FLAT TOWING PACKAGE

2002-2004 Jeep Liberty

The 2002-2004 Jeep Liberty is a comfortable, reliable choice to accompany you on your next camping trip. Before you can hook up your Jeep and hit the road, however, you'll need a few basic components, including base plates, a tow bar, safety cables, wiring, and a supplemental braking system. Our flat tow package guide for the Jeep Liberty will help you choose the best products confirmed to fit your vehicle, so you can focus less on traveling and more on your destination.

WHAT DO I NEED TO FLAT TOW MY JEEP?

* Denotes required component

1. *Base Plates

2. *Tow Bars

3. *Safety Cables

4. *Tow Bar Wiring

5. *Supplemental Braking System

6. Additional required or optional components, such as a *stop light switch, high-low adapter, and vehicle guard

Expert Opinion

Parts Needed to Flat Tow 2002-2004 Jeep Liberty

We have everything you'll need to flat tow a 2002 through 2004 Jeep Liberty. But the first thing you need to determine is if you will buy one with a brush guard or without. If there isn't a brush guard you'd want the base plate kit part # RM-521423-5 with the Roadmaster Nighthawk part # RM-676. Or if you go with a brush guard you'd want the base plate kit part # 521426-1 with the Sterling tow bar part # RM-576. To protect either tow bar when not in use the cover part # RM-055-3 is recommended as well.

For wiring to control the taillights of the vehicle on the highway you'd want the Hopkins kit part # HM56203 which is a custom fit kit that will install easily...

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- Jameson C.

Flat Tow Restrictions and Installation Notes

Restrictions: Only 4WD models of the Jeep Liberty can be flat towed behind your motorhome. The vehicle's transfer case must be put in Neutral and the transmission must be placed in park for flat towing. There are no speed or distance restrictions when flat towing the Liberty. Box braking systems will not fit the 2002-2004 Jeep Liberty.

Flat Tow Products

Base Plates for 2002-2004 Jeep Liberty

Base plates are the custom-fit attachment points that install on the frame of your vehicle and allow you to connect a tow bar to your vehicle. This is the part of a flat towing setup that is truly vehicle specific and custom fit for a particular vehicle and style. The base plate kits below are designed to fit the 2002-2004 Jeep Liberty with a brush guard.

#521426-1

Easily removable arms
Compatible with Quick Disconnects and all RM tow bars
Made in USA

Installation: Trimming of spoiler, air dam, grille or plastic fascia may be required on some models.
Fits: 2002-2004 Jeep Liberty with brush guard

#DM9518126

Fixed draw bars
No crossbar required
Compatible with Demco tow bars
Made in USA

Fits: 2002-2004 Jeep Liberty with or without brush guard

#BX1119

Removable draw bars
No crossbar required
Hidden reinforcement for clean look
Compatible with Blue Ox tow bars
No welding required
Made in USA

Installation: Bumper fascia must be removed and replaced during installation. Requires some minor drilling.
Fits: 2002-2004 Jeep Liberty with or without brush guard

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Tow Bars for 2002-2004 Jeep Liberty

Another necessary component of a flat towing setup is the tow bar. While tow bars are not a custom-fit component, it is important to make sure that the tow bar and base plates you choose for your Jeep Liberty are compatible with each other. A good rule of thumb is to use a tow bar from the same manufacturer as your base plate kit. If you have base plates or a tow bar of one brand and wish to use a counterpart from a different manufacturer, you will likely need an adapter. Check out our base plate adapter table for help on choosing the correct product.

Tow bars come in two styles: those that mount on the motorhome (hitch mount style) and those that mount on the vehicle (coupler style). For frequent RVers, motorhome-mounted tow bars are generally preferable. They provide a more stable connection, are easy to adjust, and do not require a separate coupler. On the other hand, those who RV less frequently may consider a vehicle-mounted tow bar for a more economical option.

#RM-676

8,000-lb. capacity
Hitch mount style - stores on RV
Non-binding
LED lighted arms
Safety cables and wiring included
Made of lightweight aluminum
Compatible with Roadmaster Direct-Connect base plates
Made in USA
1-year limited warranty

#RM-576

8,000-lb. capacity
Hitch mount style - stores on RV
Non-binding
Safety cables and wiring included
Made of lightweight aluminum
Compatible with Roadmaster base plates
Made in USA
1-year limited warranty

#DM9511008

7,500-lb. capacity
Hitch mount style - stores on RV
Non-binding
Safety cables included
Made of lightweight aluminum & durable steel
Limited lifetime warranty

#RM522

6,000-lb. capacity
Hitch mount style - stores on RV
Non-binding
Made of durable steel
Compatible with all Roadmaster base plates
Made in USA
1-year limited warranty

#RM-520

6,000-lb. capacity
Hitch mount style - stores on RV
Made of durable steel
Compatible with all Roadmaster base plates
Made in USA
1-year limited warranty

#DM9511009

10,500-lb. capacity
Hitch mount style - stores on RV
Non-binding
Safety cables included
Made of durable steel
Limited lifetime warranty

#RM501

6,000-lb. capacity
Coupler style - stores on Jeep
Made of durable steel
Compatible with Roadmaster crossbar-style base plates
Made in USA
1-year limited warranty

#DM9511011

5,000-lb. capacity
Coupler style - stores separately
Safety cables included
Made of durable steel
Limited lifetime warranty

#RM020

5,000-lb. capacity
Coupler style - stores separately
Made of durable steel
Compatible with Roadmaster crossbar-style base plates
Made in USA

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Safety Cables for 2002-2004 Jeep Liberty

Safety cables are a necessary component of a flat towing setup. Keep the weight of your Jeep Liberty in mind when choosing safety cables, as safety cables come in a variety of capacities. Blue Ox and Demco typically include safety cables with their tow bars, making it easy to complete your flat towing setup. Both manufacturers also offer replacement safety cables. Some premium Roadmaster tow bars include safety cables, but most do not. Roadmaster offers a number of capacites and both coiled and straight cables for your flat towing setup. The coiled design helps keep the safety cables from dragging the ground, while straight cables work best with tow bars that have channels, or cable guides, for the safety cables to feed through.

Tow Bar Cable Channel Guide

For use with for tow bars with cable guides

Prevents cables from dragging on ground
For use with for tow bars without cable guides

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Tow Bar Wiring for 2002-2004 Jeep Liberty

It is important for your 2002-2004 Jeep Liberty to be wired for flat towing. To make sure your vehicle has functioning tail lights when towed, you have a few options. You can use the existing tail lights by installing a tow bar wiring kit that plugs or splices into your current wiring. You can also bypass your factory wiring by installing a bulb and socket kit that uses the vehicle's tail light housings. Finally, you can install a universal magnetic or trunk-mounted lighting kit to add additional lights to your vehicle specifically for towing.

Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit

#RM-15267

6-way plug on vehicle
Hardwire installation
Won't interfere with vehicle's factory wiring
6-way to 7-way wiring extensions included

Roadmaster Universal Hy-Power Diode Wiring Kit

#RM-154

4-pole flat wire connectors included
For use if wiring included with tow bar
Hardwire installation

Demco Tow Bar Combo Kit with Diode System

#DM9523057

Diode wiring kit
6-way coiled lighting cable
7-way to 6-way adapter
Vinyl storage cover included

#HM56203

4-way flat plug included
Plugs into vehicle wiring
Won't interfere with Jeep's factory wiring

#RM-155

Bulb and socket kit
Bypasses vehicle wiring
Independent plugs and sockets mount inside tail lights

#MT70097

Economical option
Bypasses vehicle wiring
Magnetic light bases hold firmly to any metal surface
Long-lasting LEDs provide superior operation

#EZT20B

Universal trunk mount kit
Bypasses vehicle wiring
20-ft. cord with 4-pole trailer end

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Supplemental Braking System for 2002-2004 Jeep Liberty

Using a supplemental braking system, also called a tow bar braking system, helps make sure your towed Jeep Liberty slows down as your motorhome slows down. This helps reduce wear and tear on both your vehicle and your motorhome, as well as helps shorten the braking distance of your towing setup. It is also important to keep in mind that supplemental braking systems are required by law in many states. It is important to check the requirements for areas you will be traveling through.

#RM-8700

Pre-set braking
One-time setup
For RVs with hydraulic brakes
Integrated battery protection
Made in USA
1-year warranty

Note: Brake Lite Relay #RM-88400 required

#RM-8700

Proportional Braking
One-time setup
For RVs with hydraulic brakes
Made in USA
5-year warranty

Note: Brake Lite Relay #RM-88400 required

Hydraulic: #RM-9060
Air: #RM-9160

Proportional braking
Recurring setup
Options for hydraulic and air RV brakes
Made in USA

Note: Brake Lite Relay #RM-88400 required

Installation: Anchors to required seat adapter #RM-88184 at floorboard and clamps around brake pedal.

#SM99243

Proportional Braking
One-time setup
For RVs with air brakes
Made in USA
5-year warranty

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Additional Flat Towing Components

To complete your 2002-2004 Jeep Liberty's flat towing setup, a few additional parts may be required or recommended. Some of these components, such as brake-lite relays and high-low adapters, ensure that your flat tow setup functions properly. Other accessories work to protect your vehicle from rocks and other road debris while your vehicle is being towed.

Required Accessories

In addition to your main wiring harness, you'll also need a brake-lite relay to keep your Jeep's brake signal from overriding the turn signal sent by the RV. Because the vehicle's battery will drain while being flat towed, a fuse bypass is also required to pull the fuses that cause the drain.

#RM-88400

Keeps Jeep's brake signal from overriding turn signal sent by RV
Required on towed cars with combined lighting if using supplemental braking system
Not required if using magnetic tow lights
Does not interfere with Jeep's electrical system

#RM-156-25

Maintains battery charge in towed vehicle
Provides 15 amps to avoid overcharging
Requires #RM-156-75 if no charge line present in RV
Made in USA

Recommended Components

If your tow bar is level when you attach it to your vehicle and RV, then great! You don't need a high-low adapter. However, if your tow bar is not level, you will need a high-low adapter. Your tow bar should always be within 3 inches of level. A tow bar cover is also recommended to protect your tow bar when not in use.

#Various Rise/Drops

Allows tow bar to remain level
Tow bar should be within 3 inches of level

#RM-9243-1

Kit includes wiring, safety cables, tow bar cover, and storage bag
Wiring provides 4-pole and 7-way connectors
Straight safety cables offer 8,000-lb. capacity
Tow bar cover protects stowed tow bar from elements
Storage bag lets you keep components organized for easy access

#Various Options

Keeps dirt and road grime off tow bar when not in use
Various sizes available

Protective Shields

Protective guards such as the Roadmaster Guardian Rock Guard and Demco's Sentry Deflector attach to your tow bar and protect the front of your vehicle from road debris.

#DM9523135

Protects vehicle's finish and resale value
Attaches to connecting ears (20-30 in.) of Demco tow bars
Adapter kit required with Roadmaster and Blue Ox tow bars
Easy installation - no tools required
Made in USA
1-year warranty

#RM-4000

Shields vehicle from rocks and road debris
Easily removable
Attaches to tow bar mounting bracket and side panels
Fits all RoadMaster tow bars with Quick Disconnects

Protective Screening

The Roadmaster Tow Defender provides a heavy-duty nylon screen to deflect rocks, gravel, and road debris down and away from your vehicle. The Tow Defender may also be used in conjunction with the RoadMaster Guardian Rock Guard for ultimate protection.

#RM-4700

Deflects rocks, gravel, and road debris
Lightweight - 15 lbs.
Rolls up to 4-in. diameter for storage
Fits most Roadmaster tow bars with Quick Disconnect systems

#RM-4750

Deflects rocks, gravel, and road debris
Lightweight - 15 lbs.
Rolls up to 4-in. diameter for storage
Fits Demco tow bars, Roadmaster motorhome-mounted tow bars, and Blue Ox tow bars

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Related Products

Shop Hitch Adapters

Shop Tow Bar Accessories

Shop Quick Disconnects

Written by: Amber S

Updated by: Jacob J

Updated on: 4/3/2024

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