Towing Guide Information
Family Motor Coaching’s “Towables for 2015” (January 2015, page 44) does not include the Jeep Liberty. It was listed from 2002 through 2012, but not beyond. Does that imply that the manufacturer no longer deems the 2013 vehicle towable? What about all those prior years? We are considering a preowned model for a towed vehicle. I have checked the Liberty owners manuals for the model years we have considered, and they seem okay.
One more inquiry: Since we are looking for an older vehicle for flat towing, my husband has seen several Land Rover Freelanders for sale. The Freelander appears only in the 2004 towables list. Do you know anything adverse about that vehicle for towing? The online manual is difficult to navigate.
Lydia Kendall, F450581
Seneca, South Carolina
Jeep stopped producing the Liberty, which is why it disappeared from the list of towables. For any vehicle you are considering buying, be sure to check the owners manual. Find the section that addresses four-wheels-down towing, often listed under “recreational towing.” (Do not confuse this with “emergency towing.”) It also would be a good idea to ask a dealer to check for service bulletins to make sure nothing has changed regarding towability of a particular vehicle.
I am not sure why the Freelander appeared and disappeared from the list, but you’re wise to check into it, as there could be a technical reason. You might want to post something in FMCA’s online Forums (community.fmca.com) and ask other members whether they have had experience towing this vehicle.
Another good source of information about towables, besides the manufacturer, is Remco Industries. On its website, you can type in specifics about a vehicle and obtain recommendations. Go to www.remcoindustries.com/Towing/Store.php.
Leveling Jacks Redux
Your response to John Bowes of Zellwood, Florida, in the February 2015 issue of Family Motor Coaching (“Leveling Jacks,” page 20) may have been incomplete. He wrote that even though the leveling jacks on his 2001 National RV are retracted, the warning light sometimes stays on for miles, indicating the jacks are down.
I own a 2005 Tropi-Cal LX. Each jack has two zerk fittings, for a total of eight. These fittings must have grease. In addition, a retracting spring in Mr. Bowes’ jacks may have weakened. Also, if the hydraulic rams are sprayed with a silicone lubricant, the likelihood of jack failure is lessened.
Wally Hobbs, F416066
Wesley Chapel, Florida
Thank you for taking the time to write and try to help a fellow member. Leveler maintenance is often overlooked by motorhome owners. Be sure to follow the maintenance instructions in the owners manual.