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Topic: Tow dolly pulling a 2005 jeep liberty crd? (Read 1741 times) previous topic - next topic

Tow dolly pulling a 2005 jeep liberty crd?

Can I use a tow dolly to pull a  2005 jeep liberty crd that I am buying? will I have to disconnect rear drive shaft? I own the dolly and have to pull it home to work on it, it is not running. I will get a blue ox tow bar in the future, which will be better 4 down and sell the dolly. thanks!
1994 u300

Re: Tow dolly pulling a 2005 jeep liberty crd?

Reply #1 –
  I have a 2006 Liberty and this is what my manual has to say:  2wd - "Recreational towing is not allowed.  Towing with rear wheels on the ground can result in severe transmission problems."  4wd - "Front or rear wheel lifts should not be used.  Internal damage to the transmission or transfer case will occur if a front or rear wheel lift is used for recreational towing."  It then goes into the procedures for towing with all wheels down.
For those of you who have a Jeep Liberty (at least 2006),  all 4x4s should be on a flatbed - specify when calling for a tow truck.  A 2wd Liberty can be towed with two wheels on the ground, if it can be put into N and it is towed no more than 30mph and no more than 15 miles.  Better to use a flatbed.
Good luck with this car - I've always been intrigued by the CRD, but there are very few on the west coast.  There have been a lot of issues, but also a lot of aftermarket remedies.  The investment may well be worth it for the difference in the fuel efficiency.  I get 12-13 mpg around town and barely 20 hwy.  If I had to use this for commuting to work, I'd find another vehicle.  (can't figure out how to get rid of the underline).
2000 U320 mid entry  #5688
2006 Jeep Liberty


USMCR retired
SDFD retired
FEMA US&R TF8

Re: Tow dolly pulling a 2005 jeep liberty crd?

Reply #2 –
Quote from: Sven and Kristi –
For those of you who have a Jeep Liberty (at least 2006),  all 4x4s should be on a flatbed -
Just curious, Sven. Is Jeep saying NO TOAD on all fours, even though it's a 4x4? 
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
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Re: Tow dolly pulling a 2005 jeep liberty crd?

Reply #3 –
I understand what jeep says. but if the rear drive shaft is removed there should be no problems with the transfercase and trans. any thoughts? I would have to plug trans end so fluid did not come out of course.
1994 u300

Re: Tow dolly pulling a 2005 jeep liberty crd?

Reply #4 –
Quote from: poolenglish –
I understand what jeep says. but if the rear drive shaft is removed there should be no problems with the transfercase and trans. any thoughts? I would have to plug trans end so fluid did not come out of course.
You are correct if drive shaft is removed no problem other than fluid leak. Not seeing the undercarriage I can only suggest that the drive shaft could be tethered to the frame or cross member and left in the transfer case after unhooking it from rear end.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
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Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Tow dolly pulling a 2005 jeep liberty crd?

Reply #5 –
I'm not sure what engine and transmission you have so I couldn't look it up for you.

Go to link, enter all applicable information, and it will answer some questions on tow (toad) capability.

Store : Remco 
Dan - Full timing since 2009
2003 U320 40' Tag 2 slide

Re: Tow dolly pulling a 2005 jeep liberty crd?

Reply #6 –
Quote from: craneman –
You are correct if drive shaft is removed no problem other than fluid leak. Not seeing the undercarriage I can only suggest that the drive shaft could be tethered to the frame or cross member and left in the transfer case after unhooking it from rear end.
Thanks! craneman... I figured it would not make any difference on factory recommendations because they do not mention driveshaft removal.
1994 u300

Re: Tow dolly pulling a 2005 jeep liberty crd?

Reply #7 –
That would be just the same as towing any other rear wheel drive car. When I tow our full size Dodge van I disconnect the driveshaft from the rear differential and tie up the drive shaft so no need to remove it from the transmission and did not have to plug the transmission as the driveshaft was still in the transmission
previous 1984 35 ft ORED 250 HP 3208 Cat       
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previous 2003 40 Ft u320 build #6140 450 Cummins M11.                                                         
1999 Mazda Miata
Ron, Nancy, Tipper the cat, Max The dog
1997 U 270 36 ft build number 5174 8.3 Cummins

Re: Tow dolly pulling a 2005 jeep liberty crd?

Reply #8 –
Mike, what Sven was addressing related to towing with a wrecker, lifting one end of the 4x4. That's a no-no, gotta put it on a rollback, or disconnect the driveshaft on whichever end is on the ground.
Dave W. (AKA Toyman )
'03, 270, 36', Build 6095, Pulling whatever I hook it to.

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Dr Seuss

Re: Tow dolly pulling a 2005 jeep liberty crd?

Reply #9 –
Quote from: mike leary –
Just curious, Sven. Is Jeep saying NO TOAD on all fours, even though it's a 4x4? 
No, the manual gives instructions on how to tow with all four wheels down.  I put quotes on the passages regarding two up, regardless of which end.  Not sure what they mean by "wheel lifts", but am guessing any means by which either end is off the ground - I'm interpreting dolly or wreaker.
2000 U320 mid entry  #5688
2006 Jeep Liberty


USMCR retired
SDFD retired
FEMA US&R TF8

Re: Tow dolly pulling a 2005 jeep liberty crd?

Reply #10 –
Quote from: poolenglish –
I understand what jeep says. but if the rear drive shaft is removed there should be no problems with the transfercase and trans. any thoughts? I would have to plug trans end so fluid did not come out of course.
With a solid rear axle, I can't see any harm with the drive shaft being disconnected.  It seems like a lot of trouble compared to having a flat bed tow truck or U-Haul trailer move it.  I've used U-Haul several times when taking a car to auction.
2000 U320 mid entry  #5688
2006 Jeep Liberty


USMCR retired
SDFD retired
FEMA US&R TF8