Forgetting One Step Causes a BIG Problem

Out 2012 Jeep Wrangler

takes us places where the

motorhome can't go.

It is our tow vehicle.  We have hitched and unhitched our standard transmission Jeep to our motorhome hundreds of times.

We found out that skipping one step can cause a BIG problem.  We hitched the Jeep behind the motorhome and started off for a New York Escapee Chapter 41 Rally in Davenport, New York. While driving the motorhome with the Jeep in tow on a local highway, a car pulled next to us.  The driver honked as the passenger waved frantically at us.  When a passing vehicle is honking and waving frantically, it is never a good sign.

Eric pulled to the side of the highway.  We got out of the motorhome and walked around it and the Jeep.  When Eric checked the Jeep, he noticed that the transfer case was engaged in "high", and not in neutral as our towing instructions state.  Eric put the transfer case into neutral and we continued to drive.

Eric stopped at the next rest stop and tried to start the Jeep.  CLICK CLICK CLICK.... the starter wasn't engaging.  I checked for Jeep dealerships on our route to the campground.






I found Royal Chrysler, Dodge,
Jeep & Ram Dealership
in Oneonta.

We unhitched the Jeep & left
 it  for diagnosis & repair.








The service manager did a quick test and said the starter may be bad but they would have to check it out to be sure.

Paul called Eric two

hours later...

He said it was WAY WAY worse than a starter. Towing our Jeep in first gear at 55 miles per hour was a bad thing to do.  Duh!

Inspection of the engine
showed there was a hole
in the bottom of the engine
where a rod punctured
the casing.
With the tranny in gear they
could not rotate the rear wheels.
The engine was totally seized up.



Paul called Chrysler and found out that the 2012 Jeep short block was on back order.  He called a third party that buys up new engines and later sells them to those in need.  A brand new 2012 Jeep engine is available and will be shipped.  THIS engine was lower priced than the short block but is a complete engine!   With a lifetime warranty!   Exactly the same engine.  Apparently they bought them from Chrysler in bulk for re-selling and still had some left.

Replacing the engine will take less time than pulling our engine apart to replace the damaged parts.  It will also cost less in labor.  Our Jeep sits at the dealership until the new engine arrives.

Then, the next step is

 to pull the engine.

Eric called our insurance company and asked if they cover the damage we did to the Jeep's engine. Amazingly, insurance does cover this.  The adjuster said it was a common occurrence.  Our mistake in not putting the transfer case in neutral has happened before. Eric was delighted to find out that this unexpected expense would be covered.

We waited for the engine to be shipped and repairs completed.  Paul called us when the work was done.

Our Fun-Mobile is ready to be
picked up.

Eric takes care of the bill

while I take pictures.

Jeep parts are available

here.

Let's take a look under

the hood.

I think I see the bright

shiny engine beneath

the hoses.

The Jeep runs perfectly.  We are happy to have it back.  Now, how do we remember to put the transfer case in neutral before we tow?  One more item to include on the "Button Up List" that we use to make sure everything is done before we move each time.  A lot of the items on that list were added after something went wrong while driving.  This item was the most expensive one to add.