Best Permanent & Portable Supplemental Braking System to Flat Tow 2019 Jeep Wrangler

Question:

For my 19 Wrangler that I am going to flat tow I am looking at the SMI Stay-In-Play Duo SM99251 and the Roadmaster Invisibrake RM-8700 braking systems. I am looking for some guidance to help me decide which to use.

asked by: Angelo

Expert Reply:

The SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO # SM99251 and Roadmaster Invisibrake # RM-8700 tow bar braking systems are both one-time-install products that will require more up-front effort for their initial installation in your 2019 Wrangler. After that one-time install you're done. The main difference between them in actual use will be that the SMI will provide proportional braking, braking force that matches the deceleration of the coach, rather than a fixed level of braking force as with the InvisiBrake. For many this kind of proportional braking feels more natural (less noticeable). Between the two I would go for the SMI.

In comparison, portable systems such as the Blue Ox Patriot # BLU37TR and the Roadmaster Even Brake # RM-9400 are easier to place in the vehicle (and their installation is non-invasive) but you do need to go through that process each time you want to get the Jeep ready for towing.

RV-ers that lease a vehicle or those that like to frequently change their toad usually prefer the portable systems since they are simple to transfer to the new car and they leave no permanent traces of alteration. Also, owners of new vehicles are sometimes understandably reluctant to start modifying a vehicle they'll still be paying for over the coming 5 years!

expert reply by: Adam R