What do I Need to flat Tow a 2011 to 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee Behind a Motorhome
Question:
What do I Need to Tow a 2011 to 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee
asked by: Nathan
Expert Reply:
To flat tow a 2011 to 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee there are 5 major components needed: base plates, tow bar, safety cables, lighting, and supplemental braking.
The base plates are what attach to the front of the Jeep and provide a safe and proper attachment point for the tow bar. For the 2011 to 2013 Grand Cherokee I recommend Roadmaster EZ5 base plates # RM-521440-5. These base plates feature removable arms that, when removed, makes the base plates almost invisible. I have linked a video showing an example installation for you.
For a compatible tow bar I recommend the Roadmaster Nighthawk, # RM-676. This is one of the best tow bars available. It features safety cables, a wiring umbilical, LED lights on the arms, and it has an 8,000 pound capacity. This is a non-binding tow bar so you won't have to be perfectly straight or level to easily hook up or disconnect the Jeep from the motorhome. This feature allows you more vacation time and less time fighting with a bound up tow bar.
To protect the tow bar from the elements when it is not in use I recommend the Roadmaster tow bar cover # RM-055-3. Once the tow bar is folded up in its storage position place and secure this cover around it to keep it protected.
For lighting I recommend the Hopkins wiring kit # HM56207. This kit plugs in line with the Jeep tail light wiring. No cutting and splicing wires; just connect to the vehicle tail light wiring, route the 4-Way end to the front of the vehicle, secure the wiring and you're done. The 4-Way end that will be at the front of the vehicle will need to be cut off and the wires connected to the 6-Way that comes with the tow bar.
For the 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee the battery must be disconnected to flat tow the vehicle. To make this process automatic I recommend using the Roadmaster automatic battery disconnect # RM-766. When you plug in the electrical connection between the Jeep and motorhome it will automatically disconnect the battery. To run a charge line from the motorhome to the Jeep battery you can use charge line kit # RM-156-25.
You may also need a high/low adapter to keep the tow bar level. I have linked a help article showing how to measure and a link to the high/low adapters we carry. They come in various rise/drop options from a 2 inch rise or drop, # RM-072-2, to a 10 inch, # RM-048-10.
And finally, most states now require supplemental braking on the vehicle being flat towed. One of the preferred systems for our installers and what I recommend is the SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO proportional system, # SM99251. It will apply the vehicle brakes in proportion to how much the tow vehicle is braking. This is the safest way to stop and it reduces wear and tear on both vehicles.
Be sure to consult your vehicle owners manual for specific information on flat towing the vehicle. I have also included some helpful links to our series of help articles on flat towing for you.
Products Referenced in This Question
Hopkins Custom Tail Light Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Plugs into Vehicle Wiring
- Wiring Harness
- Custom
- Tail Light Mount
- Hopkins
more information >
Roadmaster High-Low Adapter - 2" Hitches - 10-1/4" Rise/Drop - 10K GTW, 400 lbs TW
- Accessories and Parts
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Adapters
- High-Low Adapter
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 10 Inch Rise/Drop
- Roadmaster
more information >
- Accessories and Parts
- Tow Bar
- Covers and Storage
- Tow Bar Cover
- Sterling
- Eagle
- Falcon
- Blackhawk
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster High-Low Adapter for Tow Bars - 2" Hitches - 2" Rise/Drop - 6K GTW, 200 lbs TW
- Accessories and Parts
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Adapters
- High-Low Adapter
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 2 Inch Rise/Drop
- 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 Nighthawk All-Terrain Tow Bar w/ LED Lights - Non-Binding - RV Mount - 8,000 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Mount Style
- Telescoping
- Aluminum
- 8000 lbs
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates - Direct Connect
- Stores on RV
- Non-Binding
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Battery Disconnect with Switch for Towed Vehicle w/ Flat Tow Brake System - Gas
- Accessories and Parts
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Auto Battery Disconnect
- 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
Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Twist Lock Attachment
- Roadmaster
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
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on Base Plates
Robert B.
6/16/2020
I am considering purchasing the Roadmaster Nighthawk from you in July along with the necessary baseplates and other accessories. However I would prefer the RVI Brake 3 for the supplimental baking system, do you offer that, too? Will I need a battery disconnect switch if I install the battery charging system? Or, is this an either / or situation?