Special Wiring Harness Needed to Flat Tow a 2017 Jeep Cherokee Behind an RV

Question:

I hear that Chrysler has changed the flat towing requirements - now requiring some sort of wiring harnessfoot and charging the Cherokee battery while it is being towed. Otherwise, the Cherokee will not track and will start swinging back and forth behind the motorhome. The Cherokee owner must bear the cost of the harness and installation. What have you heard? How can the Cherokee battery be charged while towing? What parts are necessary to set the Cherokee up for flat towing?

asked by: Chris G

Expert Reply:

It is true. On some Jeep vehicles such as the 2017 Jeep Cherokee there is a special wiring harness needed for flat towing. The harness does something with the steering wheel lock and allows the Jeep to track without any sway or "death wobble" that can be potentially dangerous.

Jeep issued a tech bulletin to install wiring kit 68321424AB when flat towing your vehicle, which is available at your local Chrysler and Jeep dealership.

Adding a charge line to the battery is actually pretty easy. For example if you were using diode kit # RM-15267 you would just need to run a wire from the corresponding 12 volt circuit on the 6-Way end (that would be at the front of the vehicle) to the positive battery terminal on the Cherokee. This will provide a maintenance charge to the battery.

Other parts needed such as base plates will depend on the model of the Cherokee. If you can tell me specifically which model you have I can make some specific recommendations.

expert reply by: Michael H