Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2016 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk Behind an RV Using Sterling Tow Bar

Question:

2016 Jeep Cherokee Roadmaster EZ4 Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms I need to install my roadmaster sterling towbar to my new 2016 Jeep Cherokee trailhawk. I think Ive identified the EZ4 bracket as the correct one for this vehicle. I have a couple of questions. My towbar includes a heavy solid crossbar connected to the quick disconnects. Are the quick disconnects and crossbar necessary. I see that the EZ5 looks like the towbar just attaches to the removable arms without the crossbar. are there parts that work with the EZ4 that provide for hooking just the sterling towbar arms to the brackets and that would allow the quick connect safety cables to be used all without the crossbar? I have a skirt that needs the two holes on the bracket of the EZ4 so the EZ5 doesnt look like it would work. It seems like the crossbar adds a lot of unnecessary weight since these new bracks bold to the vehicles bumber to provide the crossbar function. Or Is another towbar similar to the sterling a better route and which one?

asked by: Don W

Helpful Expert Reply:

To start, you can use the Sterling tow bar # RM-576 with the EZ 5 base plates, # RM-521446-5, on your 2016 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk. But the cable anchors must be attached to the frame of the vehicle or welded to the receiver portion of the bracket.

The crossbar is required when using the tow bar with EZ or XL base plates. It is not required on MX or MS base plates but there are only EZ base plates for your vehicle. The same goes for any Roadmaster tow bar. So it would be easier to just use the EZ4 base plates # RM-521446-4.

In addition to the base plates and tow bar with safety cables that you already have you will also need a lighting solution and supplemental braking. For lighting you can use diode kit # RM-152 and wire it in to the connector for the front of the vehicle that comes with the Sterling tow bar. I have linked a video that will help with that installation.

And finally, most states now require supplemental braking on the vehicle being flat towed. One of the preferred systems for our installers and what I recommend is the SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO proportional system, # SM99251. It will apply the vehicle brakes in proportion to how much the tow vehicle is braking. This is the safest way to stop and it reduces wear and tear on both vehicles.

For the braking system to work # RM-88400 relay is required to prevent the towed vehicle's turn signal from overriding the signal from the RV

Be sure to consult your vehicle owners manual for specific information on flat towing the vehicle. I have also included some helpful links to our series of help articles on flat towing for you.

If your 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.