2008 JEEP LIBERTY tow bar

Weight-Carrying Hitch
A weight-carrying hitch supports the trailer tongue
weight, just as if it were luggage located at a hitch ball or
some other connecting point of the vehicle. These kinds
of hitches are the most popular on the market today and
they're commonly used to tow small- and medium-sized
trailers.
Weight-Distributing Hitch
A weight-distributing system works by applying lever-
age through spring (load) bars. They are typically used
for heavier loads, to distribute trailer tongue weight to
the tow vehicle's front axle and the trailer axle(s). When
used in accordance with the manufacturers' directions, it
provides for a more level ride, offering more consistent
steering and brake control thereby enhancing towing
safety. The addition of a friction/hydraulic sway control
also dampens sway caused by traffic and crosswinds and
contributes positively to tow vehicle and trailer stability.
Trailer sway control and a weight distributing (loadequalizing) hitch are recommended for heavier Tongue
Weights (TW) and may be required depending on Vehicle
and Trailer configuration/loading to comply with Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) requirements.
WARNING!
An improperly adjusted Weight Distributing Hitch
system may reduce handling, stability, braking per-
formance, and could result in an accident.
Weight Distributing Systems may not be compatible
with Surge Brake Couplers. Consult with your hitch
and trailer manufacturer or a reputable Recreational
Vehicle dealer for additional information.
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CAUTION!
²The Automatic Transmission must be in ªPº (Park)
position for recreational towing. The Manual
Transmission (if equipped) must be in gear (for
example, 4th gear) for recreational towing. Failure
to follow these procedures can cause severe trans-
mission and/or transfer case damage.
²Internal damage to the transmission or transfer
case will occur if a front or rear wheel lift is used
when recreational towing.
²Before recreational towing, perform the procedure
outlined under ªShifting into Neutralº to be cer-
tain that the transfer case is fully in Neutral (N).
Otherwise, internal damage will result.
²Do not use a bumper mounted clamp-on tow bar
on your vehicle. The bumper face bar will be
damaged.
WARNING!
You or others could be injured if you leave the
vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the
Neutral (N) position without first fully engaging the
parking brake. The transfer case Neutral (N) position
disengages both the front driveshaft and rear drive-
shaft from the powertrain and it will allow the
vehicle to move despite the transmission position.
The parking brake should always be applied when
the driver is not in the vehicle.
Shifting into Neutral (N)
Perform the following procedure to prepare your vehicle
for recreational towing:
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Shut OFF the engine.
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3. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position.
4. Depress the brake pedal.
5. Shift the transmission to ªNº (Neutral) (automatic
transmission), or depress the clutch pedal (manual trans-
mission).
6. Use the point of a ballpoint pen or similar object to
depress the recessed transfer case Neutral (N) button for
4 seconds. After the shift is complete, and the Neutral (N)
light turns on, release the Neutral (N) button.
7. Start the engine.
8. Shift the automatic transmission into ªRº (Reverse).
9. Release the brake pedal for five seconds and ensure
that there is no vehicle movement.
10. Repeat Steps 8 and 9 with the transmission in ªDº
(Drive) (automatic transmission) or 1st gear (manual
transmission).11. Shut OFF the engine.
12. Turn the ignition switch to the unlocked OFF posi-
tion.
13. Shift the transmission into ªPº (Park) (automatic
transmission), or shift into 4th gear (manual transmis-
sion).
14. Attach the vehicle to a tow vehicle with a tow bar.
15. Disconnect the battery negative cable.
NOTE:
²Steps 1 through 5 are requirements for shifting the
transfer case. If these requirements are not met prior to
depressing the Neutral (N) selection button or while
the shift attempt is in process, then the Neutral (N)
indicator light will flash continuously until all require-
ments are met or until the Neutral (N) button is
released.
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