towing JEEP WAGONEER 2023 Owner's Guide

182STARTING AND OPERATING
TRAILER HITCH CLASSIFICATION
The following chart provides the industry standard for the maximum trailer weight a given trailer hitch class can tow and should be used to assist you in selecting the correct trailer hitch
for your intended towing condition.
TRAILER TOWING WEIGHTS (MAXIMUM TRAILER WEIGHT RATINGS)
Trailer Hitch Classification Definitions
Class Max. Trailer Hitch Industry Standards
Class I - Light Duty 2,000 lb (907 kg)
Class II - Medium Duty 3,500 lb (1,587 kg)
Class III - Heavy Duty 6,000 lb (2,722 kg)
Class IV - Extra Heavy Duty 10,000 lb (4,535 kg)
Refer to the “Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)” chart for the Maximum Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) towable for your given drivetrain.
All trailer hitches should be professionally installed on your vehicle.
Model Engine Wheel Base (in) Axle Ratio GCWR Frontal Area Max GTW Max TW
Wagoneer 4x2 3.0L SO 1303.5512,300 lb
(5,579 kg) 40 sq ft (3.72 sq m) 5,990 lb
(2,717 kg) 599 lb (272 kg)
Wagoneer 4x4 3.0L SO 1303.5512,300 lb
(5,579 kg) 40 sq ft (3.72 sq m) 5,750 lb
(2,608 kg) 575 lb (261 kg)
Wagoneer 4x2 3.0L SO 1303.9216,500 lb
(7,484 kg) 60 sq ft (5.57 sq m) 10,000 lb
(4,536 kg) 1,000 lb (454 kg)
Wagoneer 4x4 (Max Tow) 3.0L SO
1303.9216,500 lb
(7,484 kg) 55 sq ft (5.11 sq m) 10,000 lb
(4,536 kg) 1,000 lb (454 kg)

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184STARTING AND OPERATING
TRAILER HITCH RECEIVER COVER
R
EMOVAL — IF EQUIPPED
Your vehicle may be equipped with a trailer hitch receiver
cover, this must be removed to access the trailer hitch
receiver. This cover is located at the bottom center of the
rear fascia/bumper.

1. Turn the three locking retainers located at the
bottom of the hitch receiver cover a quarter turn
counterclockwise and pull bottom of the hitch
receiver cover outward (towards you).

2. Pull the bottom of the cover outward (towards you) then downwards to disengage the tabs located at the
top of the hitch receiver cover to remove.

Hitch Receiver Cover

To reinstall the cover after towing repeat the procedure in
reverse order.
NOTE:Be sure to engage all tabs and fully seat the hitch receiver
cover in the fascia/bumper prior to installation of the
quarter turn fasteners.
Wagoneer 4x4 3.0L SO
1233.5512,300 lb
(5,579 kg) 40 sq ft (3.72 sq m) 5,980 lb (2,713 kg) 598 lb (271 kg)
Wagoneer 4x2 & 4x4 (Max Tow) 3.0L SO
1233.9216,500 lb
(7,484 kg) 60 sq ft (5.57 sq m) 10,000 lb
(4,536 kg) 1,000 lb (454 kg)
Grand Wagoneer 4x4 6.4L
1233.9215,000 lb
(6,803 kg) 55 sq ft (5.11 sq m) 8,370 lb (3,797 kg) 837 lb (380 kg)
Grand Wagoneer 4x4 (Max Tow) 6.4L
1233.9216,600 lb
(7,529 kg) 55 sq ft (5.11 sq m) 9,930 lb (4,504 kg) 993 lb (450 kg)
Grand Wagoneer 4x4 3.0L HO
1233.9212,300 lb
(5,579 kg) 40 sq ft (3.72 sq m) 5,620 lb (2,563 kg) 562 lb (255 kg)
Grand Wagoneer 4x4 (Max Tow) 3.0L HO
1233.9216,500 lb
(7,484 kg) 55 sq ft (5.11 sq m) 9,880 lb (4,482 kg) 988 lb (448 kg)
Model
Engine Wheel Base (in) Axle Ratio GCWR Frontal Area Max GTW Max TW
1 — Hitch Receiver Cover
2 — Locking Retainers

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STARTING AND OPERATING185
(Continued)
TRAILER AND TONGUE WEIGHT
Never exceed the maximum tongue weight stamped on
your bumper or trailer hitch.

Weight Distribution

Consider the following items when computing the weight
on the rear axle of the vehicle:
The tongue weight of the trailer.
 The weight of any other type of cargo or equipment put
in or on your vehicle.
 The weight of the driver and all passengers.
NOTE:Remember that everything put into or on the trailer adds
to the load on your vehicle. Also, additional
factory-installed options or dealer-installed options must
be considered as part of the total load on your vehicle.
Refer to the Tire And Loading Information Placard for the
maximum combined weight of occupants and cargo for
your vehicle.
TOWING REQUIREMENTS
To promote proper break-in of the new vehicle drivetrain
components, the following guidelines are recommended. Perform the maintenance listed in the Scheduled
Servicing
Úpage 309. When towing a trailer, never
exceed the GAWR or GCWR ratings.
WARNING!
Always load a trailer with 60% of the weight in the front
of the trailer. This places 10% of the GTW on the tow
hitch of your vehicle. Loads balanced over the wheels or
heavier in the rear can cause the trailer to sway
severely side to side which will cause loss of control of
the vehicle and trailer. Failure to load trailers heavier in
front is the cause of many trailer collisions.CAUTION!
 Do not tow a trailer at all during the first 500 miles
(805 km) the new vehicle is driven. The engine, axle
or other parts could be damaged.
 Then, during the first 500 miles (805 km) that a
trailer is towed, do not drive over 50 mph (80 km/h)
and do not make starts at full throttle. This helps the
engine and other parts of the vehicle wear in at the
heavier loads.
WARNING!
Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer
and will not shift during travel. When trailering 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 over -
load your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can cause a
loss of control, poor performance or damage to
brakes, axle, engine, transmission, steering, suspen -
sion, chassis structure or tires.
 Safety chains must always be used between your
vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to the
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 the
tow vehicle. Put the tow vehicle transmission in PARK
(P). For four-wheel drive vehicles, make sure the
transfer case is not in NEUTRAL (N). Always, block or
"chock" the trailer wheels.
 GCWR must not be exceeded.
4

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186STARTING AND OPERATING
Towing Requirements — Tires
Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact
spare tire.
 Do not drive more than 50 mph (80 km/h) when towing
while using a full-size spare tire.
 Proper tire inflation pressures are essential to the safe
and satisfactory operation of your vehicle.
 Check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation pressures
before trailer usage.
 Check for signs of tire wear or visible tire damage
before towing a trailer.
 Replacing tires with a higher load carrying capacity will
not increase the vehicle's GVWR and GAWR limits.
 For further information
Úpage 349.
Towing Requirements — Trailer Brakes
Do not interconnect the hydraulic brake system or
vacuum system of your vehicle with that of the trailer.
This could cause inadequate braking and possible
personal injury.
 An electronically actuated trailer brake controller is
required when towing a trailer with electronically actu -
ated brakes. When towing a trailer equipped with a
hydraulic surge actuated brake system, an electronic
brake controller is not required.
 Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers over
1,000 lb (453 kg) and required for trailers in excess of
2,000 lb (907 kg).
Integrated Trailer Brake Module (ITBM) —
If Equipped
Your vehicle may have an ITBM for Electric and Electric
Over Hydraulic (EOH) trailer brakes. The controller is
located below the instrument panel on the right side of the
steering column.
NOTE:This module has been designed and verified with electric
trailer brakes and EOH systems. Some previous EOH
systems may not be compatible with ITBM.

Total weight must be distributed between the tow
vehicle and the trailer such that the following four
ratings are not exceeded :
 GVWR
 GTW
 GAWR
 Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch utilized
WARNING!
WARNING!
Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle's
hydraulic brake lines. It can overload your brake
system and cause it to fail. You might not have
brakes when you need them and could have an acci -
dent.
 Towing any trailer will increase your stopping
distance. When towing, you should allow for addi -
tional space between your vehicle and the vehicle in
front of you. Failure to do so could result in an
accident.
CAUTION!
If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lb (453 kg)
loaded, it should have its own brakes and they should
be of adequate capacity. Failure to do this could lead to
accelerated brake lining wear, higher brake pedal
effort, and longer stopping distances.

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STARTING AND OPERATING187

Integrated Trailer Brake Module (ITBM)

The user interface consists of the following:
Manual Brake Control Lever
Slide the manual brake control lever to the left to activate
power to the trailer's electric brakes independent of the
tow vehicle's brakes. If the manual brake control lever is
activated while the brake is also applied, the greater of the
two inputs determines the power sent to the trailer brakes.
The trailer and the vehicle's brake lamps will come on
when either vehicle braking or manual trailer brakes are
applied. Trailer Brake Status Indicator Light
This light indicates the trailer electrical connection status.
If no electrical connection is detected after the ignition is
turned on, pushing the GAIN adjustment button or sliding
the manual brake control lever will display the GAIN
setting for 10 seconds and the Trailer Brake Status
Indicator Light will not be displayed.
If a fault is detected in the trailer wiring or the ITBM, the
Trailer Brake Status Indicator Light will flash.
GAIN Adjustment Buttons (+/-)
Pushing these buttons will adjust the brake control power
output to the trailer brakes in 0.5 increments. The GAIN
setting can be increased to a maximum of 10 or
decreased to a minimum of 0 (no trailer braking).
GAIN
The GAIN setting is used to set the trailer brake control for
the specific towing condition and should be changed as
towing conditions change. Changes to towing conditions
include trailer load, vehicle load, road conditions and
weather.
Adjusting GAIN
NOTE:This should only be performed in a traffic free environment
at speeds of approximately 20–25 mph (30–40 km/h).

1. Make sure the trailer brakes are in good working condition, functioning normally and properly
adjusted. See a trailer dealer if necessary.

2. Hook up the trailer and make the electrical connections according to the trailer manufacturer's
instructions. 3. When a trailer with electric/EOH brakes is plugged in,
the trailer connected message should appear in the
instrument cluster display (if the connection is not
recognized by the ITBM, braking functions will not be
available), the GAIN setting will illuminate and the
correct type of trailer must be selected from the
instrument cluster display options.
4. Push the UP or DOWN button on the steering wheel until “TRAILER TOW” appears on the screen.
5. Push the RIGHT arrow on the steering wheel to enter “TRAILER TOW”.
6. Push the UP or DOWN buttons until the “Trailer Brake Type” appears on the screen.
7. Push the RIGHT arrow and then push the UP or DOWN buttons until the proper Trailer Brake Type appears
on the screen.
8. In a traffic-free environment, tow the trailer on a dry, level surface at a speed of 20–25 mph
(30–40 km/h) and squeeze the manual brake
control lever completely.
9. If the trailer wheels lockup (indicated by squealing tires), reduce the GAIN setting; if the trailer wheels
turn freely, increase the GAIN setting.
Repeat steps 8 and 9 until the GAIN setting is at a point
just below trailer wheel lockup. If towing a heavier trailer,
trailer wheel lockup may not be attainable even with the
maximum GAIN setting of 10.
1 — GAIN Adjustment Button
2 — GAIN Adjustment Button
3 — Manual Brake Control Lever
4

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188STARTING AND OPERATING
Display Messages
The trailer brake control interacts with the instrument
cluster display. Display messages, along with a single
chime, will be displayed when a malfunction is determined
in the trailer connection, trailer brake control, or on the
trailer
Úpage 99.
NOTE:
An aftermarket controller may be available for use with
trailers with air or EOH trailer brake systems. To deter -
mine the type of brakes on your trailer and the avail -
ability of controllers, check with your trailer
manufacturer or dealer.
 Removal of the ITBM will cause errors and it may cause
damage to the electrical system and electronic
modules of the vehicle. See an authorized dealer if an
aftermarket module is to be installed.
Towing Requirements — Trailer Lights
And Wiring
Whenever pulling a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are required for
motoring safety.
The Trailer Tow Package may include a four- and seven-pin
wiring harness. Use a factory approved trailer harness and
connector.
NOTE:Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicle’s wiring
harness.
The electrical connections are all complete to the vehicle
but you must mate the harness to a trailer connector.
Refer to the following illustrations.
NOTE:
Disconnect the trailer wiring connector from the vehicle
(or any other device plugged into the vehicle's electrical
connectors) before launching a boat into water.
 Be sure to reconnect once clear from water area.

Four-Pin Connector

WARNING!
Connecting a trailer that is not compatible with the
ITBM system may result in reduced or complete loss of
trailer braking. There may be an increase in stopping
distance or trailer instability which could result in
personal injury.
CAUTION!
Connecting a trailer that is not compatible with the
ITBM system may result in reduced or complete loss of
trailer braking. There may be an increase in stopping
distance or trailer instability which could result in
damage to your vehicle, trailer, or other property.
1 — Ground
2 — Park
3 — Left Stop/Turn
4 — Right Stop/Turn

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STARTING AND OPERATING189

Seven-Pin Connector

TOWING TIPS
Before towing, practice turning, stopping, and backing up
the trailer in an area located away from heavy traffic. If
equipped with Quadra-Lift air suspension, the automatic
Entry/Exit feature may be disabled through the Uconnect
Touchscreen Radio to prevent vehicle and trailer
movement when gear selector is moved to PARK.
Automatic Transmission
Select the DRIVE (D) range 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 Electronic Range Select
(ERS) shift control to manually select a lower gear.
NOTE:Using a lower gear while operating the vehicle under heavy
loading conditions, will improve performance and extend
transmission life by reducing excessive shifting and heat
build-up. This action will also provide better engine
braking.
Cruise Control — If Equipped
Do not use on hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
 When using the Cruise Control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
 Use Cruise Control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
1 — Backup Lamps
2 — Running Lamps
3 — Left Stop/Turn
4 — Ground
5 — Battery
6 — Right Stop/Turn
7 — Electric Brakes
4

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190STARTING AND OPERATING
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME)
TOWING THIS VEHICLE BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE
NOTE:
When towing your vehicle, always follow applicable
state and provincial laws. Contact state and provincial
Highway Safety offices for additional details.
 Vehicles equipped with Quadra-Lift must be placed in
Transport Mode before tying them down (from the
body) on a trailer or flatbed truck
Úpage 132. If the
vehicle cannot be placed in Transport mode (for
example, engine will not run), tie-downs should be
fastened over the tires using specific straps (not to the
body). Failure to follow these instructions may cause
fault codes to be set and/or cause loss of proper
tie-down tension.
RECREATIONAL TOWING — TWO-WHEEL
D
RIVE MODELS
DO NOT flat tow this vehicle. Damage to the drivetrain will
result.
Recreational towing (for two-wheel drive models) is
allowed ONLY if the rear wheels are OFF the ground. This
may be accomplished using a tow dolly or vehicle trailer. If
using a tow dolly, follow this procedure:

1. Properly secure the dolly to the tow vehicle, following
the dolly manufacturer's instructions.

NOTE:If vehicle is equipped with Quadra-Lift air suspension,
ensure the vehicle is set to Normal Ride Height.
2. Drive the rear wheels onto the tow dolly.
3. Apply the Electric Park Brake. Shift the transmission into PARK.
4. Turn the ignition OFF.
Towing Condition Wheels OFF The Ground Two-Wheel Drive Models Four-Wheel Drive Models
Without 4WD LOW Range Four-Wheel Drive Models
With 4WD LOW Range
Flat Tow NONENOT ALLOWEDNOT ALLOWEDSee Instructions

Transmission in PARK
 Transfer case in N (Neutral)
 Tow in forward direction
Dolly Tow Front
NOT ALLOWEDNOT ALLOWEDNOT ALLOWED
Rear OKNOT ALLOWEDNOT ALLOWED
On Trailer ALLOKOKOK

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STARTING AND OPERATING191
(Continued)
5. Properly secure the rear wheels to the dolly, following
the dolly manufacturer’s instructions.
6. Install a suitable clamping device, designed for towing, to secure the front wheels in the straight
position.
RECREATIONAL TOWING —
Q
UADRA-TRAC I (SINGLE-SPEED
T
RANSFER CASE) FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE
M
ODELS
Recreational towing is not allowed. These models do not
have a N (Neutral) position in the transfer case.
NOTE:This vehicle may be towed on a flatbed or vehicle trailer
provided all four wheels are OFF the ground.
RECREATIONAL TOWING —
Q
UADRA–TRAC II/QUADRA–DRIVE II
F
OUR-WHEEL DRIVE MODELS
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 located by the selector
switch.
Shifting Into N (Neutral)
CAUTION!
Towing with the rear wheels on the ground will cause
severe transmission damage. Damage from improper
towing is not covered under the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
CAUTION!
Towing this vehicle in violation of the above
requirements can cause severe transmission and/or
transfer case damage. Damage from improper towing is
not covered under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
CAUTION!
 DO NOT dolly tow any four-wheel drive 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 procedure
outlined under “Shifting into N (Neutral)” to be
certain that the transfer case is fully in N (Neutral).
Otherwise, internal damage will result.
Towing this vehicle in violation of the above require -
ments 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.
WARNING!
You or others could be injured or killed if you leave the
vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the N
(Neutral) position without first fully engaging the
parking brake. The transfer case N (Neutral) position
disengages both the front and rear driveshafts from the
powertrain and will allow the vehicle to roll, even if the
transmission is in PARK. 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 N (Neutral) before
recreational towing to prevent damage to internal parts.
CAUTION!
4

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192STARTING AND OPERATING
Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for
recreational towing:

1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop on level ground,
with the engine running.

2. Press and hold the brake pedal.
3. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.
4. If vehicle is equipped with Quadra-Lift air suspension, ensure the vehicle is set to Normal Ride Height.
NOTE:
Steps 1 through 4 are requirements that must be
met before pushing the N (Neutral) button, and
must continue to be met until the shift has been
completed. If any of these requirements are not
met before pushing the N (Neutral) button or are
no longer met during the shift, then the N (Neutral)
indicator light will flash continuously until all
requirements are met or until the N (Neutral)
button is released.
 The ignition must be in the ON/RUN position for a
shift to take place and for the position indicator
lights to be operable. If the ignition 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 N (Neutral) position indicator light indi-
cates that shift requirements have not been met. 
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. This
process allows the air suspension to adjust the
vehicle’s ride height to compensate for tempera -
ture effects.
 Engaging/disengaging of the Electric Park Brake
requires the ignition to be in the ON/RUN position.
5. 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. The
light behind the N symbol will begin to blink red,
indicating shift in progress. The light will stop blinking
(stay on solid) when the shift to N (Neutral) is
complete. A “4WD Neutral Warning Vehicle May Move
Even in Park” message will appear in the instrument
cluster.

N (Neutral) Button

6. After the shift is completed and the N (Neutral) light stays on, release the N (Neutral) button.
7. Shift the transmission into REVERSE or DRIVE.
8. Release the brake pedal for five seconds and ensure that there is no vehicle movement.
9. Press and hold the brake pedal. Shift the transmission back into NEUTRAL.
10. Apply the Electric Park Brake.
11. With the transmission and transfer case in N (Neutral), push and hold the ENGINE START/STOP
button until the engine turns off. Ensure vehicle is in
RUN position with the engine off.
12. Place the transmission gear selector in PARK. Release the brake pedal.
13. Attach the vehicle to the tow vehicle using a suitable tow bar.
14. Release the Electric Park Brake. Ensure vehicle is in RUN position with the engine off.
15. Push the ENGINE START/STOP button twice (without pressing the brake pedal), to turn the ignition to the
off position.

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