Tow Bar, Base Plates and Other Flat Towing Equipment for 2005 Jeep Wrangler

Question:

I am about to travel the U.S. for up to two year. I will be towing a 2005 Jeep Wrangler behind it. I know I need to tow it with all four down, so Im looking at a tow bar, but what other pieces will I need? Also, can you make any product recommendations? I would like to keep it under $1,000 if possible for everything, but the top budget for everything would be $1,500. Thank you for your help.

asked by: Josh M

Helpful Expert Reply:

To flat tow a vehicle, you'd need a tow bar, base plates, safety cables, wiring and a supplemental braking system. My research indicates that your Wrangler is capable of being flat towed without modification, but I would urge you to confirm this for yourself by consulting your owner's manual or with your Jeep dealer.

As long as your Jeep has the OEM C-Channel or Double-Tube bumper, you can use the # BX1120 base plates and the Blue Ox Adventurer tow bar, part # BX7322. The tow bar doesn't include the safety cables, so you'll need # BX88196. For lighting, the Roadmaster Bulb and Socket Kit, part # RM-155 would be a functional yet economical choice.

The supplemental braking system is what will blow your budget out of the water. You can go with a unit like the Roadmaster EvenBrake, RM-9400 that's essentially a plug and play install that's easily installed and removed when necessary. Or, for a few hundred dollars less you can go with a unit like the Roadmaster Invisibrake, part # RM-8700. However, the Invisibrake requires a fairly complicated installation. If you had this unit professionally installed, it would cost you several hundred dollars in labor.

I'll link you to some flat towing articles that you might find helpful.