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jeep wrangler towing questions

scootsmason
Explorer
Explorer
Considering buying a 2001 jeep wrangler with manual trans or a 2005 wrangler with auto trans. Wanting to tow behind our new 2014 Itasca spirit 31k class c. Can either or both of these be towed 4 wheels down? I've checked and can't find any dinghy guides that go back to 2001 without paying for them.
Any special concerns or issues to be aware of?
Thanks
23 REPLIES 23

tmoore2
Explorer
Explorer
Butch, The 2014 Wranglers do not have the steering wheel locks as well. I think the steering wheel locks were removed in the Wranglers somewhere around the 2010
time frame. The change probably came with the Grand Cherokees about the same time as well.

Butch50
Explorer
Explorer
I know it is not a Wrangle but our 2014 Grand Cherokee does not require the key be turned on. The steering wheel does not lock so I suspect the newer Wranglers don't either.
Butch

I try to always leave doubt to my ignorance rather than prove it

2021 Winnebago View

tmoore2
Explorer
Explorer
Towed a 2000 wrangler with auto transmission for 6 years. Mine had to have the
key in the ignition to unlock the steering wheel. Sometime in the past few models
they eleminated the steering wheel locks. Don't know what year that started though.

Tom_Barb
Explorer
Explorer
My 07 wrangler requires the key to be on, and the battery disconnected. it has no off position that isn't locked, and it will lock steering.
2000 Newmar mountain aire 4081 DP, ISC/350 Allison 6 speed, Wrangler JL toad.

WyoTraveler
Explorer
Explorer
I think the only change is newer Wranglers don't require a key in the ignition. Don't what year they changed.

scootsmason
Explorer
Explorer
Thanks for the quick answers guys I appreciate it!

RoyB
Explorer II
Explorer II
I have towed my 1999 Jeep Wrangler with manual transmission and the transfer case in NEUTRAL many times with my Truck. No problems at all...

Roy Ken
My Posts are IMHO based on my experiences - Words in CAPS does not mean I am shouting
Roy - Carolyn
RETIRED DOAF/DON/DOD/CONTR RADIO TECH (42yrs)
K9PHT (Since 1957) 146.52M
2010 F150, 5.4,3:73 Gears,SCab
2008 Starcraft 14RT EU2000i GEN
2005 Flagstaff 8528RESS

mowermech
Explorer
Explorer
If they are four wheel drive, they can probably be towed.
Get the Owners Manual, and follow the instructions contained therein.
But, generally speaking, AFTER the towbar is connected to the motorhome, put the transfer case in NEUTRAL, the ignition switch in "OFF not locked" to unlock the steering, the manual transmission in gear or the automatic transmission in PARK, and you are good to go with no limit on speed or distance.
I towed an '06 Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited for many miles.
NOTE: the above instructions do NOT apply to a later model Jeep that does not have the "OFF not locked" position in the ignition switch, nor do they apply to newer models that do not have a steering lock.
Despite what the instructions in the Owners Manual say, I always hooked up the towbar FIRST, because it completely eliminates the need to set the parking brake to keep the Jeep from rolling away (if the brake is not set, it cannot be forgotten. Don't ask.) Besides, it is MUCH easier, IMO, to drive the Jeep to the motorhome than it is to back the motorhome to the Jeep!
I towed mine with a Tioga Class C, 460 Ford. I did have the hitch reinforced, though.
CM1, USN (RET)
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justaboutretire
Explorer
Explorer
As long as you have neutral in the transfer case you can tow 4 wheels down. My friend has an 04 Liberty he tows behind his class C.
Bill & Diane
3 Boys, 1 dog
1DIL, 3 Granddaughters
2002 Excursion Limited\w 7.3 PSD
2003 Citation 33M TT