Parts Needed to Flat Tow 2014-2018 Jeep Cherokee KL  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Yes, your Jeep Cherokee KL can be flat towed; though you did not mention the year of your Cherokee, the KL started in 2014 and each of the parts I recommend for you will be compatible with 2014-2018 Cherokees.

There are a number of parts you're going to need in order to flat tow your Jeep, starting with compatible base plates. I recommend the Roadmaster Direct Connect Base Plate Kit # RM-521447-5 which is compatible with all 4WD Cherokees with the exception of Trailhawk models. If you have a Trailhawk I recommend you use Roadmaster Base Plate Kit # RM-521446-5. These base plates will allow your Jeep to retain its sleek look with brackets that are hidden further back than most standard brackets.

For a tow bar I recommend going with the Roadmaster Nighthawk # RM-676 because of its self-aligning design which makes connecting to the base plates a simple process. The Nighthawk has integrated LED lights which will help you hook up or disconnect when it gets dark. This tow bar also comes with an electrical cord that has a 7-way RV-style plug on one end and 6-way plug on the other end along with attached safety cables so you will not need to purchase any separately.

For a wiring kit that will allow your Cherokee's lights to function while being towed a great option is the Hopkins Custom Tail Light Wiring Kit, # HM56208, because of how simple it is to install as you can see in the linked video. There is no cutting or splicing on the Cherokee required.

A supplemental braking system is a requirement in most states now, so I recommend the SMI Stay-IN-Play # SM99251 for this. This is a proportional braking system that activates your Cherokee's brakes in line with your RV's brakes; it is a one-time install which you can leave in so you'll never have to remove it when you aren't towing. The Stay-IN-Play DUO uses an inertia sensor to detect deceleration and activate your Jeep's brake pedal. If your motor home has air brakes the SMI Air Force One # SM99243 is the same type of proportional system that you only need to install once but uses the air pressure from your RV's brakes to apply the brake pedal to your Cherokee.

I also recommend using the Roadmaster Tow Bar Cover # RM-055-3 to keep your tow bar free from the elements to ensure its smooth operation at all times. For added protection the Roadmaster Tow Defender Protective Screening # RM-4750 will keep the finish free from getting dented from rocks and gravel.

Also, it is likely you will need a high-low adapter to keep your vehicle level with your tow vehicle's hitch. The adapter you need is going to depend on some measurements you'll need to take. I have added a link to a help article on high-low adapters which explains the measurements you'll need, as well as a link to our page with our selection of adapters. I've also attached links to video reviews and installs of the other parts I recommended for you to take a look at.

There are a few installation notes that you will want to be aware of with this vehicle. First, Jeep issued a tech bulletin (08-010-17) stating that their factory wiring kit 68321424AB is required when flat towing. This is only available at Dodge, Chrylser or Jeep dealers. Also, some models of the Jeep Cherokee may use Mortorq® fasteners. If your vehicle has these types of fasteners you will need a PFMTS2E bit to remove them, which can be ordered through a Snap-On dealer.

Lastly, your Jeep's tail lights will activate when using a braking system while towing. This is illegal in some states because the vehicle's brake lights will override the turn signal coming from the motorhome. To prevent this, it will require the Brake-Lite Relay Kit, # RM-88400 which splices into the Jeeps stoplight switch.

The Cherokee's factory stop light switch is very difficult to access, which makes installing the Brake-Lite Relay Kit a challenge. Because of this, there are two different ways to go about wiring your Jeep Cherokee.

The first option is to go ahead and use a Brake-Lite Relay Kit. This will ensure that the Cherokee's brake lights do not override the turn signals when slowing down to execute a turn. However, the installer will want to be careful to not set off the vehicle's sensitive computer system while performing the install. This means you will not want to open or close any of the vehicle doors, turn on any electrical components, press any pedals, etc. that would cause the vehicle computer to activate until after the install is complete. Roadmaster has released a technical service bulletin to help more thoroughly explain the installation process on a Jeep Cherokee.

The second option is to install the Stop Light Switch Kit # RM-751471 instead. Installing a stop light switch kit will ensure that the supplemental braking system monitor in the motorhome correctly reflects if the brake pedal in the Cherokee is being depressed. With this option, the risk of upsetting the sensitive computer system is bypassed. There is one downside to using a stop light switch over a brake lite relay kit. With the stop light switch kit the vehicle's brake lights will override the turn signal when slowing down to execute a turn.

expert reply by: Kyle S

0

Dennis S.

6/17/2020

Thanks Kyle, what a comprehensive package review. I think this is all I need for my '17 Trailhawk. What is a Blackhawk?

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Chris R.

6/21/2020

The BlackHawk is just a different model tow bar from Roadmaster. We have it available with part # RM-422.

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Dennis S.

6/29/2020

@ChrisR, My Trailhawk has Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), with a forward looking camera lens/sensor 8 inches right of the left tow hook. Will the RM 521446-5 base plate interfere with the operation of this system when diving the towed vehicle?

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Chris R.

7/3/2020

@DennisS I checked with Roadmaster and was able to verify that the Base Plate Kit # RM-521446-5 is perfectly compatible with your Trakhawk that's equipped with Adaptive Cruise Control and sensors.

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