Towing error leads to BIG reissue bill

[PartyOf_Five]

https://www.thedrive.com/news/39794/rv-driver-annihilates-their-new-jeep-wrangler-by-flat-towing-it-in-4-low

Clicky

[mowermech]

Alan_Hepburn wrote:

jshupe wrote:

We always double check the dash indicator and roll forward a few feet with it hooked up to make sure the wheels move freely before hitting the road.

The Owners Manual for both our 2017 JKU and 2020 JT state that we should shift the transfer case into N, then test it by shifting the transmission into D and pressing the gas pedal, then shifting into R and pressing the gas pedal. If the Jeep tries to move then something isn't right. Finally, we shift the transmission into P and we're good to go.

The images seem to show that the vehicle in question was an automatic I'm not sure where they got the information that it was in 1st gear...

The Manual for my 2005 Wrangler Unlimited says the same thing. So did the Manual for the 2006 Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon I used to have!
READING and FOLLOWING the instructions solves numerous problems!

[lhatton]

Bought a VW rabbit diesel at auction back in the 80s.

It was burned to a crisp from the hood and back of the front fenders to the rear bumper. Bought it for the motor and transmission.

Was disappointed to find when we got it back to the shop, it had a nice hole in the block and a couple of rods poking out. Transmission was hung in first.

Only then did we notice the nice tow tags on the front end. Lucky he didn't burn the MH to the ground as well. Must have got it disconnected quick!

[Yosemite_Sam1]

dodge guy wrote:
With the new JL's if you don't pay attention to the dash readout for T-case position it's very easy to do this. Gotta pay attention!

For 4Runner, they installed an annoying beeping that you just can't miss.

And yeah, not suitable as tactical vehicle for hunting announcing your presence to all 8-pointer out there.

[Tvov]

For better or worse, my first thought was: "What kind of fuel mileage did they get towing the Jeep like that?"... lol

Shame to see that it was a Rubicon. I don't know about the newest ones, but years ago those were pretty darn good out of the factory.

[dodge_guy]

With the new JL's if you don't pay attention to the dash readout for T-case position it's very easy to do this. Gotta pay attention!

[time2roll]

Not the first to do this. Won't be the last. Stuff happens.

[rjstractor]

Yosemite Sam1 wrote:
Seriously, the owner did not hear those scary sound?

I wondered that as well, and I don't know exactly what they were towing the Jeep with, but if they were in a 35,000 lb 500 hp diesel pusher, they likely would not feel nor hear the tortured sounds of their Jeep dying a horrific non-warranted death. They probably also were not aware of the clouds of smoke following them or the honks and gestures of other drivers.

[K_Charles]

I once stopped someone with too much money. He was pulling a toad thru a campground with both rear wheels dragging. He had the park brake on.

[n0arp]

Alan_Hepburn wrote:
The Owners Manual for both our 2017 JKU and 2020 JT state that we should shift the transfer case into N, then test it by shifting the transmission into D and pressing the gas pedal, then shifting into R and pressing the gas pedal. If the Jeep tries to move then something isn't right. Finally, we shift the transmission into P and we're good to go.

Apparently it says the same for the 2020 JL, and I either missed it, never looked, or forgot. Makes sense to do and should be added to the routine.

[QCMan]

Just proves that some people have more money than brains. At least nobody got hurt but some had a tough time avoiding the flying parts.

[Bumpyroad]

but they said that it was towable 4 down.
bumpy

[Alan_Hepburn]

jshupe wrote:

We always double check the dash indicator and roll forward a few feet with it hooked up to make sure the wheels move freely before hitting the road.

The Owners Manual for both our 2017 JKU and 2020 JT state that we should shift the transfer case into N, then test it by shifting the transmission into D and pressing the gas pedal, then shifting into R and pressing the gas pedal. If the Jeep tries to move then something isn't right. Finally, we shift the transmission into P and we're good to go.

The images seem to show that the vehicle in question was an automatic I'm not sure where they got the information that it was in 1st gear...

[mkirsch]

Fake. Photoshopped.

Someone had to say it.

[n0arp]

If you aren't careful shifting the TC into N, you can accidentally go into 4L. I'm sure that's actually what happened - though can't speak to it being left in 1st if that is indeed the case.

We always double check the dash indicator and roll forward a few feet with it hooked up to make sure the wheels move freely before hitting the road.

Sure hope insurances comes through for them - I'm sure they could repair it for much less using used parts from crashed vehicles.