Parts Needed to Flat Tow 2016 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Behind 2013 Toyota Tundra
Question:
I need help deciding on a product. I plan on towing a 2016 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited behind a 2013 Toyota Tundra. I need to know what I need to accomplish this. There are few different models of the Falcon 2 tow bar. I am unsure which I would need. Also, the jeep has aftermarket bumpers with shackle points, so I know I would need the tow bar adapter. I also need info on brake light connections as well as chains or cables. Thanks.
asked by: Jonathan P
Expert Reply:
Flat towing a vehicle behind another vehicle takes a few components including the tow bar, safety cables, a wiring or lighting kit of some kind, and a braking system for the towed vehicle. Since you are not towing with a motorhome you may not need a high/low hitch adapter to keep the tow bar level and since your towed Jeep has an aftermarket bumper you may not need base plates.
You will want to confirm with the maker of the Jeep's front bumper whether that specific product is rated for flat towing applications. The presence of bumper D-rings in and of itself does NOT necessarily mean that the bumper is rated for towing; this is something to check first. Also note that some aftermarket bumpers may not allow simultaneous base plate installation. If your bumper is not tow-rated then you can refer to the linked page for base plates; the fit of base plates is affect by the specific brand and model of bumper so you can choose yours from the drop-down menu tool at the top of the linked page.
The most popular tow bar for towing a Wrangler Unlimited is the Blue Ox Alpha # BX7380 (rated for 6500-lbs) which comes with safety cables but coming in at number 2 is the Roadmaster Falcon 2 tow bar # RM-520. Both of these tow bars install in the 2-inch hitch on the towing vehicle, your 2013 Toyota Tundra.
For a wiring/lighting kit for the Jeep we have many options shown on the linked page and which you can read about in the linked article on tow bar wiring. These include hardwired diode kits, magnetic light kits and even wireless lights like # C6304 from Hopkins.
The braking system I recommend for the Jeep is the Blue Ox Patriot Portable Braking System # BLU37TR, which requires no invasive modifications for installation and which can be easily moved to another vehicle that you might need to tow. The linked video illustrates. This will use 12V outlet kit # RM-9332 to provide operating power.
Products Referenced in This Question
Blue Ox Patriot Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Systems
- Proportional System
- Recurring Set-Up
- Portable System
- Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Air Brakes
- Air Over Hydraulic Brakes
- Hydraulic Brakes
- Blue Ox
more information >
Blue Ox Alpha 2 Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,500 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Mount Style
- Telescoping
- Steel
- 6500 lbs
- Fits Blue Ox Base Plates
- Blue Ox
more information >
Hopkins Magnetic Tow Lights - Red LEDs - 4-Way Flat Connector - Wireless
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Bypasses Vehicle Wiring
- Removable Tail Light Kit
- Wireless
- Universal
- Magnetic Mount
- Hopkins
more information >
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 >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
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 >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Q&A: What is the Estimated Installation Time for Firestone Ride-Rite Air Bags on a 2006 Ford F-250
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: Comparing the Curt Q20 and the Curt A20 5th Wheel Hitches.
- Q&A: How To Add a Fuel Tank To a Truck with 5th Wheel Hitch In Bed
- Q&A: Wiring a Camper Shell Third Brake Light on a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado
- Q&A: Comparing Equa-Flex and Road Armor Equalizers For 2000 Forest River WIldwood W/ 5200lb Axles
- Article: Guide to Choosing the Best Truck for 5th-Wheel Towing
- Article: Best Camper Jacks
- Q&A: Replacement Electric Brakes for Dexter PR-FF SEC-FF 5.2KPR-GGSEC-GG 12X2XQ 36-89
- Q&A: Replacement 12 inch Brake Assemblies for Dexter 36-89 on Trailer
- Article: Flat Towing Package for 2012-2014 Honda CR-V
- Article: How to Rent an RV
- Article: Best Bike Racks for Electric Bikes
- Article: Roadmaster Vehicle Specific Base Plates