Is a Supplemental Braking System Needed When Flat Towing a 1993 Jeep Wrangler

Question:

Do I need the extra breaking device to haul my 1993 Jeep Wrangler Sahara edition behind my 2014 Hurricane 34 foot motor home with the V10 and all disc breaks and a 10k towing hitch on the back? Thanks

asked by: TED

Helpful Expert Reply:

To flat tow your 1993 Jeep Wrangler you will need a Tow Bar, Safety Cables, a Base Plate Kit, Vehicle Tow Bar Lighting, and most likely a Supplemental Braking System and High-Low Adapter.

If you are talking about using a Supplemental Braking System for flat towing your Jeep then I highly recommend it. Not only does it make your flat towing setup more safe, but it is also a requirement in most states. You can check the rules for flat towing in any states that you will be passing through to see if one is required or not, but since it will help to keep you and those around you on the road protected I recommend installing one regardless.

The Supplemental Braking System that I recommend using is the SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO Supplemental Braking System # SM99251 which will activate the brakes in your Jeep at the same time and with the same intensity when you apply the brakes in the RV. If magnetic towing lights are being used then nothing else will need to be installed, otherwise the Roadmaster Brake-Lite Relay Kit # RM-88400 will need to be installed to keep your Jeep's brake signal from overriding the turn signal from your RV.

If you do not already have a Vehicle Tow Bar Wiring Kit installed on your Jeep then I recommend installing the Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 4-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit # RM-15247 which offers a quick plug-in connection point on your Jeep.

If you do not already have a Base Plate Kit installed on your Jeep then you could either look through the available options on the linked page (you will need to choose according to vehicle/bumper style) or you could just let me know what you have and I can make a recommendation. You will want to choose a Tow Bar that is compatible with your Base Plate Kit. I have linked our selection of Tow Bars for you as well.

Some of our Tow Bar options do come with Safety Cables, but if your option does not then I recommend using the Roadmaster 68" Single Hook, Coiled Safety Cables # RM-643 which are rated for 6,000 lbs.

A High-Low Adapter is needed when your flat towing setup is not level. I have attached our selection of Adapters for you to filter through as well as a helpful article to help you determine what you will need.

You will also want to be sure to follow any specific instructions for flat towing that are outlined in your owner's manual.