Towing 2011 Jeep Wrangler

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Towing 2011 Jeep Wrangler

January 16, 2015, 10:18:21 pm

We just bought a 2011 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited that we plan to use as our toad. The owner's manual says to disconnect the battery (negative terminal) for towing. Is that really necessary if I only tow a few hours per day?

Re: Towing 2011 Jeep Wrangler

Reply #1 – January 17, 2015, 01:10:55 am

I have a 2014 Wrangler Unlimited and only have to put 4 wheel drive in neutral. Nothing else required.

jack

Re: Towing 2011 Jeep Wrangler

Reply #2 – January 17, 2015, 03:11:43 am

We had a 2 door 2011 Wrangler and when we had it outfitted with a supplemental brake and towing base plates, Camping World also installed an automatic battery discharger. They, Camping World, said that it was necessary. . I found this strange and called the factory. I asked the question and got an answer many months later that in fact the manual was not correctly written/updated and it did not need to be disconnected or the key in the ignition. the design had changed to allow the key to be removed from the lock and still allowing the steering wheel to turn. Many folks I talked to on the road told me that it was not necessary as the factory manuals were wrong and that Camping World just sold me the stuff to increase their sales

I think in 2007/8 the Wrangler was required to have a key in the ignition so the steering wheel would not lock and this left the power on - so pull the fuse or disconnect the battery.

Not so now. You should call your dealer or the Jeep Help line and see what they say. It will be in interesting phone call. I was told a year ago that Jeep was updating their manuals to show the appropriate procedure - non key.

We now have a 2014 Wrangler unlimited. We pull the key and it tracks fine.

Re: Towing 2011 Jeep Wrangler

Reply #3 – January 17, 2015, 06:55:39 am

Ditto Carol and Scott

There is a plug-in adaptor for the lights where you don't have to cut into the wiring. There are posts elsewhere for that. I don't have it at this moment. Send me a pm if you don't find it.

You have just purchased an excellent toad.

Re: Towing 2011 Jeep Wrangler

Reply #4 – January 17, 2015, 10:30:36 am

Howdy Richard,
We tow a '10 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited and, like yours, the owner's manual says to disconnect the neg battery. I called and spoke with a Service Manager at the Jeep dealership and he said to disconnect. I have heard other Jeep owners say they do not disconnect.
I installed a battery disconnect like the following: Amazon.com: NOCO ID220S 6V-24V 125 Amp Battery Disconnect Switch: Automotive
Easy install and to use. It does offer some theft deterrent.
Good Luck, Dave A

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Re: Towing 2011 Jeep Wrangler

Reply #5 – January 17, 2015, 10:59:45 am

I think Scott covers all the points. We pull a 2014 Wrangler, just hook it up, plug in the lights, transfer case in neutral, pull the key and down the road we go. We have had no problems.

Re: Towing 2011 Jeep Wrangler

Reply #6 – January 18, 2015, 01:30:43 am

Not your same vehicle but in ours the nav, rear a/c unit and a few other bits will drain the battery flat in a matter of hours. We've figured out the magic fuses we need to pull and all is well.

Re: Towing 2011 Jeep Wrangler

Reply #7 – January 18, 2015, 11:48:41 am

Thanks to all for the responses. As always they were very helpful. I do love Foreforums.

Re: Towing 2011 Jeep Wrangler

Reply #8 – January 19, 2015, 05:38:35 am

We tow 2012 wrangler, just pull the key and go. Easy way to check, if you can remove the key and the steering wheel will turn the ignition key is in the off position no need to disconnect the battery. Just put the transfer case in neutral , transmission in gear/or park and go.

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Towing 2011 Jeep Wrangler

January 16, 2015, 10:18:21 pm

Re: Towing 2011 Jeep Wrangler

Reply #1 – January 17, 2015, 01:10:55 am

Re: Towing 2011 Jeep Wrangler

Reply #2 – January 17, 2015, 03:11:43 am

Re: Towing 2011 Jeep Wrangler

Reply #3 – January 17, 2015, 06:55:39 am

Re: Towing 2011 Jeep Wrangler

Reply #4 – January 17, 2015, 10:30:36 am

Re: Towing 2011 Jeep Wrangler

Reply #5 – January 17, 2015, 10:59:45 am

Re: Towing 2011 Jeep Wrangler

Reply #6 – January 18, 2015, 01:30:43 am

Re: Towing 2011 Jeep Wrangler

Reply #7 – January 18, 2015, 11:48:41 am

Re: Towing 2011 Jeep Wrangler

Reply #8 – January 19, 2015, 05:38:35 am

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