Recommended Parts to Flat Tow a 2020 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk  

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To tow your 2020 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk behind a motorhome there are several components you need for a complete, safe set up.
The first is a base plate, I recommend Roadmaster direct- connect base plate kit part # RM-521451-5. The base plate bolts to your Cherokee frame and provides the solid attachment point to hook up to. I have installed a variety of base plates on many different vehicles, and Roadmaster's direct-connect is my favorite. I think they install smoother, and have a really clean appearance when finished, since you can remove the arms when not towing.

Wiring is needed to get the signals from the motorhome to the Jeep so that when it's being towed everyone around you can be safe and know what is going on. I recommend Roadmaster 4 diode universal wiring kit for towed vehicles, part # RM-152-98146-7. It splices into your Trailhawk's tail lights to use the factory bulbs, instead of using a separate bulb. That way there is no outward appearance change. The diodes also protect your Cherokee's wiring from any kind of feedback from the motorhome. It comes with all the wire, connectors, diodes, and 7 way to 6 way cord to hook both vehicles together.

Supplemental braking systems allow your Jeep to slow and stop itself whenever you are towing it. There is a lot of weight that is added to the motorhome when you tow a vehicle, this puts unnecessary strain on the brakes, and causes them to wear out quicker on the motorhome. For your Trailhawk I recommend Stay and Play Duo part # SM99251 if your motorhome has hydraulic brakes/ not air brakes. If you motorhome does have air brakes, I recommend Air Force One Supplemental braking system part # SM99243 . Both braking systems are proportional, which means they are going to provide a smooth braking action that matches the time and intensity of the brakes being applied to the motorhome. Also both systems are permanent installs, so you won't have to set something up each time you want to tow, or take it out to drive the car normally.

The tow bar is going to connect your Jeep's base plate and the motorhome to allow you to safely and securely tow it. I recommend Roadmaster Falcon All Terrain, Non-Binding Tow Bar part # RM-522. This is one of my favorite tow bars, because it has many features that make it easier to use. The non binding design is one of the biggest advantages. Hooking up to the towed vehicle usually doesn't cause too many obstacles, however when you go to unhook the tow bar from the base plate it can be bound up and extremely difficult to unhook. The Falcon all terrain has a lever on each arm to release all the pressure so you can unhook, even if the Jeep is on unlevel ground. Also on each arm it has guides or channels to run your electrical and safety cables through so they won't drag the ground and have a clean look. It's hitch mounted, which means there is no need for a ball mount, it just slides into your 2" hitch on your motorhome. The towed vehicle side hooks directly to the base plate using pins, no cross bar is needed if used with the direct connect base plate.

Since the braking system is going to be hooked to the battery of Jeep and will pull power from it, I recommend Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles part # RM-156-25. The charge line will maintain the battery on the Cherokee by providing a 15 amp charge. It does receive power from the motorhome, so you need a working 7 way with a charge line. If you need a charge line for the motorhome you can use part # RM-156-75.

Safety cables are required, and offer extra security when towing. I recommend Roadmaster 64" Single Hook, Straight Safety Cables part # RM-645. These are straight cables, so they will fit well inside the tow bar. They have heavy duty hooks, with spring loaded latches on one end, and uses quick links on the other. There is a vinyl coating around the cables to protect them.

Another item that may be needed, is a high low adapter. When towing a vehicle, you want the tow bar to be level as possible, but sometimes the attachment point on the hitch, is higher or lower than the attachment point on the base plate. This takes up the extra space, however it also adds some extra length. With the added length I recommend using safety cable extensions like part # RM-910648-10. Another option is using longer safety cables, like part # RM-645-76. You want to make sure that all components you use are rated for, or higher than the weight the Jeep.

I have attached videos of a few different year Jeep Cherokees for you to reference, as well as the selection of high low adapters, safety cables and extensions.

expert reply by: Robert C

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