What NOT to do when flat towing a 2021 Jeep Wrangler

Source - https://jalopnik.com/jeep-wrangler-engine-explodes-after-owner-tows-vehicle-1846493328

WARNING!  PROFANITY in the video.

Video of the mechanical disaster that once was a dual overhead cam, 3.6-liter, naturally aspirated V6, made it to TikTok and YouTube. Prepare your souls for destruction:

https://youtu.be/P2d3NXp4lDk

As you can see in the clip, the crankshaft is broken, the block and pan are in pieces, there’s no flywheel or clutch kit to be found, the catalytic converter is destroyed, the bell housing is toast, the manual transmission input shaft has been sheared, and — though it’s hard to tell — I’m fairly sure the passenger’s side upper control arm was bent by the flying debris. It’s just a huge mess.

This is a screenshot from the video, you can see what is left of the bellhousing, MISSING flywheel, clutch, rear 2 cylinders and crank... 

Wow!

Thanks for sharing that.  You would think there would be a lot more resistance in towing, indicating something is not right.

When hooking up our Jeep Liberty for towing, I setup the tow bar stuff and Irene sets up the Jeep inside.  When done, we each check the other person's work for the transfer case setting among other things.

I’ve seen these pics. I’m really baffled how they made the error unless. When I hook up and put the transfer case in neutral with the transmission in second my engine is running. There is no way to accidentally have this happen doing this. When you let out the clutch the Jeep would push the motorhome. With an automatic the same would apply when you place it in drive. They had to be in a rush and set it up with the engine off.  And like Ron pointed out, how did the driver not feel the drag? Must have been one powerful diesel.

What a shame, I’m guessing this will cost him 20 grand to repair at a minimum.

And like Ron pointed out, how did the driver not feel the drag? Must have been one powerful diesel.

Yes, maybe one of those huge Grey Hound bus types with a tag axle.

A new 2021 Wrangler Rubicon costs a lot of money brand new.  At least parts will be readily available.  I wonder if insurance will repair or replace the vehicle.

What a shame, I’m guessing this will cost him 20 grand to repair at a minimum.

Below is a quote from a news article on the incident that I read this morning:

"Needless to say, the results were catastrophic and Tuten, who is a Mopar master tech who often works on Jeeps, estimated the parts alone would cost $30,000."

The total fix might approach the value of the Jeep--bet it will be difficult to convince insurance to cover!

If it’s a 2021. It’s worth a lot more than 30 grand.  I’m not sure on the year, I’ve read conflicts there.  A crate engine and drive train won’t cost 30 grand. Maybe going thru a dealer it would cost that all in but I’d think you could get by for a bit less labor included. No matter tho it’s going to cost in the 20s with labor. It’s not that hard to drop in an entire engine and drive train. It’s not like dealing with a E450 van cab. Even Differentials can be obtained at wrecking yards from late model vehicles if it’s needed.  I have no idea if insurance would cover negligence like this? Maybe?

Well At least the Jeep can be repaired 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDQBLffpixU

Quote from: Joseph on March 18, 2021, 10:53:06 am

And like Ron pointed out, how did the driver not feel the drag? Must have been one powerful diesel.

Yes, maybe one of those huge Grey Hound bus types with a tag axle.

A new 2021 Wrangler Rubicon costs a lot of money brand new.  At least parts will be readily available.  I wonder if insurance will repair or replace the vehicle.

Unless they have "we don't care what you did" insurance, better know as self insurance.. That'd be a no.  Comprehensive coverage won't cover gross negligence. 

Don, I do didn’t think so but I know what I don’t know.

I’ve done my share of stupid stuff over the years. I’m glad this one isn’t mine😳

Donate  that poor Jeep to Mopar in the name of safety! They  sponsor 2 of Don Schumacher’s top fuel drag racing teams and  could use it to analyze what occurs if a rev limiter fails 
The little Penstar 3.6 must have been SCREAMING before it grenaded.

Airmen say there are two types of pilots...those that have landed with the gear up, and those that will.   Boaters have a similar tale about the drain plug.

Did you read the whole article below the video? Pretty cool analysis.
I can picture a scorned spouse telling Papa the Jeep is ready to tow, and he too burned to notice it... or maybe me in a few years.

That is just downright scary.  I am always scared when we first pull out after hooking up.  In fact Carrie always walks alongside for a few yards to make sure everything is working before we move and even then I'm still worried.

I did manage to pull the toad about 5 feet with the emergency brake on once.  Fortunately in gravel and with Carrie watching.  The drag was immediately noticeable and so were her screams.............

John .. me too.  I’ve even had times when I’ve driven a few blocks ,started second guessing myself and pulled over to double check. But then I’ve had countless times I’ve left home drive a block and had to return to see if the garage door is down. It’s always been closed but I know Murphy and the one time I don’t go back it’ll be open .