OK, I just finished getting my 2003 setup to flat tow behind my diesel motorhome. I did this with my previous Jeep and strongly prefer flat towing over trailers (for many reasons).

So here are the two problems I have. The owner's manual for a 2003 model that is provided within RAVE says that to flat tow (recreational towing), you shift the tranny into neutral, shift the tcase into neutral, shift the tranny back to park, and leave the key in position 2 of the ignition. It also says that position 2 will NOT accrue mileage on the odometer

The hard copy owner's manual in my disco differs on two accounts. It says to shift the tranny to neutral and the tcase to neutral, but it never says to shift the tranny back to park. Furthermore, it says to leave the key in position 1 unless you need the brake lights to work.

I've always been told (and believed) that if you leave the tranny in neutral, it can potentially spin without lubrication, thus burning it up. So which is right, RAVE or the hard copy? And secondly, why does RAVE say leave the key in position 2 and the hard copy says position 1? BTW, leaving the key in position 2 ended up adding miles to the odometer.

I'm not too scared of trying position 1 with the key...but I really don't want to burn up the tranny so I really would like advice on the park vs. neutral dilemma. FWIW, I towed the Disco about 35 miles using the RAVE recommendations, i.e. tranny in park, and the tranny seems fine (but I did accrue mileage as I mentioned).

 

My 2003 owners manual says 2nd edition, and matches what rave says.

A dealer tech at the time seems to remember an update to the owners manual to correct this:
Anyone towed a 1999-2002 Disco II behind their Motorhome? - DiscoWeb Message Boards

 

Jafir, great link. Thx!

My hard copy does not say 2nd edition, so maybe that's the explanation. So I think I'll try tranny in park and key in position 1. I'll report back in case anyone searches for this answer in the future.

 

Update. Towed the disco about 40 miles with the tranny in park, tcase in neutral, and key in position 1. Performed flawlessly and miles did NOT accrue.

 

Bryan, great help hearing your success! I recently traded up my 35' travel trailer for a 36' motorhome and just purchased my latest Disco specifically as a tow behind. This will be my first time flat towing.

Could you share details of your tow setup? Towbar, base plates, braking system? Most posts are pretty old and I haven't seen any details on the towing setups.