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Patrich's avatar
Patrich
Explorer
Mar 30, 2014

2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee Auto trans. rwd as a TOAD??

Hi,Does anyone tow a 2002 Jeep auto trans. 2 wheel drive, 4 down or must I use a tow dolly or trans. oil pump? Thanks for any info. Richard
  • Patrich wrote:
    Thanks for the reply don but why can't I just back my Jeep on the tow dolly & lock down the steering wheel? Richard
    dons2346 wrote:
    It cannot be towed on a dolly or 4 wheels down. Your options are a trailer or transmission pump. You might also find a driveline disconnect, not sure.


    How the toad behaves on the dolly backwards depends on the caster and camber of the front tires. Some vehicles can be towed that way with no problems and some can't. Some of the newer vehicles do not have a steering column lock so tying the steering wheel down securely so the front tires could wobble going down the road is necessary.

    Why don't you call the dolly manufacturer and see what they recommend? I have attended towing seminars at FMCA conventions and have yet to hear anyone say it is ok to tow backwards
  • That can be done. In fact, it HAS been done.
    The steering wheel must be firmly tied down so it can not rotate. No, the steering lock is not strong enough to hold. the front wheels must be held exactly straight or the vehicle will not follow straight.
    Every dolly manufacturer I know of says "DO NOT TOW THE VEHICLE WITH THE REAR WHEELS ON THE DOLLY!" That could be just the normal CYA statement from the legal department, but it is always possible that the manufacturer knows something the average user doesn't.
  • Thanks for the reply don but why can't I just back my Jeep on the tow dolly & lock down the steering wheel? Richard
    dons2346 wrote:
    It cannot be towed on a dolly or 4 wheels down. Your options are a trailer or transmission pump. You might also find a driveline disconnect, not sure.
  • Thanks for the reply but my owners manual doesn't even mention anything at all about towing a RWD 4 down.
    rv2go wrote:
    All the info that I have is that it can't be towed 4 down.
    Of course, you should first check the owners manual.
  • It cannot be towed on a dolly or 4 wheels down. Your options are a trailer or transmission pump. You might also find a driveline disconnect, not sure.
  • All the info that I have is that it can't be towed 4 down.
    Of course, you should first check the owners manual.

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