Does Mopar Wiring Kit Need to be Installed to Flat Tow a 2017 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk

Question:

Thanks Jon, I checked again with the service manager and he ensures me my Jeep already is equipped with the needed wiring. He is the one who questions why I was wanting it installed. They had already bought it and were in process of scheduling me to bring in the Jeep when he called to discuss it. I have already purchased and had installed the Blue Ox tow system and wiring harness, however I do want to add a charge line to keep battery charged in TOAD while towing. Do I need to include a diode to prevent any possibility of issue in RV damaging TOAD? I know they are included in the lighting connections, and assumed it would be a good idea for the charge line, unless there is one in the RV itself.

asked by: Larry O

Expert Reply:

To the best of our knowledge the Mopar wiring is needed up to the 2019 model of the Jeep Cherokee. Unfortunately it looks like your dealer didn't know what they were talking about per the Jeep tech bulletin for the wiring kit 68321424AB, especially if it is in your owner's manual.

If you don't already have equipment to flat tow your 2017 Cherokee Trailhawk then I recommend going with the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit # BX1136 along with the Alpha Tow Bar # BX7380 which is rated for up to 6,500 lbs and comes with safety cables that have the same weight rating.

Then for wiring I recommend the Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit # RM-15267 and for a braking system I recommend the SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO # SM99251. Both of these kits install permanently and are very easy to set up for flat towing after the initial installation.

We do have the following note for installation: Some models of this vehicle may use Mortorq® fasteners. If your vehicle has these types of fasteners, you will need a PFMTS2E bit to remove them which can be ordered through a Snap-On dealer.

Most flat towing setups require a high-low adapter for the tow bar to remain level while towing. I have linked our selection of adapters for you to check out as well as an article that will help you determine which is the best one for your application.

I have linked some videos and articles that you can reference as well but you will want to consult your owner's manual (like you are doing) to ensure that you follow any specific instructions for towing your Trailhawk.

expert reply by: Jon G

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Larry O.

10/3/2018

Jon G.

10/3/2018

If that wiring kit has already been installed then you will be good to go as far as the steering is concerned. The Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit # RM-15267 that I referenced is a great kit to use in conjunction with the Battery Charge Line Kit # RM-156-25. Simply connect the charge line kit from the positive battery post to the middle pin of the 6-Way socket (see attached photo). Then you just need to check to make sure that the pin in the 1 o'clock position of the 7-Way on your motorhome (see attached photo) has 12V power going to it. If it does then that is all you need but if it doesn't we also have the motorhome side of the charge line kit as part # RM-156-75. Attached are installation videos for both of these kits that you can check out.