Jeep Grand Cherokee · Elgin CDJR · Streamwood, IL
Jeep Grand Cherokee Flat Towing Guide
Can a Jeep Grand Cherokee be flat towed behind a motorhome? Here is what the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee owner's manual says about recreational towing: which drive systems may be towed with all four wheels on the ground, the rules to follow, and the step-by-step procedure for shifting the transfer case into and out of N (Neutral).

The short answer
Only some can. The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee owner's manual allows flat towing (all four wheels on the ground) only on four-wheel drive models with 4WD Low range, following its instructions: transmission in PARK, the vehicle at Normal Ride Height if it has air suspension, the transfer case in N (Neutral), and towing in the forward direction. Flat towing is not allowed on two-wheel drive models or on four-wheel drive models without 4WD Low; those may be towed on a trailer with all four wheels off the ground, and a two-wheel drive model may also be towed with its rear wheels off the ground on a dolly.
Which Grand Cherokee models can be flat towed?
The manual's chart for towing this vehicle behind another vehicle lists these methods:
| Towing method | Per the 2026 manual's chart |
|---|---|
| Flat tow (no wheels off the ground) | Four-wheel drive models with 4WD Low: see instructions (transmission in PARK, Normal Ride Height if equipped, transfer case in N (Neutral), tow in forward direction). Two-wheel drive models and four-wheel drive models without 4WD Low: not allowed |
| Dolly tow, front wheels off the ground | Not allowed on any model |
| Dolly tow, rear wheels off the ground | Two-wheel drive models: OK. Four-wheel drive models: not allowed |
| On trailer, all wheels off the ground | OK on all models |
The manual explains that Quadra-Trac I models have a single-speed transfer case without 4WD Low range and no N (Neutral) position in the transfer case, so recreational towing is not allowed for them; they may be towed on a flatbed or vehicle trailer provided all four wheels are off the ground. It also says that when towing your vehicle, always follow applicable state and provincial laws.
From the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee owner's manual (Recreational Towing: Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle; Two-Wheel Drive Models; Quadra-Trac I Four-Wheel Drive Models), read November 9, 2026.
Flat towing rules from the manual
For Quadra-Trac II models with 4WD Low range, the manual says the transfer case must be shifted into N (Neutral) and the transmission must be in PARK (P) for recreational towing. The N (Neutral) selection button is adjacent to the air suspension switch, and shifts into and out of transfer case N (Neutral) can take place with the selector switch in any mode position. Its cautions include:
- Do not dolly tow any 4WD vehicle. Towing with only one set of wheels on the ground (front or rear) will cause severe transmission and/or transfer case damage. Tow with all four wheels either on the ground, or off the ground (using a vehicle trailer).
- Tow only in a forward direction. Towing this vehicle backwards can cause severe damage to the transfer case.
- The transmission must be in PARK for recreational towing.
- Before recreational towing, perform the Shifting Into N (Neutral) procedure to be certain that the transfer case is fully in N (Neutral). Otherwise, internal damage will result.
- Towing this vehicle in violation of these requirements can cause severe transmission and/or transfer case damage. Damage from improper towing is not covered under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
- Do not use a bumper-mounted clamp-on tow bar on your vehicle. The bumper face bar will be damaged.
- If the vehicle is equipped with Quadra-Lift air suspension, the engine should be started and left running for a minimum of 60 seconds (with all the doors closed) at least once every 24 hours, so the air suspension can adjust the ride height to compensate for temperature effects.
From the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee owner's manual (Recreational Towing: Quadra-Trac II With 4WD Low Range), read November 9, 2026.
How to shift the transfer case into N (Neutral) for towing
The manual warns that you or others could be injured or killed if you leave the vehicle unattended with the transfer case in N (Neutral) without first fully engaging the Electric Park Brake. N (Neutral) disengages both the front and rear driveshafts from the powertrain and will allow the vehicle to roll, even if the transmission is in PARK, so the Electric Park Brake should always be applied when the driver is not in the vehicle. The ignition must be in the ON/RUN position for the shift to take place, and a flashing N (Neutral) light means the shift requirements have not been met. The manual's steps are:
- Bring the vehicle to a complete stop on level ground, with the engine running.
- Press and hold the brake pedal.
- Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.
- If the vehicle is equipped with Quadra-Lift air suspension, ensure the vehicle is set to Normal Ride Height with the Auto Entry/Exit setting deselected.
- Using a ballpoint pen or similar object, push and hold the recessed transfer case N (Neutral) button (located by the selector switch) for more than four seconds. The light behind the N symbol blinks while the shift is in progress and stays on solid when the shift is complete, and a Four-Wheel Drive System In Neutral message appears in the instrument cluster.
- After the shift is complete and the N (Neutral) light stays on, release the N (Neutral) button.
- Shift the transmission into REVERSE or DRIVE.
- With the vehicle on ground level, release the brake pedal for five seconds and ensure that there is no vehicle movement.
- Press and hold the brake pedal. Shift the transmission back into NEUTRAL.
- Apply the Electric Park Brake.
- With the transmission and transfer case in N (Neutral), push and hold the ENGINE START/STOP button until the engine turns off. Ensure the vehicle is in RUN position with the engine off.
- Place the transmission gear selector in PARK. Release the brake pedal.
- Attach the vehicle to the tow vehicle using a suitable tow bar.
- Release the Electric Park Brake. Ensure the vehicle is in RUN position with the engine off.
- Push the ENGINE START/STOP button twice (without pressing the brake pedal) to turn the ignition to the OFF position.
From the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee owner's manual (Shifting Into Transfer Case N (Neutral)), read November 9, 2026.
How to shift out of N (Neutral) after towing
To prepare the Grand Cherokee for normal driving again, the manual's steps are:
- Bring the vehicle to a complete stop, leaving it connected to the tow vehicle.
- Place the ignition in ON/RUN.
- Apply the Electric Park Brake.
- Start the engine.
- Press and hold the brake pedal.
- Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.
- Using a ballpoint pen or similar object, push and hold the recessed transfer case N (Neutral) button (located by the selector switch) for five seconds.
- When the N (Neutral) indicator light turns off, release the N (Neutral) button. After the button has been released, the transfer case will always shift to 4WD HI.
- Shift the transmission into PARK. Turn the engine off.
- Release the brake pedal.
- Disconnect the vehicle from the tow vehicle.
- Start the engine.
- Press and hold the brake pedal.
- Release the Electric Park Brake.
- Shift the transmission into REVERSE or DRIVE, release the brake pedal, and check that the vehicle operates normally.
From the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee owner's manual (Shifting Out Of Transfer Case N (Neutral)), read November 9, 2026. If the engine is at high idle after a cold start, the manual says the cluster will display To Complete 4WD Shift Allow Engine To Return To Idle and the transfer case will not be able to shift out of N (Neutral).
Jeep Grand Cherokee service at Elgin CDJR
If you plan to flat tow your Grand Cherokee behind a motorhome, our Jeep service center can look over the four-wheel drive system and brakes before your trip. Our service department is open Monday to Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and is closed Sunday. Elgin CDJR is at 1500 W. Lake St. in Streamwood. Get directions.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Flat Towing FAQ
Can you flat tow a Jeep Grand Cherokee?
Only four-wheel drive models with 4WD Low range, per the 2026 manual. The transfer case must be in N (Neutral), the transmission in PARK, and the vehicle towed forward with all four wheels on the ground.
Can a Quadra-Trac I Grand Cherokee be flat towed?
No. The manual says Quadra-Trac I models have a single-speed transfer case without 4WD Low range and no N (Neutral) position, so recreational towing is not allowed. They may be towed on a flatbed or vehicle trailer with all four wheels off the ground.
Can I tow a four-wheel drive Grand Cherokee on a dolly?
No. The manual says not to dolly tow any 4WD vehicle, because towing with only one set of wheels on the ground will cause severe transmission and/or transfer case damage.
Where is the transfer case Neutral button?
The manual says the recessed N (Neutral) button is located by the selector switch, adjacent to the air suspension switch. It is pressed with a ballpoint pen or similar object.
What gear should the transmission be in when flat towing?
PARK. The manual says the transmission must be in PARK for recreational towing, with the transfer case in N (Neutral).
What are your service hours?
Monday to Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. We are closed Sunday.
Bring your Jeep Grand Cherokee to Streamwood
Visit Elgin CDJR at 1500 W. Lake St. in Streamwood.
Sources
The guidance on this page is from the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee owner's manual on Mopar (PDF dated November 7, 2025), read November 9, 2026. Our address and service hours are from our own website, checked the same day.