Troubleshooting Front Tire Damage When Flat Towing 2005 Jeep Wrangler Sport

Question:

I am pulling a 2005 Jeep Wrangler Sport behind my 40ft motorhome. I am having problems with my 2 front tires disintegrating after driving 100+ miles. The transfer case is in neutral, transmission in park and the key in accessory. The manual says to leave key in off position. What is off position ? I am on my 3 pair of front tires and cannot figure out what is wrong. I would appreciate any help you can give me.

asked by: Dennis S

Expert Reply:

I reviewed an online edition of the owner's manual for the 2005 Jeep Wrangler and on pages 232-234 it provides the following preparation procedure for recreational towing behind a motorhome:

1. Depress brake pedal.
2. Shift automatic transmission into N (Neutral) or depress
clutch pedal on manual transmission.
3. Shift transfer case lever into N (Neutral).
4. Start engine.
5. Shift automatic transmission into D (Drive) or manual
transmission into gear.
6. Release brake pedal and ensure that there is no vehicle
movement.
7. Shut the engine off and place the ignition key into the
unlocked OFF position.
8. Shift automatic transmission into P (Park).
9. Apply parking brake.
10. Attach vehicle to the tow vehicle with tow bar.
11. Release parking brake.

This sequence of actions must be followed exactly as described in the manual; the same applies to returning the Jeep to its normal riving mode.

Step 7 refers to the key position, which should be the unlocked off position. This means the key is turned toward the starting position to unlock the steering wheel but not turned far enough to start the car, also called the accessory position.

For your front tires to be damaged enough to disintegrate there may have been a preparation step omitted accidentally. Check your printed manual index under the heading Recreational Towing to confirm the procedure for your specific vehicle.