I tow a 2006 Wrangler Unlimited behind my Class A. I follow the instructions in the owners manual. About 6 months ago the differential needed to be replaced. Fortunately, under warranty. I never considered that it may have been towing related until I ran into a fellow Wrangler owner who told me that the mfg. towing instructions were strictly for short distances and not for a 300 mile day. He insisted that special equipment was required for longer distances.
Can someone confirm this? And if it is true, what equipment do I need?
I've been looking at articles, forum posts, and internet sites related to towing a Jeep Wrangler for over 2 years and this is the first time I've ever heard of a mileage restriction or differential problems related to towing. I quick Google search didn't turn up anything either. I would think that if this were a common problem, given the huge number of people that use a Jeep as their toad, that there would be some information related to it available. I've personally towed my Jeep over 300 miles in a day numerous times with no problems.
Have RV....Will Travel
2007 Forest River Sunseeker 2860 LTD
2000 Jeep Wrangler Sahara
I have a 2007 Jeep Wrangler Sahara.
I can find nowhere in the Owners Manual
that Chrysler qualifies the number of
miles a Jeep can me towed.
Sorry for your misfortune, but my
hope is that your problem is unique.
Is this a 2 or 4 wheel drive unit? My Jeeps manuals refer to "Recreational Towing", does yours? This would be a first for a Wrangler - assuming it is 4 wheel drive.
Dave
Life doesn't come with a safety fence around it... enjoy it anyway.
I would ask the "fellow Wrangler owner" to show me, in writing from Jeep or Chrysler, where he got this (mis)information. I think if there was any such limitation, it would be made very clear in the Owner's Manuals, which it is NOT.
Until I see something "official", this falls under the classification of "MYTH" and I don't believe it.
My son and I have been towing 4X4 Wranglers and other Jeeps for years, with no problems.
Different model 4WD Jeeps (Wranglers) do have different towing requirements, i.e., 1)CJ models require that you disconnect the transfer case from the wheels (drop the rear drive shaft and have free wheeling hubs on the front), 2)YJ models have electronic front hubs and you need to make sure they are disengaged before towing, 3)TJ models are pretty straightforward - xfer case in neutral and tranny in gear or park, 4)JK models have more requirements that can be found at billarf on irv2. BTW, billarf is an expert on Jeep towing and has been very helpful to me.
When you say "the" differential had to be replaced do the mean the front or rear? If you only have one, you don't have a 4WD, and all the above info won't apply to you.
My 04 Wrangler 4WD has been toad around for 18K miles, and rarely under 300 miles per day without any driveline problems whatsoever.
Will & Di
2004 Southwind 32VS
Workhorse/8.1
Jeep Wrangler/Blue Ox "We have met the enemy, and he is us" Pogo
No towing restrictions on the 2004 Jeep that I towed, nor on our current 06 model.
Towing or driving, the differentials are spinning. No difference. This uses a splash lubrication system.
Many newer TRANSMISSIONs have an issue being towed. Not a splash lube setup. Uses a pump to move the fluid around. Engine off, pump off, lack of lubrication can damage the transmission.
A Jeep Wrangler has a REAL transfer case. When it is in neutral, the transmission is completely disconnected. The owners manual says to put the transmission in PARK when towing.
If you've had an issue with a differential, it has nothing to do with towing, period. There's no difference in the operation with the engine on or off.
BTW, you have the best TOAD on the market, depsite this isolated incident. Most other vehicles have a speed, distance, or both limitation when towing. Jeep Wrangler does not on the TJ series.
I put 30K on my Jeep before trading it in. Gawd knows how many miles it was towed. Odometer racks up zero miles being towed.
Miss that setup, but couldn't afford it and a house both. Hope you have no future issues with your rig.
I would like to thank everyone who has answered my post. I should have added that this 06 Unlimited is auto trans and a 4X4, but I always make sure it is in park with the transfer case in neutral.
From all the comments it would seem that my differential issue was not related in any way and that I should continue doing exactly what I am doing.
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