Is it Necessary to Put Key for 2017 Jeep Patriot in ACC Mode for Flat Towing
Question:
I have yet to tow my jeep. The book says to turn on the key to accessory. I dont know why because there doesnt seem to be any steering wheel lock. Also I cant seem to find out of the mileage will show up on the spedo. I have asked two dealers and received two different answers. So what is your experience with the key do I put it in accessory? and will the mileage show up on the spedo when I flat tow the jeep. Thank you,
asked by: Daryl H
Expert Reply:
Typically when the owner's manual says to keep the key in the ACC position it is to keep the steering wheel locked. If that isn't the case with your 2017 Jeep Patriot then I am not sure why you need to keep it in that position but I can say that it is always best to do what the manual says to avoid damage to your vehicle. For the odometer I have been told that it is hit and miss and that the dealer must be contacted...which doesn't sound like that worked out for you. You could test this out by towing your Jeep a short distance like a mile when it's in tow mode to see if this affects the odometer or not.
To flat tow your manual Jeep Patriot you 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 Blue Ox Base Plate Kit # BX1130 as well as the Blue Ox Alpha Tow Bar # BX7380. These are compatible with each other and the tow bar/safety cables are rated for up to 6,500 lbs.
The wiring kit that I prefer is the Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit # RM-15267 because it is a plug-n-go system once installed. Since your Patriot must be left in the ACC position you can also install the Charge Line Kit # RM-156-25 from your battery to the middle pin on the 6-Way socket to keep your battery from draining.
The SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO # SM99251 is a favorite around etrailer. Once installed you simply connect the breakaway pin and switch the unit to "ON" and you are ready to head out! This system activates the brakes in your Jeep at the same time and with the same intensity as your motorhome. You will need the Brake-Lite Relay Kit # RM-88400 as well to keep your turn signals from overriding the brake signal on your Jeep.
Most flat-towing setup require the use of a high-low adapter to ensure that the Tow Bar stays in the "Safe Zone". I have attached a link to our selection of adapters and a helpful article to help you choose the correct one for your application.
I have also attached some sample installation videos and helpful articles for you to reference.
Products Referenced in This Question
Blue Ox Alpha 2 Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,500 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Mount Style
- Telescoping
- Steel
- 6500 lbs
- Fits Blue Ox Base Plates
- Blue Ox
more information >
Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Splices into Vehicle Wiring
- Diode Kit
- Universal
- Tail Light Mount
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles
- Accessories and Parts
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Battery Charge Line Kit
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Brake-Lite Relay Kit for Towed Vehicles
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Light Relay
- Roadmaster
more information >
Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Hydraulic Brakes - Proportional
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Systems
- Proportional System
- One Time Set-Up
- Fixed System
- Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Hydraulic Brakes
- Demco
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Twist Lock Attachment
- Blue Ox
more information >
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on Base Plates
Randy W.
2/13/2020
I towed my 2015 Jeep Patriot thousands of miles, I started out using the key on in accessory position, then I tried it no key, for thousands of miles with no problem.