Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2005 Jeep Wrangler TJ Behind an RV

Question:

What is needed to tow a 2005 Jeep TJ ? I like the concept of stay and play duo and blue ox tow hitch.

asked by: Larry M

Expert Reply:

There are several main parts needed to flat tow your 2005 Jeep Wrangler (TJ); base plates, tow bar, safety cables, lighting, and supplemental braking.

Since you like the Blue Ox tow bars we can start with Blue Ox base plates, # BX1120, which fit models that have the stock double tube or U-channel front bumpers. Then for a compatible tow bar I recommend the Alpha, # BX7380. It is rated for up to 6,500 pounds and comes with safety cables so you will not have to buy any separately.

With base plates, a tow bar, and safety cables out of the way we can then look at lighting options. I recommend going with either a bulb and socket kit, # RM-155, or a diode kit, # RM-15267. The bulb and socket kit will bypass the vehicle wiring while the diode kit taps into the vehicle wiring. I would not say that either kit is better than the other. It just comes down to the installation and whether or not you want to bypass the vehicle wiring or use it. I have linked videos showing example installations for each kit for you.

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. 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. If you choose to go with the 4-diode lighting kit then brake light relay # RM-88400 is required to prevent the towed vehicle's turn signal from overriding the signal from the RV

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.