Towing 1999 Jeep Wrangler Behind RV with All 4 Wheels on Ground or with Tow Dolly
Question:
I have been considering either flat towing or towing my 1999 Jeep Wrangler on a tow dolly. I have read about having to disconnect the rear drive shaft and was wondering if I could have any more information on It. Thank you.
asked by: Alex
Expert Reply:
I was unable to ltrack down an online owner's manual for your 1999 Jeep Wrangler for the specifics regarding flat towing with either all 4 wheels down or with a tow dolly like # RM-2050-1. Most likely though if you choose to go with a tow dolly you will indeed need to remove the rear drive shaft. This is just to prevent anything from turning that shouldn't be when pulling the Jeep. The rotation at the front is still needed to help pump fluid through the transfer case. If towing with all 4 wheels down you shouldn't need to remove the drive shaft.
Before proceeding though I highly recommend checking your copy of the owner's manual as there will be specific guidelines and steps that you will need to take for either towing with all 4 down or using a dolly. This section is usually listed under "Recreational Towing".
If you decide to go with flat towing the Jeep with all 4 wheels on the ground, you will need a base plate kit, a tow bar, safety cables, a lighting solution, and a supplemental braking system.
The base plate kit you need will depend on the type of bumper you have on the Jeep. For an Off-Road bumper with 1 inch D-Ring bumper mounts you will use # RM-035-1 and for 3/4 inch D-Ring bumper mounts use # RM-035. If you have a double tube or u-channel bumper I recommend the Roadmaster EZ4 # RM-521424-4.
Then for a compatible tow bar that will work great with your Jeep I recommend the Falcon All Terrain # RM-522. This non-binding tow bar ensures easy release even on unlevel ground and a 6,000 pound capacity. For safety cables you can use # RM-643.
For a lighting solution I like the Hopkins Custom Tail Light Wiring Kit # HM56202. This is a custom harness that will plug right into factory ports behind the Jeep's tail lights and wire the Jeep so that it accepts the signal lights from your RV.
The SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO # SM99251 is my recommendation for a supplemental braking system. This proportional system will activate the Jeep's brakes at the same time and with the same intensity as how you apply to them in the RV. After the initial installation this system won't require any attention as you transition from flat towing to driving the vehicle for everyday use. You will also need to add the Brake-Lite Relay # RM-88400 to prevent the Jeep's brake signal from overriding the turn signal from the RV when applying the brakes during a turn.
Lastly you will likely need a high-low adapter to keep the tow bar level. I have attached a great article that explains how to choose the right one for your setup and a link that will take you directly to our available selection. I have also included an article on flat towing that you might find helpful.
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 >
Adapter for Jeep D-Ring Bumper Mounts to Roadmaster Motor Home Mount Tow Bars - 3/4" Thick
- Base Plates
- Aftermarket Bumper Adapters
- Hitch Pin Attachment
- Roadmaster
more information >
Adapter for Jeep D-Ring Bumper Mounts to Roadmaster Motor Home Mount Tow Bars - 1" Thick
- Base Plates
- Aftermarket Bumper Adapters
- Hitch Pin Attachment
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Twist Lock Attachment
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Falcon All-Terrain Tow Bar - Non-Binding - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,000 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Mount Style
- Telescoping
- Steel
- 6000 lbs
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates - Crossbar
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates - Direct Connect
- Stores on RV
- Non-Binding
- Roadmaster
more information >
RoadMaster 68" Single Hook, Coiled Safety Cables - 6,000 lbs
- Safety Cables
- Coiled Cables
- 68 Inch Long
- 6000 lbs GTW
- Snap Hooks
- Coated Cables
- 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
Roadmaster Tow Dolly with Electric Brakes - 4,250 lbs
- Trailers
- Tow Dolly
- Wheel Decks
- 4250 lbs
- Cars/Trucks/SUVs
- 8-1/2W x 12L Foot
- Powder Coated Steel
- Roadmaster
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: Can SumoSprings Maxim Work Together With SuperSprings Leaf Spring Enhancement on 2022 Ford E-450
- Q&A: Why Wouldn't Demco Wireless LED Tow Bar Lighting Kit DM36MV Work with Mercedes Sprinter
- Article: Best Vehicles to Flat Tow Behind an RV
- Q&A: What 5th Wheel Hitches Are Compatible with 2018 Nissan Titan xD with Factory Puck and Gooseneck?
- Q&A: Is Reese M5 Fifth Wheel Hitch Compatible with Sidewinder Pin Boxes
- Q&A: Replacing Igniter Battery in Furrion 2-In-1 Range Oven
- Article: Can You Flat Tow a Ford Escape?
- Q&A: How is the 7 Way Plug on the Custer Wireless LED Tow Bar Light Wired
- Q&A: Can Wireless Towed Vehicle Lights Be Used with Tow Dolly Lights
- Article: Flat Towing Package for 2010-2011 Jeep Liberty
- Article: How to Choose a High-Low Adapter
- Article: Trailer Tire Sizing
- Article: Must-Have Flat Towing Components