Flat towing a Jeep Wrangler is a popular option for RV owners who want to bring a smaller vehicle along for their trips. Flat towing means that all four wheels of the Jeep are in contact with the ground, and the Jeep is towed by a tow bar attached to the front bumper. This method does not require a trailer or a dolly, and it preserves the mileage and transmission of the Jeep. However, flat towing a Jeep Wrangler requires some preparation and equipment to ensure a safe and smooth ride. Here are the steps and tips for flat towing a Jeep Wrangler:
Check your RV’s towing capacity.
Before you decide to flat tow a Jeep Wrangler, you need to make sure that your RV can handle the weight and size of the Jeep. The towing capacity of your RV depends on its engine, transmission, chassis, and brakes. You can find the towing capacity in your RV’s owner’s manual or on the manufacturer’s website. The weight of the Jeep Wrangler depends on its model, year, and accessories. You can find the curb weight in the Jeep’s owner’s manual or on the driver’s door jamb. The curb weight is the weight of the Jeep without any passengers or cargo. You also need to add the weight of the tow bar and any other towing equipment to the total weight. The total weight of the Jeep and the towing equipment should not exceed the towing capacity of your RV.
Install a base plate.
A base plate is a custom-fit attachment point that connects the tow bar to the Jeep’s frame. The base plate is usually installed on the front bumper of the Jeep, and it may require some drilling and trimming to fit. The base plate should be compatible with your Jeep’s model and year, and with the tow bar that you will use.
Attach a tow bar to the base plate.
A tow bar is a metal device that connects the base plate on the Jeep to the hitch receiver on the RV. The tow bar should be compatible with the base plate and the hitch receiver, and it should have a sufficient weight rating to tow the Jeep. To attach the tow bar, you need to align the arms of the tow bar with the tabs of the base plate, and insert the pins or bolts to secure them. You also need to adjust the height of the tow bar to make sure that it is level with the RV. A level tow bar ensures a balanced and stable towing. Related Articles: JEEP WRANGLER CAMPING TIPS
Connect safety cables or chains to the Jeep Wrangler.
Safety cables or chains are backup devices that prevent the Jeep from separating from the RV in case of a tow bar failure. Safety cables or chains should be crossed under the tow bar and attached to the attachment points on the Jeep and the RV. The attachment points can be D-rings, tow hooks, or loops on the base plate or the hitch receiver. The safety cables or chains should be tight enough to prevent dragging, but loose enough to allow turning. Some tow bars include safety cables or chains as part of the package.
Attach a wiring harness to the brake lights with the brake pedal.
A wiring harness is a system that connects the brake lights and turn signals of the Jeep to the RV, so that the drivers behind you can see when you are braking or turning. A wiring harness can be either a magnetic kit that attaches to the outside of the Jeep or a wiring kit that connects to the Jeep’s electrical system. A wiring harness should be compatible with your Jeep’s model and year and with the RV’s electrical system. To attach a wiring harness, you need to plug the connector into the RV’s socket and run the wires to the Jeep’s brake lights or tail lights. You also need to test the lights for function before towing.
Install a braking system.
A braking system is a device that applies the brakes of the Jeep when you apply the brakes of the RV so that the Jeep can slow down and stop in sync with the RV. A braking system can be either a proportional system that applies the brakes of the Jeep in proportion to the RV’s braking force, or a time-delayed system that applies the brakes of the Jeep after a preset time interval. A braking system should be compatible with your Jeep’s model and year and with the RV’s braking system. To install a braking system, you need to mount the controller unit inside the RV and connect it to the RV’s brake light switch and the Jeep’s brake pedal. You also need to adjust the settings of the braking system according to your preferences and driving conditions.
Put the Jeep in tow mode.
To flat tow a Jeep Wrangler, you need to put the Jeep in tow mode, which means that the transfer case is in neutral and the transmission is in gear or park. This disengages the driveshafts from the powertrain and allows the wheels to spin freely without damaging the transmission or the transfer case. The steps to put the Jeep in tow mode vary depending on the model, year, and type of transmission of the Jeep. You can find the specific steps in your Jeep’s owner’s manual or on the manufacturer’s website.
Key in accessory position
- Depress and hold brake pedal
- Set parking brake
- Shift automatic transmission into neutral
- Shift transfer case lever into neutral
- Start engine
- Shift automatic transmission into drive or park
- Turn off engine and remove key
- Release parking brake
- Depress brake pedal
- Depress clutch pedal
- Shift transfer case into neutral
- Start engine
- Shift manual transmission into gear (second or third gear are recommended)
- Turn off engine and remove key
- Release parking brake
Pull away slowly and check for vehicle movement.
After you have completed all the steps above, you are ready to flat tow your Jeep Wrangler. However, before you hit the road, you need to make sure that everything is working properly and that the Jeep is following the RV smoothly. To do that, you need to pull away slowly from the parking spot, and check for any vehicle movement, such as swaying, bouncing, or dragging. You also need to check the tow bar, the safety cables, the wiring harness, and the braking system for any signs of damage or malfunction. If you notice any problems, you need to stop and fix them before continuing. If everything is fine, you can proceed with your trip, but remember to check the towing equipment periodically for any issues.
Flat towing a Jeep Wrangler is not a difficult task, but it requires some preparation and equipment to ensure a safe and smooth ride. By following the steps and tips above, you can enjoy the convenience and versatility of having a Jeep Wrangler along for your RV trips. Happy towing!
