Jeep Purchase

[Joebus]

I just purchased a 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4x4 Laredo, with the intention of towing it behind my coach. I understand you just need to put the transfer case in "N".
Has anyone any experience with this vehicle. I also need to install a tow bar. Suggestions?

[Ed Hackenbruch]

Joe do not listen to anybody about what to do with your Jeep.  The only way to know the correct procedure for towing YOUR jeep is to get the owners manual for YOUR jeep.  I could tell you what i do for my 87 Wagoneer but it might be different for yours, and if you listen to me and it is wrong and you burn up the tranny or the transfer case it will be YOU, not me, that ends up paying for it. In the yearly FMCA guide to tow vehicles even they say to get the book for that car as the manufacturers sometimes make changes mid-model that can affect what you have to do to tow it. Example; in 87 they had 2 different types of 4x4 systems which require a slightly different procedure for towing. What works for one does not work for the other. GET THE OWNERS MANUAL!!!!

[Ed Hackenbruch]

PS.  A couple of years ago some neighbors of mine bought a new jeep and the first time they towed it he thought that all he had to do was the same procedure as his other jeep......cost him $4000.

[robertglines1]

I had a 98 grand Cher and flat towed it. ck your  book to be sure.  Front kit is expensive $295 but is not hard to install:then you buy tow bar.  again ck with manufacture     Bob   vague memory to release steering you turn the key on the to a differant position to release steering but not leave elect on

[bcaddel]

Hi Joe
We tow a 1999 grand cherokee 4X4 laredo and have about 25,000 tow miles on it. You are correct, put the transfer case in Neutral, the transmission in Park and turn the key to the first notch to unlock the steering wheel but not turn on the accessories. We use the Roadmaster Falcon 2 towbar and have not had any problems at all.

I usually turn the steering wheel 90-180 degrees to make sure it is unlocked, plus I will often rock the jeep a couple of inches by hand to insure if moves freely before actually hooking up to the tow bar as a double check.

Bob

[luvrbus]

If a stick you put the transfer case in N and the shifter in 4th

good lick

[artvonne]

  ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS. After you shift transfer case to neutral, put trans back it gear to see if it is truly in neutral. Just because you shift the lever doesnt always mean it worked. On an automatic, if you go into forward or reverse and see the transfer case is actually free, if you shift to park it will buzzz, click, and well, I shut off the engine and then shift to park.

  I took the key lock apart and removed the bolt that locks the steering. Now I dont have to leave the keys in it.

 

[JackConrad]

    We flat tow our 95 Grand Ckerokee. As was mentioned, check the owners manual for YOUR Jeep.  Jeep used several different 4WD configurations including "Command Trac", "Select Trac", and Quadra Trac".  We have the "CommandTrac" and recently had to replace the transfer case due to a stretched drive chain after 145K recorded miles and about 20K unrecorded tow miles.  
    Our procedure, after is car is hitched, with engine running and in park, is shift transfer case to neutral, place transmission in drive and accelerate slightly to confirm transfer case is in neutral, shut off engine will still in drive, then shift transmission into park. This insures that the steering does not go into lock mode.  Your Jeep may require a different procedure.  Jack

[Joebus]

Thanks all:
My Owners manual has a statement "Four wheel drive vehicles should be towed on a flatbed or with wheels supported by a dolly. Either of these methods will avoid potential damage to the transfer case.

Then later: "Turn the ignition key to off position to unlock the steering column and gear selector linkage. shift the transmission to P and the transfer case to N.

So I guess I will locate a base plate,and start towing it.