How to Tow 1989 Jeep Cherokee With Front Hitch That Prevents Base Plate Installation

Question:

I realize that you cannot tow hitch to hitch given there would only be one connection point. The issue I have is to mount a base plate I have to remove my front hitch curt class 3. Can I just mount the brackets to the front of the curt hitch instead? The thing is very solid and wide enough to give me the 2 anchor points.

asked by: Brad

Expert Reply:

It is often the case that some vehicle accessories will interfere with installation of other items. In the case of pickup trucks, for instance, very often a tonneau cover and a ladder rack cannot both be installed since these products usually use the same installation points. The same is true for front-mount accessories such as a front hitch or snow plow mount interfering with installation of a set of flat towing base plates.

No hitch maker and no base plate maker will give you (or us) approval to install their products in any way that differs from the tested and approved method shown in those items' instructions. Sorry to say I cannot encourage such a process either for the simple reason that no one has tested this install and approved it as safe and road-worthy. Doing so could cause the "L Word"....Liability.

The option for towing a vehicle that has a front hitch is to use a tow dolly such as the Roadmaster # RM-2050-1. Your owner's manual should indicate whether your specific Cherokee can be dolly towed safely.

expert reply by: Adam R