2011 JEEP LIBERTY tow bar

Tongue Weight (TW)
The tongue weight is the downward force exerted on the
hitch ball by the trailer. In most cases, it should not be less
than 10% or more than 15% of the trailer load. You must
consider this as part of the load on your vehicle.
Frontal Area
The frontal area is the maximum height multiplied by the
maximum width of the front of a trailer.
Trailer Sway Control – Mechanical
The trailer sway control is a telescoping link that can be
installed between the hitch receiver and the trailer tongue
that typically provides adjustable friction associated with
the telescoping motion to dampen any unwanted trailer
swaying motions while traveling.
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 kindsof hitches are the most popular on the market today and
they are 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 (load
equalizing) 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.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 399

and reinstallation procedures, including flange orienta-
tion/alignment, use of thread-locking compound, proper
bolt torque specifications, etc.
CAUTION!
Towing with the rear wheels on the ground (while
the driveshaft is connected) will cause severe trans-
mission damage. Damage from improper towing is
not covered under the New Vehicle Limited War-
ranty.
Recreational Towing — Four-Wheel Drive Models
The transfer case must be shifted into NEUTRAL (N) and
the transmission must be placed in PARK for recreational
towing. The NEUTRAL (N) selection button is adjacent to
the transfer case selector switch. Shifts into and out of
transfer case NEUTRAL (N) can take place with the
selector switch in any mode position.
CAUTION!
•Front or rear wheel lifts should not be used.
Internal damage to the transmission or transfer
case will occur if a front or rear wheel lift is used
when recreational towing.
•Tow only in a forward direction. Towing this
vehicle backwards can cause severe damage to the
transfer case.
•The transmission must be placed in PARK for
recreational towing.
•Before recreational towing, perform the procedure
outlined under “Shifting into NEUTRAL (N)” to
be certain that the transfer case is fully in NEU-
TRAL (N). Otherwise, internal damage will result.
•Failure to follow these procedures can cause se-
vere transmission and/or transfer case damage.
•Do not use a bumper-mounted clamp-on tow bar on
your vehicle. The bumper face bar will be damaged.
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14. Attach the vehicle to the tow vehicle using a suitable
tow bar.
15. Release the parking brake.
16. Disconnect the negative battery cable, and secure it
away from the negative battery post.
NOTE:
•Steps 1 through 5 are requirements that must be met
prior to pressing the NEUTRAL (N) button, and must
continue to be met until the four seconds elapse and
the shift has been completed. If any of these require-
ments are not met prior to pressing the NEUTRAL (N)
button or are no longer met during the four second
timer, then the NEUTRAL (N) indicator light will flash
continuously until all requirements are met or until the
NEUTRAL (N) button is released.
•The ignition switch must be in the ON/RUN position
for a shift to take place and for the position indicatorlights to be operable. If the ignition switch is not in the
ON/RUN position, the shift will not take place and no
position indicator lights will be on or flashing.
•A flashing NEUTRAL (N) position indicator light
indicates that shift requirements have not been met.
Shifting Out Of NEUTRAL (N)
Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for
normal usage.
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop, leaving it con-
nected to the tow vehicle.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake.
3. Reconnect the negative battery cable.
4. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK/OFF position (if
it has been moved or the engine has been started).
5. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position, but
do not start the engine.
418 STARTING AND OPERATING

Towing Condition Wheels OFFthe Ground 2WD Models
4WD Models
Flat Tow NONEIf transmission is operable:
•Transmission in
NEUTRAL
•30 mphmax speed(48 km/h)
•15 miles (24 km) maxdistance See instructions in “Recreational Tow-
ing” under “Starting and Operating”
•Transmission in
PARK
•Transfer Case in NEUTRAL
•To w i nforward direction
Wheel Lift or Dolly To w Front
NOT ALLOWED
Rear OK NOT ALLOWED
Flatbed ALL BEST METHOD BEST METHOD
Proper towing or lifting equipment is required to prevent
damage to your vehicle. Use only tow bars and other
equipment designed for the purpose, following equip-
ment manufacturer ’s instructions. Use of safety chains is
mandatory. Attach a tow bar or other towing device to main structural members of the vehicle, not to bumpers
or associated brackets. State and local laws applying to
vehicles under tow must be observed.
If you must use the accessories (wipers, defrosters, etc.)
while being towed, the ignition must be in the ON/RUN
position, not the ACC position.
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