Flat Tow Set Up For A 2010 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

Question:

Hello, i am purchasing a used 2010 jeep wrangler unlimited and will need a flat tow setup, can i purchase a better front bumper than the stock one that is on it and use it as the base plate? i will be towing behind a class c

asked by: Michael W

Expert Reply:

To set up your 2010 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited for flat towing along with the adapters for the tow bar so when you do locate a bumper you are ready. I recommend the following items:

The Blue Ox Patriot Portable Braking System - Proportional Item # BLU37TR. This is a portable braking system that sits in the floor board and only requires a 12 volt plug to operate and can be used in multiple vehicles.

The Roadmaster Nighthawk All Terrain, Non-Binding Tow Bar w/ LED Lights - RV Mount - 8K Item # RM-676. This tow bar has an 8000lb tow rating, comes with the umbilical pre-installed on the tow bar, comes with the safety cables and has integrated LED light strip in each arm so the tow bar can be seen at night.
This is a non binding tow bar so the vehicle can be easily disconnected if on unlevel ground by simply pulling each lever to unlock the arms.

If you are going to be using a compatible after market bumper that has been designed for flat towing then you are going to need the Adapter for Jeep D-Ring Bumper Mounts to Roadmaster Motor Home Mount Tow Bars - 1" Thick Item # RM-035-1. These adapters, once installed on the tow bar, allow you to easily connect to the D-Rings on your bumper.

To allow your Motor home to transfer light functions to the factory taillights on your Jeep I recommend the Roadmaster Universal Hy-Power Diode Wiring Kit Item # RM-154. This kit is spliced into the factory wiring behind each taillight and the diodes protect you factory wiring if there is a short between the two vehicles.

With the diode wiring you are going to need a RoadMaster 6-Wire Trailer Connector - Vehicle End
Item # RM-910030-7 since the umbilical has a 7 pole RV end and 6 pole vehicle end.

Since the 2010 Requires the battery to be disconnected I recommend the Roadmaster Automatic Battery Disconnect with Switch for Towed Vehicle w/ Supplemental Braking System Item # RM-766. This kit provides a switch that mounts inside the vehicle and allows you to disconnect the battery without having to get under the hood each time to disconnect it. You simply hit the switch when you are ready to go and it disconnects.

Since the battery has to be disconnected and the braking system requires a 12 volt plug I recommend the 12 Volt Outlet Kit, 20 amps Item # RM-9332. This plug is wired directly to the positive post on the battery so when the batter is disconnected it maintains power for the braking system.

This is not a requirement to flat tow but I always recommend it. A Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles Item # RM-156-25. Since your braking system requires power from the battery and draws power each time it is activated the charge line kit allows the battery to be trickle charged from the motor home while you are traveling so it is ready to go when you get to your destination.

You can use an after market bumper to flat tow your 2010 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited however; not all have been designed or tested for that purpose and we do not carry a bumper that is compatible. You would have to locate a company that offers a bumper that is capable to flat tow.

I have included links to videos on most of the products so you can a closer look at how they install. Keep in mind that the vehicles they are being installed on may not be the same year however; the instillation is going to be the similar with the exception of wiring behind the taillights for the diode kit. The colors of the wires may be different and require testing to determine which ones you are going to use. These videos at least will give you an idea of how we run wires and install the components.