towing an XJ behind a motorhome
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 60
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From: Englandshire
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Nope.
Put the shifter in "Park" and the transfer case in "Neutral". Leave the ignition key in, turned to the first notch (steering lock off, but no ignition lamps on dash)
Put the shifter in "Park" and the transfer case in "Neutral". Leave the ignition key in, turned to the first notch (steering lock off, but no ignition lamps on dash)
CF Veteran
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,077
Likes: 23
From: Herndon, VA
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I use a Blux Ox baseplate, and the XJ is an excellent "toad". Light and fun when you get to your destination if you're towing it behind a motorhome for vacation.
CF Veteran
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,473
Likes: 9
From: Paso Robles Ca
Year: 1991
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
good news! i am looking to buy an XJ in the next couple of days, saw a great one today but the guy looking at it when i got there bought it! he told me that they can not be towed without a fluid pump, but i have heard from numerous others that you can just put the transfer case in neutral & roll with it.
setting up a blue ox tow hitch will be fun, i plan on a 4.5" lift with 31" to 33" tires & a fabricated front bumper (bullbar type). i'll have to built a raised receiver for the motorhome. it already has a mounts for my harley to sit on so the tow hitch will be behind that.
setting up a blue ox tow hitch will be fun, i plan on a 4.5" lift with 31" to 33" tires & a fabricated front bumper (bullbar type). i'll have to built a raised receiver for the motorhome. it already has a mounts for my harley to sit on so the tow hitch will be behind that.
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Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
From: Englandshire
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I wouldnt think it would do any harm, though.
When you leave the TC in "N", the rotating wheels, as you are towing, drive the internal oil pump, in the TC, keeping everything nicely lubed.
Last edited by bart; Sep 28, 2009 at 05:09 PM.
oh yes it would!!! by putting the transmission in "PARK", you are locking the output shaft.....if you dont do this, then the rolling wheels will make internal parts move without the lubrication in the gearbox, thereby making it FUBAR quickly!!!
Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 100
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Year: 1987 Jeep Cherokee 4x4 4dr
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 2.5 liter 4cyl
Putting the transfer case in neutral will disengage the transmission, and you can only do that with a 4x4 with a transfer case.
Some auto trans have rear pumps so you can tow them in neutral, but not very many, like Saturn auto's have that ability thats why you always saw Saturn's being towed by motorhomes all the time.
You can back them up a little bit, that is if it is strait shot and you lock the steering colume.
Some auto trans have rear pumps so you can tow them in neutral, but not very many, like Saturn auto's have that ability thats why you always saw Saturn's being towed by motorhomes all the time.
You can back them up a little bit, that is if it is strait shot and you lock the steering colume.
Straight from a 99 XJ owners manual.
Recreational Towing
Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for being towed.
1. Shift the transmission to N (Neutral)
2. Shift the manual transmission into gear or auto into D and make sure there is no vehicle movement.
3. Shift the Transfer case lever into N
4. Turn the key to the unlocked OFF position.
5. Shift the auto trans into PARK
6. Attach the vehicle to the tow vehicle w/ a tow bar.
Warning: With the transfer case in the N position, the vehicle could roll unexpectedly. The parking brake should always be applied when the driver is not in the vehicle.
Caution!: Internal damage to the transfer case will occur if a front or rear wheel lift is used for recreational towing.
It is necessary to follow the steps listed to be certain the transfer case is fully in N before recreational towing to prevent damage to internal parts.
Note from me...
This is in the owners manual but I think step 2 and 3 are reversed....
With that being said, after placing the t-case in neutral then the auto in D to be sure it is disengaged... be sure to shut off the motor before placing the shifter back into PARK.
Recreational Towing
Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for being towed.
1. Shift the transmission to N (Neutral)
2. Shift the manual transmission into gear or auto into D and make sure there is no vehicle movement.
3. Shift the Transfer case lever into N
4. Turn the key to the unlocked OFF position.
5. Shift the auto trans into PARK
6. Attach the vehicle to the tow vehicle w/ a tow bar.
Warning: With the transfer case in the N position, the vehicle could roll unexpectedly. The parking brake should always be applied when the driver is not in the vehicle.
Caution!: Internal damage to the transfer case will occur if a front or rear wheel lift is used for recreational towing.
It is necessary to follow the steps listed to be certain the transfer case is fully in N before recreational towing to prevent damage to internal parts.
Note from me...
This is in the owners manual but I think step 2 and 3 are reversed....
With that being said, after placing the t-case in neutral then the auto in D to be sure it is disengaged... be sure to shut off the motor before placing the shifter back into PARK.
Last edited by lilredxj99; Oct 10, 2009 at 05:50 PM. Reason: typos
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 670
Likes: 0
From: Central Pennsylvania
Year: 1989
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.7 H.O.
So nobody really knows if any damage will be done to the tranny if it is also in neutral instead of park? T case was in N, but tranny was also in neutral cuz when I learned to repo/tow, that was the case any time its possible so no damage was done.
CF Veteran
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,077
Likes: 23
From: Herndon, VA
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Repo and tow trucks could usually give a rat's butt about damaging a vhicle, because they are usually towing a relatively short distance. I tow my XJ behind my motorhome for 1,200 miles in a day when I go to Texas. You ever repo/tow a vehicle that far?


