Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2005 Jeep Wrangler with Roadmaster Tow Bar Behind an RV

Question:

Hi, I was given a used Roadmaster Falcon All Terrain RM-522 that has been wired with a 4-pole and 7-pin connectors, and safety chains. I just purchased a 2005 Jeep Wrangler with OEM bumper. I need to purchase everything else in order to tow. Im looking at purchasing the Roadmaster XL base plate 1424-1. Since the tow bar I have is missing the crossbar and quick disconnects, I need to purchase these pieces. Would the RM crossbar quick disconnect assembly, part #910021 be the right part to order? As for the lighting, I see there are 3 choices on your website. I saw a Trailermate wiring setup that looked like it was made for my model year, TM781123. The other being RM-155. I want a more permanent mount so the EZ Mount option isnt for me. Which one of the two would you prefer? Can you tell me what the 7-pin connector at the tow bar is used for? Would that connector be for a braking system? As for brakes, I am leaning toward the Invisibrake initially, but I dont understand what they mean by active brakes. I would like to have a proportional braking system. Can you recommend products that are easier to use and require least amount of labor to install? Lastly, have I covered everything that I need to get going with my toad? Thank you so much for your help.

asked by: Diane S

Expert Reply:

Since you already have the tow bar # RM-522 as well as safety cables there are only a few more items needed to flat yow your 2005 Jeep Wrangler.

First you will need compatible base plates for the tow bar. For that use # RM-521424-4 which will fit with the factory bumper on your Jeep but will not work on models that have front leaf spring suspension.

Next you will need lighting. Since you already have a 7- to 4-Way cable you will just need the light kit for the Jeep. The 7-Way plugs into the RV's 7-Way trailer connector and the light kit used will plug into the 4-Way end. For a kit that requires splicing into the vehicle wiring I recommend using diode kit # RM-154. Or, you can bypass the vehicle wiring using bulb and socket kit # RM-155.

You may also need a high/low adapter to keep the tow bar level. I have linked a help article showing how to measure and a link to the high/low adapters we carry.

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, which is similar but is easier to install than the InvisiBrake. 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.

The # RM-88400 relay is required to prevent the towed vehicle's turn signal from overriding the signal from the RV if you choose to use the 4-diode kit. If the RV does not have a trailer connector or a different kind of trailer connector let me know.

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.