Forum Discussion

zonacamper's avatar
zonacamper
Explorer
Jun 05, 2013

staring the engine during long trip

I have a 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee that I have used on several smaller trips (2 hours of towing max). I have read on here that some like to start their toad several times a day when on long trips to circulate fluids. I have looked in my Owners manual but cannot find any guidelines for when/ how often to do this.
we will be traveling about 5000 miles in the next 6-7 weeks with a few long (12 hr) days mixed in there. My thought was every 2-3 hours when I need to get out & stretch, that would be a good time to start the Jeep. Does that sound about right? any other recommeddations?

Thanks!!
  • dkreuzen's avatar
    dkreuzen
    Explorer
    Jun 06, 2013
    Jeep transfer cases have a rear oil pump that runs off the read drive shaft that circulates the oil whenever the Jeep moves. The front drive shaft turns the chain inside the case which throws oil all over. That's why they can be flat towed without doing anything else. However it is important to do regular maintenance on the axles, drive shafts, and transfer case.
  • tropical36's avatar
    tropical36
    Explorer
    Jun 06, 2013
    427435 wrote:
    DougE wrote:
    Most 4wd vehicles are towed with the transfer case in neutral and the transmission in drive. Some transfer cases do not splash lube around when in neutral and can ruin rear bearings if towed extensively. Those manufacturers mostly recommend running the engine for a few minutes every 200 miles to provide lubrication if you are towing 4 down. Your transfer case may or may not need this procedure. Check the manufacturer's towing recommendations or go to a jeep forum and ask about your specific transfer case. Beware of unsubstantiated opinions though.



    Actually, I believe most 4wd vehicles are towed with the transfer case in neutral and the TRANNY in PARK. At least that is the way my Explorer is towed.

    This is correct and with a Wrangler without a steering lock, that's it for however many miles. With a manual tranny, it would be in top gear and the transfer case in neutral as well.
  • zonacamper's avatar
    zonacamper
    Explorer
    Jun 05, 2013
    thanks for the reply's. I cant find anything in the maunal that mentions it, but it must be ok to not run the motor. but for my peace of mind I might do it anyway every couple hundred miles or so...
  • imgoin4it's avatar
    imgoin4it
    Explorer
    Jun 05, 2013
    I am pretty sure that jeep has no requirement to start the engine on any time or mileage basis. When I towed a Liberty I towed as many as 4 days without starting the engine. Towed it over 100,000 miles with no incident. After 12 years it just got old and tired and now tow a crew cab 1500 chevy Silverado.
  • DougE's avatar
    DougE
    Explorer
    Jun 05, 2013
    427435 - My bad, you're right. Worked the same on my Suzuki Sidekick.
    robatthelake - Since as 427425 says, you need to start the engine and put the transmission in drive for a minute or so, a remote starter doesn't gain you anything.
    BTW I leave the driver's door open so I don't forget to put the toad back in towing mode.
  • robatthelake's avatar
    robatthelake
    Explorer
    Jun 05, 2013
    I have often thought that a remote starter might be a good idea! I usually get out and do a walk about every couple of hours,but sometimes it would be nice to just push a button to start the toad,while still inside the coach.
  • 427435's avatar
    427435
    Explorer
    Jun 05, 2013
    DougE wrote:
    Most 4wd vehicles are towed with the transfer case in neutral and the transmission in drive. Some transfer cases do not splash lube around when in neutral and can ruin rear bearings if towed extensively. Those manufacturers mostly recommend running the engine for a few minutes every 200 miles to provide lubrication if you are towing 4 down. Your transfer case may or may not need this procedure. Check the manufacturer's towing recommendations or go to a jeep forum and ask about your specific transfer case. Beware of unsubstantiated opinions though.



    Actually, I believe most 4wd vehicles are towed with the transfer case in neutral and the TRANNY in PARK. At least that is the way my Explorer is towed.
  • dons2346's avatar
    dons2346
    Explorer
    Jun 05, 2013
    I have towed my '00 Jeep GC from WA to CA and never started it. I have towed it over 150,000 miles and have 145,000 driving miles on it. Only problem I have had is a bad front drive shaft and running the motor couldn't have helped in this instance.

    IIRC, there is nothing in the manual about running the motor every so often.
  • DougE's avatar
    DougE
    Explorer
    Jun 05, 2013
    Most 4wd vehicles are towed with the transfer case in neutral and the transmission in drive. Some transfer cases do not splash lube around when in neutral and can ruin rear bearings if towed extensively. Those manufacturers mostly recommend running the engine for a few minutes every 200 miles to provide lubrication if you are towing 4 down. Your transfer case may or may not need this procedure. Check the manufacturer's towing recommendations or go to a jeep forum and ask about your specific transfer case. Beware of unsubstantiated opinions though.

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