How to Flat Tow a Jeep Wrangler: Essential Tips for Automatic Transmission

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Are you an adventurous soul who loves the open road and exploring new terrains? Then you’ve probably dreamt of flat towing your Jeep Wrangler behind your RV, ready to conquer any obstacle that comes your way. But before you embark on this thrilling journey, it’s crucial to learn the proper technique to safely tow your Jeep with an automatic transmission. Join us as we dive into the depths of the Jeep manual, uncovering the secrets and specific steps required to flat tow your beloved Wrangler. Get ready to unleash your inner adventurer while keeping your vehicle in pristine condition – let’s explore the world of flat towing together!

How To Flat Tow A Jeep Wrangler Automatic Transmission

To flat tow a Jeep Wrangler with an automatic transmission, follow these steps:

  1. Key in accessory position
  2. Depress and hold brake pedal
  3. Set parking brake
  4. Shift automatic transmission into neutral
  5. Shift transfer case lever into neutral
  6. Start the engine
  7. Shift automatic transmission into drive or manual transmission into gear
  8. Release brake pedal and ensure no vehicle movement
  9. Turn off engine and place ignition key in unlocked OFF position
  10. Shift automatic transmission into park
  11. Apply parking brake
  12. Attach Jeep to tow vehicle with tow bar
  13. Release parking brake

Key Points:

  • All four wheels must be in contact with the pavement while flat towing.
  • Avoid using a bumper mounted clamp-on tow bar to prevent damage to the bumper face bar.
  • Follow the proper steps for shifting out of neutral.
  • Starting the engine before unhooking makes it easier to shift the transfer case into position.
  • Follow recommended towing speeds and distances.
  • Adding miles to the mechanical odometer is not a concern for Jeeps without a mechanical odometer.

Sources
https://jeepvehiclesblog.com/can-you-flat-tow-a-jeep-wrangler-with-automatic-transmission/
https://www.quadratec.com/c/reference/flat-towing-jeep-wrangler
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTr1IG6IwEY
https://getjerry.com/driving/can-you-flat-tow-a-jeep-wrangler-with-automatic-transmission

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💡 Pro Tips:

1. If using a bumper mounted clamp-on tow bar, consider using a reinforced bumper or a tow bar adapter to prevent damage to the bumper face bar.
2. Check the towing capacity of your tow vehicle and ensure it is capable of safely towing the weight of the Jeep Wrangler.
3. Before flat towing, check the Jeep Wrangler’s tire pressure and ensure they are properly inflated for towing to ensure stability and control.
4. Consider installing a supplemental braking system for added safety and control while flat towing the Jeep Wrangler.
5. If you need to make turns while flat towing, take wider turns to prevent strain on the tow bar and ensure the Jeep Wrangler follows the towing vehicle smoothly.

Flat Towing Steps For Jeep Wrangler With Automatic Transmission

When it comes to flat towing a Jeep Wrangler with an automatic transmission, it’s important to follow the guidelines outlined in the Jeep manual. According to their recommendations, all four wheels must be in contact with the pavement during flat towing. Here are the steps you need to take:

  1. Key in accessory position: Before starting the towing process, make sure the key is in the accessory position. This ensures that the steering wheel is unlocked.

  2. Depress and hold brake pedal: While keeping the key in the accessory position, press and hold the brake pedal. This prevents the Jeep from rolling when it is put into neutral.

  3. Set parking brake: As an additional safety measure, make sure to set the parking brake. This provides extra stability while the Jeep is being towed.

  4. Shift automatic transmission into neutral: With the brake pedal depressed and the parking brake applied, shift the automatic transmission into neutral. This disengages the transmission from the engine, allowing it to be towed safely.

  5. Shift transfer case lever into neutral: The next step is to shift the transfer case lever into neutral. This disengages the drivetrain and ensures that the wheels can rotate freely during towing.

  6. Start the engine: Start the engine to ensure that the transmission components are properly lubricated while the Jeep is being towed.

  7. Shift automatic transmission into drive or manual transmission into gear: Once the engine is running, shift the automatic transmission into drive or the manual transmission into gear. This tells the transmission to engage and provides power for the vehicle’s electrical system.

  8. Release brake pedal and ensure no vehicle movement: After shifting into gear, release the brake pedal and check for any movement of the vehicle. This step ensures that the flat towing process has been properly set up and that there are no issues.

  9. Turn off engine and place ignition key in unlocked OFF position: Once it is confirmed that the Jeep is properly set up for flat towing, it is safe to turn off the engine. Make sure to place the ignition key in the unlocked OFF position to allow for easy re-starting later.

  10. Shift automatic transmission into park: Finally, shift the automatic transmission into the park position. This helps secure the internal components of the transmission and provides additional stability during towing.

  11. Apply parking brake: Before attaching the Jeep to the tow vehicle, apply the parking brake as an extra safety measure.

  12. Attach Jeep to tow vehicle with tow bar: Now you can attach the Jeep to the tow vehicle using a tow bar. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for secure attachment.

  13. Release parking brake: Once the Jeep is connected to the tow vehicle, release the parking brake to allow for free movement during towing.

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Avoid Using A Bumper Mounted Tow Bar On Jeep Wrangler

It is crucial to avoid using a bumper-mounted clamp-on tow bar on a Jeep Wrangler. The bumper face bar is not designed to withstand the forces and stresses of flat towing. Using this type of tow bar can cause damage to the bumper and compromise the structural integrity of your vehicle. To ensure safe and secure towing, it is recommended to use a tow bar that is specifically designed for flat towing a Jeep Wrangler.

Shifting Out Of Neutral Instructions

When it is time to shift out of neutral after towing, follow these instructions:

  1. Shift automatic transmission into neutral or depress clutch pedal on manual transmission: Before shifting, make sure the automatic transmission is in neutral. If you have a manual transmission, press the clutch pedal to disengage the transmission.

  2. Shift transfer case lever into desired position: Once the transmission is properly set, shift the transfer case lever into the desired driving position, such as 2WD, 4WD, or 4WD low range.

  3. Shift automatic transmission into drive or release clutch on manual transmission: After adjusting the transfer case, shift the automatic transmission into drive or release the clutch on a manual transmission to engage the gears.

Starting The Engine Before Shifting Transfer Case

When unhooking the Jeep from the tow vehicle, it is recommended to start the engine first before shifting the transfer case. This makes it easier to shift the transfer case into the desired position since the engine is providing power to the drivetrain.

Proper Steps And Guidelines For Flat Towing A Jeep Wrangler

Flat towing a Jeep Wrangler can be done without any issues if you follow the proper steps and guidelines. Remember the following:

  • Always consult the Jeep manual for specific instructions regarding flat towing your Jeep Wrangler with an automatic transmission.
  • Make sure all four wheels are in contact with the pavement during flat towing.
  • Use a designated tow bar that is compatible with flat towing a Jeep Wrangler.
  • Follow the outlined steps for shifting into neutral and starting the engine.
  • Check that all connections are secure before beginning the towing process.
  • Regularly inspect and maintain the towing equipment to ensure optimal performance and safety.
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Recommended Towing Speeds And Distance

When flat towing a Jeep Wrangler with an automatic transmission, it is recommended to tow at speeds below 55 mph. This speed allows for better control and reduces the risk of damage to the towing equipment or the Jeep. It is also advisable to limit each towing session to no more than 200 miles at a time. This ensures that the transmission and other components are not subjected to extended periods of stress.

Mileage Concerns When Towing A Jeep

Towing a Jeep Wrangler does add mileage to the mechanical odometer. However, for Jeeps without a mechanical odometer, this is not a significant concern. Most modern Jeeps use electronic odometers that do not reflect the miles traveled while being towed. Therefore, there is no need to worry about the increase in mileage when flat towing your Jeep Wrangler.

In conclusion, flat towing a Jeep Wrangler with an automatic transmission can be done safely and efficiently if you follow the proper steps and guidelines. By ensuring that all four wheels are in contact with the pavement, using the appropriate tow bar, and following the instructions for shifting into neutral, you can the tow your Jeep without any issues. Always refer to the Jeep manual for specific instructions and take the necessary precautions to maintain the integrity of your vehicle during towing.

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