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Flat Towing a Jeep Wrangler (Step by Step Guide)

Andrea Barbuti

September 4, 2022

Flat towing is the act of driving a vehicle that is not running while pulling another vehicle. Not just autos can benefit from this kind of transportation. Flat towing can be performed on motorbikes, boats, and even aeroplanes. Off-roading and rough terrain have long been associated with Jeep Wranglers. A flat tire is an obvious choice for extended trips or desert adventures.

When you flat-tow a car behind an RV, all four wheels of the car will be on the ground. To do this without hurting the car, the wheels need to be able to spin freely without the driveline being in use. Most vehicles can’t be flat towed by just putting the transmission in neutral. Because of this, most cars can’t be flat towed.

Flat-towing a Jeep Wrangler can be hard, but with the right planning and safety precautions, it can go pretty smoothly.

Can a Jeep Wrangler Be Flat Towed?

Yes, Regardless of their model or transmission option, any Jeep Wrangler can be flat towed without issue. That being said, you can’t just tie your Jeep to the tow vehicle and hit the road. Here’s what you have to do in order to prep your Wrangler to be flat towed.

Most models of Jeeps are designed to be flat towed, and Flat towing a Jeep behind an RV is the best method, whether it’s a stick shift or an automatic. All 4WD/AWD vehicles need to be towed with either all 4 wheels on the ground or on a trailer to avoid damage.

There are a few things you’ll need to take into account when towing a Jeep Wrangler. Here’s a step by step procedure on how to tow your Jeep Wrangler the right way.

1. Installing a Baseplate

Attaching the Jeep Wrangler to the RV’s tow bar requires a baseplate or bumper. Under the front bumper, the baseplate bolts into the Jeep’s frame. The baseplates lowered the Jeep’s approach angle. We could damage it when off-roading.

If you have or plan to get an aftermarket bumper, consider baseplate clearance. The bumper may need to be trimmed to fit the baseplate.

The stock Jeep bumper has been replaced. Tow bar brackets are needed for these bumpers. Rock Hard 4×4’s aluminium front bumper was our choice.

Blue Ox adapter makes an adaptor for a Jeep’s aftermarket bumper clevis. People who own them say they’re worth it. They only fit 1″-pin clevises. Blue Ox develops bumper-mounted universal adapters (this would require drilling).

2. Tow Bar

The Jeep Wrangler can be flat-towed with the RV’s tow bar. Tow bars are widely available. Some tow bars, like the ReadyBrute Elite Tow Bar, include supplementary Jeep braking. Blue Ox and other tow bars require brakes.

The ReadyBrute Elite was the easiest option. Inertia-based braking system. The Jeep pushes against the tow bar when the motorhome brakes, pulling a cable connected to the Jeep’s brake pedal. This mechanical operation requires no additional electronics, which means fewer problems.

3. Safety Chains

Flat towing requires safety chains in case the tow bar or hitch fails in motion. Two Jeep attachment points were needed for safety chains. Tow hooks or D-rings. My Jeep had neither, so I needed something that fastened to the frame. Harbor Freight sells Curt tow hooks that install directly to the bumper for $7.99. (see pic below). These 10,000-pound hooks with a retaining clip. Amazon.com sells Curt tow hooks. These hooks can be utilised for towing and off-road recovery. Tow hooks provide Jeepers peace of mind when they get stuck.

4. Wiring Harnesses for Tow Lights 

As a precautionary measure, you should ensure that your vehicle’s electrical system is properly linked to and synchronised with your RV while towing. By doing this, you can help prevent accidents by ensuring that the brake lights and turn signals are all working properly and concurrently.

5. Break Away Kit

When the Jeep separates from the RV while travelling down the road, the breakaway kit’s brakes will be activated. Most states demand this set as a minimum. The obvious advantage is that if something happens, the breakaway system will activate the Jeep’s brakes to slow it down and limit harm to the vehicle and other road users.

The ReadyBrute Elite, for example, has a brake away mechanism as part of the package, while other auxiliary braking systems do not.

Tow Capacity & Weight Research 

Make sure your RV can flat-tow a Jeep Wrangler. Most RVs and some Class B vans can tow a standard Wrangler. Additional attachments (bumpers, winch, lift kit, etc.) and cargo can push the weight above 5,000 lbs.

Most truck stations include vehicle scales. Weigh the vehicle fully loaded with a full tank of gas and remove the weight of the driver and passengers (they won’t be in the vehicle when it’s being towed). Our Jeep Wrangler weighed 4,500 pounds when loaded.

Conclusion

Once you’ve completed the above steps and connected the Jeep to the tow vehicle, perform one final visual inspection to ensure everything is in working order. Make sure the Jeep’s brake lights and turn signals are working correctly by having someone stand behind the vehicle. After that, make one last sweep to ensure that everything is connected correctly.

Flat towing your Jeep is possible once you’ve made sure that it’s safe.

Frequently Asked Questions