Can a Jeep Wrangler be flat towed?

The manual's chart for towing this vehicle behind another vehicle lists these methods for four-wheel drive models:

It also says that when towing your vehicle, always follow applicable state and provincial laws, and to contact state and provincial highway safety offices for additional details.

From the 2026 Jeep Wrangler owner's manual (Recreational Towing, Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle), read November 8, 2026.

Flat towing rules from the manual

The manual lists these cautions for recreational towing of four-wheel drive models:

1. 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.
2. Tow only in the forward direction. Towing the vehicle backwards can cause severe damage to the transfer case.
3. Automatic transmissions must be placed in PARK, and manual transmissions must be placed in gear (not in Neutral), for recreational towing.
4. Before recreational towing, perform the Shifting Into (N) Neutral procedure to be certain that the transfer case is fully in Neutral. Otherwise, internal damage will result.
5. Towing the vehicle in violation of these requirements can cause severe transmission and/or transfer case damage, and damage from improper towing is not covered under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
6. Do not use a fascia/bumper-mounted clamp-on tow bar on the vehicle. The bumper face bar will be damaged.

From the 2026 Jeep Wrangler owner's manual (Recreational Towing - Four-Wheel Drive Models), read November 8, 2026.

How to shift the transfer case into 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 parking brake. The (N) Neutral position disengages both the front and rear driveshafts from the powertrain and will allow the vehicle to roll, even if the automatic transmission is in PARK or the manual transmission is in gear, so the parking brake should always be applied when the driver is not in the vehicle. It also cautions that damage to the transmission may occur if the transmission is shifted into PARK with the transfer case in Neutral and the engine running, so make sure the engine is off before shifting into PARK. The manual's steps are:

1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop on level ground.
2. Press and hold the brake pedal.
3. Shift the automatic transmission into NEUTRAL or press the clutch pedal on a manual transmission.
4. Turn the engine off.
5. Shift the transfer case lever into (N) Neutral.
6. Start the engine.
7. Shift the transmission into REVERSE.
8. Release the brake pedal (and clutch pedal on manual transmissions) for five seconds and ensure that there is no vehicle movement.
9. Repeat steps seven and eight with the automatic transmission in DRIVE or the manual transmission in FIRST gear.
10. Turn the engine off.
11. Firmly apply the parking brake.
12. Shift the transmission into PARK or place the manual transmission in gear (not in Neutral).
13. Attach the vehicle to the tow vehicle using a suitable tow bar.
14. Release the parking brake.

From the 2026 Jeep Wrangler owner's manual (Shifting Into (N) Neutral), read November 8, 2026.

How to shift out of Neutral after towing

To prepare the Wrangler for normal driving again, the manual's steps are:

1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop, leaving it connected to the tow vehicle.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake.
3. Start the engine.
4. Press and hold the brake pedal.
5. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.
6. Turn the engine off.
7. Shift the transfer case lever to the desired position. The manual notes that the engine should remain off when shifting the transfer case out of Neutral, to avoid gear clash.
8. Shift the automatic transmission into PARK, or place the manual transmission in NEUTRAL.
9. Release the brake pedal.
10. Disconnect the vehicle from the tow vehicle.
11. Start the engine.
12. Press and hold the brake pedal.
13. Release the parking brake.
14. Shift the transmission into gear, release the brake pedal (and clutch pedal on manual transmissions), and check that the vehicle operates normally.

From the 2026 Jeep Wrangler owner's manual (Shifting Out Of (N) Neutral), read November 8, 2026.

Jeep Wrangler service at Elgin CDJR

If you plan to flat tow your Wrangler behind a motorhome, our Jeep service center can check the 4x4 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.