Flat Towing Jeep Wrangler 2014 4 wheel drive, manual

MonroeJim wrote:
I'm considering towing a Jeep Wrangler 2014 with manual transmission and 4-wheel drive. I read on-line of earlier Wranglers engaging in gear while being towed causing an accident. Is this an actual problem with later wranglers?

Any other problems experienced in towing later model wranglers with manual/4 wheel drive? Many thanks.

WELCOME to THE FORUM !!!


ALL 4wd wranglers have MANUAL transfer cases...even the top of the line loaded w/ everything automatics.

The 2014 wrangler will tow fine, automatic or manual.
I tow a MANUAL transmission '12 Wrangler Sport & the procedure is EXACTLY the same.

There is no risk or reason why a manual transmission placed in gear would cause an accident. the procedure from Mopar is to place the transfer case in neutral and then place the (manual) transmission in some gear.

Jeep want the transmission in A gear to put some tension on the gear box & eliminate parasitic drag on the gear set (imo).

Heres the text from the actual jeep wrangler manual -



2010+ jeep wranglers do NOT require a key in the ignition, turned on, or a fuse pulled (to prevent battery drain while the key is on) - since there is NO Steering wheel lock.

You can review & verify the exact procedure for a 2014 in their on-line owners manual - it has not changed 2014 Owners Manual Link

I HIGHLY recommend that you obtain the Mopar/Jeep "towed vehicle" harness.
The Harness "splices" into the factory harness (between two plugs) behind the glove box.

The towed vehicle harness puts a plug behind the grill that provides the connection to the RV 7-Pin trailer plug....they even include the 7-Pin cable from the jeep to the RV.

This harness enables the use of the tail lights (parking & brake lights) & makes connecting the jeep very VERY simple & fast.

Initially i used some magnetic tow lights and boy what a pain that became...dont make my same mistake.....put that money instead towards the mopar harness.

Mopar / Jeep P/N 82211156AB (fits 2007 - 2014 Jeep Wrangler (JK's)



I modified the mopar harness (moving it under the bumper & installing a socket) - its not necessary but i wanted more hidden & under the bumper rather than behind the grill - I (eventually) painted the socket black to hide it further



I also suggest looking for a tow bar and base plates (if you can find them) on craigslist. I found a top of the line 900 dollar tow bar & 400 dollar base plates on craigs list for 250 bucks !