Items and Costs to Equip Diesel Pusher Motorhome to Flat Tow an Automobile
Question:
I need to know the typical installation costs and procedures. I have a 36foot Diesel pusher...Safari Sahara and I am looking for a new vehicle to tow behind. such as a Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk, Honda CRV or Chev Colorado. Looking for an easy installation. I understand purchase price is around $400 but I am concerned about the installation process. Please advise.
asked by: Tom W
Helpful Expert Reply:
Safe and legal flat towing requires a few components: the tow bar, safety cables, base plates and a lighting/wiring kit for the toad, and a supplementary braking system to operate the toad's brakes. Each of these items is reviewed in detail in the linked article.
Tow bars are not vehicle-specific but we do suggest using a tow bar and base plate from the same maker to avoid the need for adapters. Base plates are vehicle-specific so you'll need to confirm the year/make/model/version of the new auto in order to select base plates.
For the 2015 Cherokee Trailhawk we offer three options in base plates from Blue Ox and Roadmaster that can be seen using the link at right. Roadmaster offers their EZ5 Base Plate Kit # RM-521446-5 that will work well with their motorhome-mount Falcon 2 Tow Bar # RM-520. For safety cables I suggest # RM-643 which are a coiled design and that are shown in the linked video.
For lighting there are many types of products available, from hard-wire diode kits to easy-to-install magnetic light kits like the Optronics # TLL21RK shown in the linked video.
For a supplementary braking system I suggest the Roadmaster Even Brake Portable Proportional Braking System # RM-9400. I have linked a video showing installation in a Cherokee.
In terms of pricing you can see the cost for each item by clicking on the product links provided.
You'll want to check your potential new vehicle owner's manual to confirm it is approved by the manufacturer for flat towing. If the you're looking at Cherokee has 4 wheel drive or the Active Drive II system, to maintain the vehicle's stable steering while being flat towed you will want to install the Mopar accessory kit 68321424AB, available from your Jeep dealer. This kit will prevent the Cherokee's steering from shaking while being flat towed.
Products Referenced in This Question
Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,000 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Mount Style
- Telescoping
- Steel
- 6000 lbs
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates - Crossbar
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates - Direct Connect
- Stores on RV
- Standard
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Twist Lock Attachment
- Roadmaster
more information >
RoadMaster 68" Single Hook, Coiled Safety Cables - 6,000 lbs
- Safety Cables
- Coiled Cables
- 68 Inch Long
- 6000 lbs GTW
- Snap Hooks
- Coated Cables
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Even Brake Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Systems
- Proportional System
- Recurring Set-Up
- Portable System
- Not Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Air Brakes
- Air Over Hydraulic Brakes
- Hydraulic Brakes
- Roadmaster
more information >
Magnetic LED Tow Light Kit - Weatherproof - Red Lens - 20' Wiring Harness - Qty 2
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Bypasses Vehicle Wiring
- Removable Tail Light Kit
- 20 Foot Long Harness
- Universal
- Magnetic Mount
- Optronics
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Twist Lock Attachment
- Roadmaster
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
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