Towing a Liberty

Chulyn1 · 05-15-2007, 09:52 AM

Our friend just purchased a 2007 Liberty Sport 4x4 with an automatic transmission to be towed behind a motorhome. We were told by the dealer that it should be towed with the ignition turned to the first position, the transfer case in neutral and the transmission in "Park". We had accidentally placed the transmission in "Neutral" and towed it for about 10 miles before realizing our mistake and then placed it in "Park". There is no apparant damage and the tranny functions normally. Is this the correct way to set up a Liberty for towing? I am assuming that you place the tranny in "Park" because there is no oil circulation to the tranny when being towed. Is that the case?

usswasp · 05-15-2007, 10:24 AM

First, if you don't have one get an owners manual. It's explained in there. Second, with the transfer case in neutral the transmission is disengaged from the rest of the drive train so the transmission doesn't rotate. Hence the reason the transmission can be in park while towing behind another vehicle.

Keep the shiny side up.

chadlyt · 05-15-2007, 11:00 AM

The manual isn't exactly correct.

I tow my '06 Libby behind my motorhome. I've learned the items in bold should be done. Those aren't in the manual.
this is what i would follow...

1. Depress brake pedal.
2. Place ignition key into the unlocked OFF position.
3. Shift transmission into N (neutral).
4. Shift transfer case lever into N (neutral).
5. Start engine.
6. Shift automatic transmission into D (drive).
7. Release brake pedal to ensure that there is NO vehicle movement.
8. Shut the engine OFF and place the ignition key into the unlocked OFF position.
9. Shift automatic transmission into P (park).
10. Apply parking brake.
11. Attach vehicle to the tow vehicle (motorhome) with tow bar.
12. Release parking brake.

CAUTION! Transmission damage may occur if the automatic transmission is shifted into P (park) with the transfer case in N (neutral) and the engine running. With the transfer case in N (neutral) ensure that the engine is OFF prior to shifting the transmission into P (park) (refer to steps 8 – 9 above).

Shifting Out Of Neutral (N)
Use the following procedure to prepare you vehicle for normal usage.

1. Depress brake pedal
2. Shift automatic transmission into N (neutral).
3. Shift transfer case lever to desired position.
4. Shift automatic transmission into P (Park).
5. Start engine.
6. Shift automatic transmission into D (Drive).

On a side note, did your friend notice any mileage accumulation while it was being towed? I have heard of another person that tows his '07 libby just like me, but the miles accumulate....dealer doesn't know why...

Chulyn1 · 05-15-2007, 12:58 PM

Don't know if the mileage changed. We'll be towing it into Louisiana from Texas in a few days and I'll let you know. Thanks for the help. Chuck

Chulyn1 · 05-15-2007, 06:46 PM

I just checked with the gal who owns the Liberty and she said that the mileage from San Antonio to Livingston did register. Whodathunk???

usswasp · 05-15-2007, 07:17 PM

I'm guessing but the only thing that makes sense is that the speedo gear is connected to the output shaft on the t-case therefore it turns when the driveshaft turns. This means it will turn whenever it rolls forward.

rob92xj · 05-15-2007, 07:52 PM

It reads mileage because the speed sensor used for the speedo is on the rear axle.
I was thinking of getting a tow bar for my XJ and just flat towing it but after the KJ that was dragged in behind a Class A motorhome no thank you I'll just keep on dealing with finding places to stick my trailer. The KJ on the other hand was on its way back to New Jersey when the driver of the motorhome was stopped on I95 by a NC State Trooper because of the parts flying off the KJ both front tires shreaded the right front fender and front bumper were left on the highway somewhere. Then we had another about a week later same thing but it also got a steering column and a transmission(2WD left in neutral and had no fluid pump)

usswasp · 05-16-2007, 05:03 AM

Oh, my! Do people THINK before they drive and while they are driving?!?!?!

rob92xj · 05-16-2007, 05:09 AM

I really don't know, but I have heard of similar situations from guys at other dealers in the area so it's not just KJ's.

Chulyn1 · 05-16-2007, 07:06 AM

We own a 2000 Wrangler Sport that has been severely modified for 4-wheeling. The speedo shows 67,000 miles right now but only registers .7 for every 1 mile towed due to the tire size and the fact that I have never bothered to replace the speedo gear. I figure we also have close to 70,000 towed miles on it that don't register on the speedometer. We have never had a lick of trouble with the towing process. Most towing problems I have encountered have been due to suspect tires, those that people think they can get another couple of thousand miles from before replacing. I always replace my tires when they are just below the "half worn" level both because I live in a motorhome and tow it all the time and spend a lot of time off road in some very remote areas and want to minimize experiencing any self-inflicted problems. There are only so many spare parts you can carry in a Wrangler and 4 33" tires are definitely not in the mix.