Recommended Parts Needed to Flat Recreational Tow a 1998 Jeep Cherokee

Question:

I want to tow my 98 Cherokee behind my Thor Chateau 31Y. The Jeep weighs 3,181 pounds and the RV is rated to pull 8,000 pounds. Thor recommended that I use a Blue Ox tow bar and a Smittybuilt bumper. What would you recommend regarding the bumper? Could I just use an adapter bolted to the bumper frame? Also, what about the Jeep’s braking and brake lights? What is the best way to safely brake using the Jeep brakes? I have a 2” receiver on the back of my RV. Thanks

asked by: Chris B

Expert Reply:

If you would like to get a bumper for your 1998 Jeep Cherokee you can, but you will most likely need an adapter as well as the Blue Ox tow bar. I recommend just going with a regular base plate system so that you avoid having to make sure your bumper is properly rated to flat tow.

For a complete flat towing setup you will need a base plate kit, tow bar, safety cables, vehicle tow bar wiring, a supplemental braking system, and possibly a high-low adapter.

I recommend going with the Roadmaster XL Base Plate Kit # 1418-1 because it is the only base plate kit we have to offer that features removable arms. This way when you are not flat towing your Cherokee it will have more of a natural look.

The Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar # RM-520 is a great option to use with the XL base plate kit, and you can use the RoadMaster Coiled Safety Cables # RM-643 for a complete system rated for 6,000 lbs.

Typically I like to recommend the Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit # RM-15267 for flat towing because you can connect the Charge Line Kit # RM-156-25 from your battery to the center pin of the 6-Way on your vehicle. This allows you to keep the battery in your Cherokee charged after simply connecting the 7-Way to 6-Way adapter.

If you plan on flat towing fairly frequently then I recommend going with the SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO # SM99251 braking system. This is permanently installed and will apply the brakes in your Jeep at the same time and with the same intensity as the brakes in your Thor Chateau. Although the initial installation is involved, after the installation you will hardly notice that the system is there.

If you will only be flat towing every once in awhile then you may be interested in the Blue Ox Patriot # BLU37TR instead. This also applies the brakes in your brake in your Jeep at the same time and with the same intensity as the brakes in your motorhome, but it is a portable system. It will need to be set up everytime you flat tow, but the installation is a little less involved.

Since most flat towing setups require a high-low adapter I have linked our selection of adapters as well as a helpful article that you can reference to ensure that you get the correct one for your application.

Be sure to consult your owner's manual on any specific instructions regarding flat towing your Jeep.