How to Flat-Tow a 1998-2006 Jeep Wrangler TJ

Question:

what do I need to flat tow a 1998-2006 Jeep Wrangler TJ?

asked by: Tony

Expert Reply:

In order to flat-tow a 1998-2006 Jeep Wrangler TJ with all four wheels on the ground you will need a base plate kit, tow bar, safety cables, flat-tow wiring harness, supplemental braking system, and possibly a high-low adapter. I have attached my recommendations for each of these items below.

For a base plate kit there are a few options for you. If you have d-rings on your bumper that are rated for flat-towing than you can use the Adapter for Jeep D-Ring Bumper Mounts part # RM-035 if they are 3/4" thick or the Adapter for Jeep D-Ring Bumper Mounts part # RM-035-1 if they are 1" thick d-rings. If you do not have d-rings then I recommend using the Roadmaster EZ5 Base Plate Kit part # RM-521424-5 which has removable arms for a clean look while not in tow and does not require a bulky crossbar.

For a tow bar that works with the above base plate kits I recommend the Roadmaster Nighthawk All Terrain Tow Bar part # RM-676. The Nighthawk is a top of the line option which includes lights for visibility, safety cables for security, and wiring. This tow bar also has a non-binding design which aids with installation on uneven ground.

For a flat-tow wiring harness I recommend the Hopkins Custom Tail Light Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles part # HM56202 which is a plug and play kit that will not require any splicing on the vehicle. You will however need to remove the 4-way trailer connector and wire on the 6-way trailer connector included with the tow bar.

For a supplemental braking system I recommend the SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO Supplemental Braking System part # SM99251. The Stay-IN-Play is our most popular system that features an inertia-sensing mercury switch that interprets changes in forward momentum that occur when your towing setup decelerates. It will be almost completely hidden once installed. In order for this system to work properly with your Jeep you also need to use the Roadmaster Brake-Lite Relay Kit for Towed Vehicles part # RM-88400.

The Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles part # RM-156-25 will ensure the toad's battery does not die while in tow and the Roadmaster Tow Bar Cover part # RM-055-3 will help to keep the Nighthawk in excellent condition if you choose to leave it on the motorhome.

Finally, you may or may not need to use a high-low adapter. In order to determine if there is a need to use one measure from the ground to the center of the base plate kit on the vehicle and compare that distance to the measurement from the ground to the top of the inside edge of your trailer hitch on the motorhome. If this distance is not within 3" of one another then you want to use a high-low adapter which I have attached a list of for you in addition to several other review videos on the above products.