Dolly towing

[abc40kids]

My buddy is gonna tow his 95 Wrangler 4x4 on a tow dolly behind his RV. It’s a manual, is he ok in neutral or will there be damage? Thanks

[crawford]

2015 jeeps say no tow dolly only 4 wheel down in park transfer case in neutral this is in the book....

[dubdub07]

I am no expert, but I believe you can NOT tow a Jeep with a transfer case with only the rear wheels on the ground because the transfer case/transmission is lubricated by a pump that is driven by the front driveshaft. So it will spin okay, but it will not lubricate unless the front driveshaft is spinning working the pump.....

WW

[lane_hog]

Disconnecting the drive shaft is by far the safest if you have to put a Jeep on a dolly.

Pulling the shaft entirely can allow contaminants to enter the transfer case, so we remove the U-joint bearing at the pumpkin and use a load strap to secure the drive shaft up and away from the suspension.

[mowermech]

"...put it in neutral also transfer case in neutral..."
That is not what the Owner's Manual says! Again, READ and FOLLOW the instructions in the Owner's Manual!

[enblethen]

We all the Jeeps being towed I doubt whether it is a big issue four down without pulling drive shaft. Chances on getting knocked into gear is very slim.
Towed on dolly maybe more of an issue!

[RJsfishin]

My 4wd Liberty can be towed 4up, or 4 down, no other way(save driveline removal). The way I understand it, is that the transfer case works the same as a differential in that if only 1 side is turning, it will raise havoc w/ the spider gears.

[abc40kids]

I spoke to my buddy that owns a tow company and he said put it in neutral also transfer case in neutral and if the rear drive shaft can be spun with your hand you are good but still the chance of it slipping out of neutral while in tow. He said only safe way is to pull the rear drive shaft. He said if the rear drive shaft is moving the transfer case will heat up..... he doesn't have a trailer and no time to get a tow bar so the Jeep stayed home.

[mowermech]

Again, READ and FOLLOW the instructions written in the Owner's Manual for your information and edification.
The Manual does not say that you can tow the Jeep on a dolly with the rear driveshaft removed, but it DOES say that transfer case damage is a possibility if it is towed on a dolly. Will the bearings dry out and self-destruct if you tow it that way? I do not know. You can always call Jeep Customer Service and ask them.
I would never tow my Jeep on a dolly. But then, the Jeep under discussion here is not mine. Do as you will. If the transfer case bearings seize up and shatter the case it will be an educational experience. If it doesn't happen, that, too, will be an educational experience. Please come back and let us know either way.

[egh33]

I have towed a 2002 jeep Wrangler (4 wheel drive) 4 down for many miles. Put the transfer case in neutral and the transmission in 2nd. Leave the key off just before the push button to get the key out. That leaves the steering wheel unlocked. Never had a bit of trouble. Plus it doesn't put any miles on it that way. The Jeep only has 30,000 on it and I bought it new in 2002.

[carringb]

Jeep transfer cases have a tendency to slip from neutral into gear, when towed front wheels up. Some models can be towed rear wheels up, but I certainly don't recommend that on a dolly.

When they are towed 4-down, the transfer case stays in neutral.

[Executive45]

ferndaleflyer wrote:
someone needs to explain to me how it is all right to tow it 4 down with the drive shaft in but you need to take it out to tow on a dolly. Am I missing something here?

Slap that puppy in neutral and go. 1995 Jeeps, assuming they're 4WD, only need to be put in neutral. Taking off the drive shaft is only to get you dirty, and make you manly looking cuz you own a Jeep. It's recommended you don't shave for three days prior to leaving. :)......Dennis

95 Tow guide

[ferndaleflyer]

someone needs to explain to me how it is all right to tow it 4 down with the drive shaft in but you need to take it out to tow on a dolly. Am I missing something here?

[mowermech]

Yes, if he removes the rear drive shaft the Jeep can be towed with the front wheels on a dolly with no problems. The transfer case does not have to be in Neutral, the transmission does not have to be in gear.
Seems to me, though, that considering the fact that a 5000 lb. capacity towbar is available from Walmart for less than $175, (that is what I use) or from Harbor Freight for less than $100, and magnetic tow lights are available from the same sources for $20 to $50, and a Jeep can be towed 4 down with no problems (read and follow the instructions in the Owner's Manual), it doesn't make sense to use a dolly.
But, again, it can be done with the rear driveshaft removed

[enblethen]

He must look at owner's manual.
The normal item to be in neutral is the transfer case. Then the transmission in gear.

Flat towing Jeep