Page 555 of 705
Engine/
Transmission Axle Model GCWR
(Gross Com- bined Wt.Rating) Frontal Area
Max. GTW
(Gross
Trailer Wt.) Max. Trailer
Tongue Wt. (See Note)
3.6L/
Automatic 3.21 Four–Door
SaharaModel
(4WD) 7,500 lbs
(3 402 kg) 32 sq ft
(2.97 sq m) 2,000 lbs
(907 kg) 200 lbs
(91 kg)
3.6L/
Automatic 3.73 Four–Door
SaharaModel
(4WD) 9,000 lbs
(4 082 kg) 32 sq ft
(2.97 sq m) 3,500 lbs
(1 587 kg) 350 lbs
(158 kg)
3.6L/Manual 4.10 Four–Door RubiconModel
(4WD) 9,200 lbs
(4 173 kg) 32 sq ft
(2.97 sq m) 3,500 lbs
(1 587 kg) 350 lbs
(158 kg)
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 553
Page 556 of 705
Engine/
Transmission Axle Model GCWR
(Gross Com- bined Wt.Rating) Frontal Area
Max. GTW
(Gross
Trailer Wt.) Max. Trailer
Tongue Wt. (See Note)
3.6L/
Automatic 3.73 Four–Door
RubiconModel
(4WD) 9,200 lbs
(4 173 kg) 32 sq ft
(2.97 sq m) 3,500 lbs
(1 587 kg) 350 lbs
(158 kg)
3.6L/
Automatic 4.10 Four–Door
RubiconModel
(4WD) 9,200 lbs
(4 173 kg) 32 sq ft
(2.97 sq m) 3,500 lbs
(1 587 kg) 350 lbs
(158 kg)
Refer to local laws for maximum trailer towing speeds.
554 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 559 of 705

WARNING!(Continued)
cargo that is not fully secured, dynamic load shifts
can occur that may be difficult for the driver to
control. You could lose control of your vehicle and
have a collision.
• When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not
overload your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can
cause a loss of control, poor performance or dam-
age to the brakes, axle, engine, transmission, steer-
ing, suspension, chassis structure or tires.
• Safety chains must always be used between your
vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to
the frame or hook retainers of the vehicle hitch.
Cross the chains under the trailer tongue and allow
enough slack for turning corners.
• Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a
grade. When parking, apply the parking brake on
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
the tow vehicle. Put the tow vehicle automatic
transmission in PARK. With a manual transmis-
sion, shift the transmission into first gear. And
with four-wheel-drive vehicles, make sure the
transfer case is not in NEUTRAL (N). Always,
block orchockthe trailer wheels.
• GCWR must not be exceeded.
• Total weight must be distributed between the tow
vehicle and the trailer such that the following four
ratings are not exceeded:
1. GVWR
2. GTW
3. GAWR
4.
Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch utilized.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 557
Page 563 of 705

Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping
and backing the trailer in an area away from heavy
traffic.
If using a manual transmission vehicle for trailer towing,
all starts must be in first gear to avoid excessive clutch
slippage.
Automatic Transmission — If Equipped
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing. The
transmission controls include a drive strategy to avoid
frequent shifting when towing. However, if frequent
shifting does occur while in DRIVE, you can use the
AutoStick shift control to manually select a lower gear.NOTE:
Using a lower gear while operating the vehicle
under heavy loading conditions will improve perfor-
mance and extend transmission life by reducing exces-
sive shifting and heat buildup. This action will also
provide better engine braking.
If you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than 45
minutes of continuous operation, then change the trans-
mission fluid and filter as specified for police, taxi, fleet,
or frequent trailer towing. “Refer to the “Maintenance
Schedule” for the proper maintenance intervals.
NOTE: Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 561
Page 564 of 705

AutoStick — If Equipped
•When using the AutoStick shift control, select the
highest gear that allows for adequate performance and
avoids frequent downshifts. For example, choose “4” if
the desired speed can be maintained. Choose “3” or
“2” if needed to maintain the desired speed.
• To prevent excess heat generation, avoid continuous
driving at high RPM. Reduce vehicle speed as neces-
sary to avoid extended driving at high RPM. Return to
a higher gear or vehicle speed when grade and road
conditions allow.
Electronic Speed Control — If Equipped
• Do not use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
• When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed. •
Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
City Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, shift the trans-
mission into NEUTRAL and increase engine idle speed.
Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
562 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 565 of 705
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
Towing ConditionWheels OFF the Ground Four-Wheel Drive Models
Flat Tow NONESee Instructions
•Automatic transmission in PARK
•Manual transmission in gear
(NOT in NEUTRAL [N])
•Transfer case in NEUTRAL (N)
•Tow in forward direction
Dolly Tow FrontNOT ALLOWED
Rear NOT ALLOWED
On Trailer ALLOK
NOTE: When recreational towing your vehicle, always follow applicable state and provincial laws. Contact state
and provincial Highway Safety offices for additional details.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 563
Page 566 of 705

Recreational Towing — Four-Wheel Drive Models
NOTE:The transfer case must be shifted into NEUTRAL
(N), automatic transmission must be shifted into PARK,
and manual transmission must be placed in gear (NOT in
NEUTRAL) for recreational towing.
CAUTION!
• 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 the forward direction. Towing this
vehicle backwards can cause severe damage to the
transfer case.
• Automatic transmissions must be placed in PARK
for recreational towing.
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•Manual transmissions must be placed in gear (not
in Neutral) 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 NEUTRAL
(N). Otherwise, internal damage will result.
• Towing this vehicle in violation of the above re-
quirements can cause severe transmission and/or
transfer case damage. Damage from improper tow-
ing 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.
564 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 567 of 705

Shifting Into NEUTRAL (N)
Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for
recreational towing.
WARNING!
You or others could be injured or killed 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 and rear drive
shaft from the powertrain, and will allow the vehicle
to roll, even if the automatic transmission is in PARK
(or manual transmission is in gear). The parking
brake should always be applied when the driver is
not in the vehicle.
CAUTION!
It is necessary to follow these steps to be certain that
the transfer case is fully in NEUTRAL (N) before
recreational towing to prevent damage to internal
parts.
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Press and hold the brake pedal.
3. Shift the automatic transmission into NEUTRAL or depress the clutch pedal on a manual transmission.
4. Turn the engine OFF.
5. Shift the transfer case lever into NEUTRAL (N).
6. Start the engine.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 565