Towing a Jeep Liberty 4wd with a dolly

et2 wrote:
We are looking at purchasing a MH. Does anyone tow a 2012 Jeep Liberty 4wd on a dolly? The manual says not to, however you can tow it 4 down by putting the transfer case in neutral. It just seems if disengaged shouldn't it be towable on a dolly.

The dealer and Chrysler are useless to ask. They don't know.

If you don't mind climbing underneath and unbolting the rear drive shaft from the diff and tying it up to the undercarriage for towing each time, shouldn't be a problem, you'll even be able to leave the transmission in park as the rear wheels will be spinning free without engaging the transfer case or transmission at all.

This is the standard procedure for towing a 4x4 truck for an extended distance (in neutral on the transfer case is usually only meant for short distance) with a wrecker, your dolly setup would be similar, with the front wheels not engaging the road way.

Just bought a new Ford F-150. I was surprised to read in the manual that if towed, it needs to be 4 up. So, no wheels on the ground. Ford wants it on a trailer. I don't understand it. Not that I was planning on towing it. Just thought it was interesting.

msmith1199 wrote:

dodge guy wrote:
If you have the ability disconnect both front and rear driveshafts. that`s the only way you can tow it on a dolly.

If the front was on a dolly why would you have to disconnect the front driveshaft?

Yep, your right. blew right past that one! yes no reason to disconnect the front if it`s on a dolly.

Thanks!

I am still wayne_tw wrote:

et2 wrote:
The reason I wanted a dolly is our lease will be up next year and we will be getting a new vehicle. It gets costly changing base plates every few years. This way I could tow just about anything on a dolly, except a jeep I guess.

I know a great way to keep from changing base plates every few years.....don't fleece, I mean lease. Why don;t you buy the vehicle and just keep it 10 plus years??????????

Because my wife wants a new car. Besides, I wouldn't even consider towing a 10 plus year old car. For your safety as well as mine, but that is just me. Everyone has there preference.

dodge guy wrote:
If you have the ability disconnect both front and rear driveshafts. that`s the only way you can tow it on a dolly.

If the front was on a dolly why would you have to disconnect the front driveshaft?

I tow mine 4 wheel down. Never had any problems what so ever. A lot easier than using a dolly. Would have to find a place to put when at campground. Sometimes not a lot of room at sites to store something like a dolly.

2gypsies wrote:
Wow! It would be a shame to put the money into it if you're giving it up next year. Is that your only vehicle or do you have one to 'make do' until next year? Also, if you're not planning any long trips, perhaps your wife could drive your Liberty separately when you go RVing. Many RVers do that and it's only a temporary thing. Summer is about over. :)

This fall will be a new Jeep 'Liberty' named 'Cherokee' (different from Grand Cherokee). It sounds great with 30 mpg. We will be looking into it. We have absolutely loved our automatic Liberty for the past 8 years. It's given un many fun times off-roading and no special requirements for towing it 4-down.

I agree. The wife will stay home if I made her drive the jeep behind the motor home. In 30 years of marriage one learns not to ask certain things. I have a company car that I can't tow no matter what. So that leaves me where I'm at. I might buy it after the lease is up or just trade it in. It only has 8000 miles on it.

et2 wrote:


I'm looking at the manual as we speak - again. Nowhere does it mention not to tow it on a dolly. There is instructions for 2wd towing on a dolly by the rear wheels. The 4wd can be flat towed but nothing stating not to put it on a dolly (4wd). So that leaves you to wonder if with the trans disconnect a dolly tow would work for the 4wd.

Look on page 426 of your manual under the "CAUTION" column. It explains it there.

et2 wrote:
The reason I wanted a dolly is our lease will be up next year and we will be getting a new vehicle. It gets costly changing base plates every few years. This way I could tow just about anything on a dolly, except a jeep I guess.

I know a great way to keep from changing base plates every few years.....don't fleece, I mean lease. Why don;t you buy the vehicle and just keep it 10 plus years??????????

If you have the ability disconnect both front and rear driveshafts. that`s the only way you can tow it on a dolly.