.
10. Turn OFF the engine.
11. Firmly apply the parking brake.
12. Shift the transmission into PARK or place manual
transmission in gear (NOT in Neutral).

CAUTION!
Damage to the transmission may occur if the transmission
is shifted into PARK with the transfer case in
NEUTRAL (N) and the engine running. With the
transfer case in NEUTRAL (N) ensure that the engine
is OFF before shifting the transmission into PARK.

13. Attach the vehicle to the tow vehicle using a suitable
tow bar.
14. Release the parking brake.

We pull the key and lock the doors when we tow our '13.

I misspoke. It is a 2013 and I have my manual setting here beside me. I am going to find the Jeep and RV recommendations for towing. Every Dealer and RV Dealership I have ever come in contact with Stresses that the steering wheel be unlocked.

Anyone else leave turn your jeep, pull the keys out and tow?

Live and Learn. I just checked and sure enough, the steering wheel on my Rub does not lock with the key in the off position. Interesting .......

Thanks!!
David_homen
Explorer
Aug 08, 2013
Off Pavement wrote:
David_homen wrote:

The users manual for the jeep even says to put it in the unlock position after putting the transfer case in N and transmission in P.

My 2013 is the same as your 2014 mechanically, but your manual sure is different than mine. Here is the quote from the 2013 Wrangler owners manual...

RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
Towing Condition Wheels OFF the Ground Four-Wheel Drive Models
Flat Tow NONE See Instructions

Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for
recreational towing...

1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Turn OFF the engine.
3. Press and hold the brake pedal.
4. Shift the automatic transmission into NEUTRAL or
depress the clutch pedal on a manual transmission.
5. Shift the transfer case lever into NEUTRAL (N).
6. Start the engine.
7. Shift the transmission into REVERSE.
8. Release the brake pedal (and clutch pedal on manual
transmissions) for five seconds and ensure that there is
no vehicle movement.
9. Repeat Steps 7 and 8 with automatic transmission in
DRIVE or manual transmission in first gear.
10. Turn OFF the engine.
11. Firmly apply the parking brake.
12. Shift the transmission into PARK or place manual
transmission in gear (NOT in Neutral).

CAUTION!
Damage to the transmission may occur if the transmission
is shifted into PARK with the transfer case in
NEUTRAL (N) and the engine running. With the
transfer case in NEUTRAL (N) ensure that the engine
is OFF before shifting the transmission into PARK.

13. Attach the vehicle to the tow vehicle using a suitable
tow bar.
14. Release the parking brake.

We pull the key and lock the doors when we tow our '13.

I misspoke. It is a 2013 and I have my manual setting here beside me. I am going to find the Jeep and RV recommendations for towing. Every Dealer and RV Dealership I have ever come in contact with Stresses that the steering wheel be unlocked.

Anyone else leave turn your jeep, pull the keys out and tow?
David_homen
Explorer
Aug 08, 2013
Jagtech wrote:
It might be the non-slip differentials in the Jeep that's causing your grief. I'm thinking that one (or both) diffs are locking up during a long turn, which would make the inner and outer wheels want to turn at the same speed. Try using the factory-recommended friction modifier additive in the diff oil, front and rear, to see if that helps.

Thanks!! I need to get it in for an oil change. I just put some seriously hard miles on it down in Arizona. I will have them check the oil. Thanks Again!!
Off_Pavement
Explorer II
Aug 08, 2013
David_homen wrote:

The users manual for the jeep even says to put it in the unlock position after putting the transfer case in N and transmission in P.

My 2013 is the same as your 2014 mechanically, but your manual sure is different than mine. Here is the quote from the 2013 Wrangler owners manual...

RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
Towing Condition Wheels OFF the Ground Four-Wheel Drive Models
Flat Tow NONE See Instructions

Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for
recreational towing...

1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Turn OFF the engine.
3. Press and hold the brake pedal.
4. Shift the automatic transmission into NEUTRAL or
depress the clutch pedal on a manual transmission.
5. Shift the transfer case lever into NEUTRAL (N).
6. Start the engine.
7. Shift the transmission into REVERSE.
8. Release the brake pedal (and clutch pedal on manual
transmissions) for five seconds and ensure that there is
no vehicle movement.
9. Repeat Steps 7 and 8 with automatic transmission in
DRIVE or manual transmission in first gear.
10. Turn OFF the engine.
11. Firmly apply the parking brake.
12. Shift the transmission into PARK or place manual
transmission in gear (NOT in Neutral).

CAUTION!
Damage to the transmission may occur if the transmission
is shifted into PARK with the transfer case in
NEUTRAL (N) and the engine running. With the
transfer case in NEUTRAL (N) ensure that the engine
is OFF before shifting the transmission into PARK.

13. Attach the vehicle to the tow vehicle using a suitable
tow bar.
14. Release the parking brake.

We pull the key and lock the doors when we tow our '13.
David_homen
Explorer
Aug 07, 2013
Canadian Rainbirds wrote:
We have towed our 2011 Jeep Wrangler Sahara Unlimited 4 door 4X4 since new. Two round trips to southern Mexico without any issues. We tow with a32' 2002 Itasca Horizon DP.

Sigh ........... I just need to find the time to go and tow and tow and see what works and what doesn't

Thanks for the feedback.
David_homen
Explorer
Aug 07, 2013
DJK 18205 wrote:
You should not have to unlock the wheel. It should turn without the key in it, we never leave ours in there and lock the doors. Transfer case in "N" and transmission in "P"

My wheel locks up and the tires will not turn. I Have tried most everything else, suppose I can do that too. My last Jeep truly was "Drag Around The Corners" without the key unlocked.

The users manual for the jeep even says to put it in the unlock position after putting the transfer case in N and transmission in P.
DJK_18205
Explorer
Aug 07, 2013
You should not have to unlock the wheel. It should turn without the key in it, we never leave ours in there and lock the doors. Transfer case in "N" and transmission in "P"
Canadian_Rainbi
Explorer
Aug 04, 2013
We have towed our 2011 Jeep Wrangler Sahara Unlimited 4 door 4X4 since new. Two round trips to southern Mexico without any issues. We tow with a32' 2002 Itasca Horizon DP.
tropical36
Explorer
Jul 24, 2013
David_homen wrote:
tropical36 wrote:
David_homen wrote:
It has been awhile since posting last. I have only had the opportunity to tow the Jeep once. I tried the white rag on the steering wheel. From what I could see, all seemed to track correctly. I even lengthened the safety chains. It still drug the jeep around the same corner and stalled out. It really seems to be prevalent when turning right? Still more to do before I throw in the towel.

Thanks to all for the great suggestions. I especially like the post about the ass end of the coach rotating counter to the turn. That explained a lot especially as to why the Jeep jumps up on the curb when I pull away from parking close to it.

Dave

Tow bars level and what are they. I forget the year of your Jeep and are you sure the steering isn't locked. Also assuming it's wheels are in proper alignment, but still can't see this happening.

It is a Falcon II tow bar, the jeep is a 2014 Rubicon 4 door. I am very sure the wheels aren't locked. The new Jeeps don't like to have the battery disconnected so when I put the key in the unlock position everything is on. I even tried to disengage the traction control. No Joy .........

Why are you putting putting the key in the unlock position? We turn everything off, lock the doors and take the key with us.

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Dragging a Jeep Unlimited around corners

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