backing up 4 down jeep jk

[dave17352]

My manual for my 2017 jeep wrangler says backing even when the transfer case is in neutral and you are in dingy towing mode can cause damage. I have towed four down in the past and occasionally have backed up a little with some success in a tight spot. I was not towing a jeep at this time. So my question is lets say I am towing four down I pull into a gas station and for some reason I need to back up 10 feet. Will this cause damage to a 2017 Jeep wrangler while in dingy towing mode???

Thanks
Dave

[SDcampowneroper]

I hesitate to post because of furor previous posts I made on this issue. Now posters are advocating that backing short distances with caution can be done.
I have vindication.
When I owned and operated our camp, regularly MHs with toad pulled too far forward at our registration area to make the left turn to their campsite.
In my best site escort suggestions, " Sir, back up just a little I"ll watch the towed front wheels" never a problem.
most did knowing they could Occasionally a n inexperienced driver that has never seen it or spooked by mfgr disclaimers was hesitant, however with my demeanor and assurance, never did in 19 years did a driver refuse to 'give it a try' Never did a steering wheel cramp in a short straight reverse. Certainly that lesson is being reflected here.

If a vehicle can be towed, forward with all gearing disconnected, how can it be damaging to back it short distances?

[mowermech]

dave17352 wrote:
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.

Good thinking, IMO!

[Grit_dog]

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!!

[dave17352]

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]

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!

[magicbus]

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

[mowermech]

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.

[Bumpyroad]

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

[rdhetrick]

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...

[Old-Biscuit]

• 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

[dave17352]

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

[enblethen]

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.