Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 1997 Jeep Wrangler With Double Tube Bumper Behind a Motor Home

Question:

I am buying a 1997 Jeep Wrangler to be towed behind my motor home. I has a non stock 2 tube bumper, i like the stow master tow bar, what mountings would i need for this and how much, would also need a plugin type wiring harness for lights, please advise on what i need i like keep the bar on the jeep. Great web site

asked by: John H

Expert Reply:

You will want to check your owners manual or with the manufacturer for instructions on the proper procedure for towing your 1997 Jeep Wrangler. Some vehicles might need to be equipped with a transmission lube pump, an axle disconnect, drive line disconnect, or free-wheeling hubs before they can be towed.

To tow your 1997 Jeep Wrangler with the double tube bumper, you will need a tow bar, base plates, safety cables, wiring and depending on the states you are planning on towing the vehicle through, a supplemental braking system.

The RoadMaster StowMaster Car-Mounted Tow Bar, part # RM-501, is a very good application on your 1997 Jeep Wrangler with the double-tube bumper, being towed by your motor home. I am including links to the installation instructions and a video review of the tow bar.

The base plates you will need for your Wrangler with the double tube bumper will be the Roadmaster EZ4 Base Plate Kit, part # RM-521424-4. These base plates will also fit the Unlimited and Rubicon models, but will not fit vehicles with front leaf springs.

You will also need safety cables like Roadmaster Safety Cables, part # RM-643. These cables have a coiled design that helps keep them off of the ground. They are rated for 6,000 pounds.

If you do not plan on towing the Wrangler very often, I would go with a magnetic light kit like the Roadmaster Magnetic Light Kit, part # RM-2120. If you do plan on towing the Wrangler frequently, the easiest solution that does not require tapping into the vehicle wiring is the Roadmaster Tail Light Wiring Kit with Bulbs, part # RM-155.

Most states now require a supplemental braking system on the vehicle being towed. The easiest system to set up and use is a portable system like the Roadmaster Even Brake System, part # RM-9400. This portable system is also proportional that will apply the vehicle brakes in proportion to how much the towing vehicle is braking. This is the safest way to stop and it reduces wear and tear on both vehicles.

I am including a link to a page that will include articles on flat towing a vehicle.