The Ultimate Guide to Flat Towing Your 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Components for Flat Towing
- 2.1 Base Plate
- 2.2 Tow Bar
- 2.3 Wiring
- 2.4 Safety Cables
- 2.5 Braking System
- 2.6 Stop Light Switch
- 2.7 Battery Charge Line Kit
- Base Plate
- Tow Bar
- Wiring
- Safety Cables
- Braking System
- Stop Light Switch
- Battery Charge Line Kit
- Conclusion
The Best Options for Flat Towing Your 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Introduction
Flat towing, also known as four-down towing, is a popular method to tow a vehicle behind an RV without using a trailer. If you own a 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee and you're planning to flat tow it, there are several important components you need to consider. In this article, we will discuss the best options for flat towing your 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee and provide detailed information about each component. Let's dive in!
Components for Flat Towing
Before we delve into each component, let's first understand the main components required for flat towing any vehicle:
2.1 Base Plate
The base plate is a crucial component that connects to the chassis of your Jeep Grand Cherokee and provides a solid mounting point for the tow bar. We recommend the Roadmasters Direct Connect base plate. It features a black powder coat finish and removable arms for a clean look when not in use.
2.2 Tow Bar
The tow bar is responsible for creating a solid connection between the base plate and your RV. For the best option, we suggest the Roadmaster Nighthawk All Terrain tow bar. It offers a 6000-pound gross towing capacity, LED lights on each arm for increased visibility, and easy-to-use release levers.
2.3 Wiring
To ensure your Jeep Grand Cherokee receives light functions from your motorhome, wiring is necessary. We recommend the Roadmasters diode wiring kit, which connects directly to the factory wiring, allowing you to utilize the factory brake lights. Alternatively, there are magnetic lights and bulb/socket setups, but they have their limitations.
2.4 Safety Cables
Safety cables are essential as a secondary safety device in case your tow bar fails. If you choose the Roadmaster Nighthawk All Terrain tow bar, it already comes with safety cables and an umbilical cord attached.
2.5 Braking System
The type of braking system you need depends on the type of RV you have. For RVs with air brakes, we suggest the Air Force One braking system. For RVs with electric or hydraulic brakes, the Stay 'N Play Duo is recommended. If you plan to tow the Jeep Grand Cherokee with multiple vehicles, the Roadmaster Even Brake provides a portable and transferable option.
2.6 Stop Light Switch
Since you can't tap into the factory wiring or brake light switch of the Grand Cherokee, a stop light switch is necessary. It provides the signal for the braking system to work seamlessly.
2.7 Battery Charge Line Kit
To keep your Jeep Grand Cherokee's battery charged while flat towing, we recommend using a battery charge line kit. This ensures that your battery remains charged and ready to start the vehicle when you reach your destination.
Now that we have a clear understanding of the components, let's explore each one in more detail, starting with the base plate.
3. Base Plate
The base plate is a crucial component for flat towing your 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee. When selecting a base plate, it's important to choose one that is compatible with your vehicle's chassis and offers a durable construction. The Roadmasters Direct Connect base plate is an excellent choice as it provides a solid connection point for the tow bar. Its black powder coat finish not only adds to the aesthetics but also offers protection against corrosion. Additionally, the removable arms allow for a clean look when the base plate is not in use.
4. Tow Bar
The tow bar plays a vital role in flat towing, as it connects the base plate to your RV. For optimal performance and reliability, we recommend the Roadmaster Nighthawk All Terrain tow bar. With a robust 6000-pound gross towing capacity, this tow bar offers the strength needed to tow your Jeep Grand Cherokee. The built-in LED lights on each arm provide enhanced visibility, ensuring other motorists are aware that you are towing a vehicle. The release levers make it incredibly convenient to unlock the arms when you arrive at your destination.
5. Wiring
Proper wiring is essential to ensure other motorists can see the light functions of your Jeep Grand Cherokee while flat towing. The Roadmasters diode wiring kit is an ideal option as it connects directly to the factory wiring, utilizing the existing brake lights. This eliminates the need for additional lights and simplifies the installation process. However, if you are towing multiple vehicles, magnetic lights or bulb/socket setups can be considered, although they come with their own limitations.
6. Safety Cables
Safety cables serve as an additional safety measure in case the tow bar fails. With the Roadmaster Nighthawk All Terrain tow bar, you don't have to worry about purchasing safety cables separately, as they are already included. The convenient umbilical cord ensures a hassle-free connection between your RV and the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
7. Braking System
Choosing the right braking system depends on the type of RV you own. For RVs equipped with air brakes, the Air Force One braking system is highly recommended. It provides proportional braking and ensures consistent braking performance. On the other hand, if your RV has electric or hydraulic brakes, the Stay 'N Play Duo system is the perfect fit. It offers straightforward installation and reliable braking performance.
8. Stop Light Switch
To enable the proper functioning of the braking system, a stop light switch is necessary for the 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Since tapping into the factory wiring or brake light switch is not possible, the stop light switch provides the required signal for the braking system to operate effectively.
9. Battery Charge Line Kit
To maintain the battery charge of your Jeep Grand Cherokee while flat towing, a battery charge line kit is highly recommended. This affordable accessory ensures that your vehicle's battery remains charged, allowing it to start effortlessly when you reach your destination.
10. Conclusion
In conclusion, flat towing your 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee requires careful consideration of various components. By following our recommendations, including selecting the Roadmasters Direct Connect base plate, Roadmaster Nighthawk All Terrain tow bar, Roadmasters diode wiring kit, utilizing safety cables and an appropriate braking system, and incorporating a stop light switch and battery charge line kit, you can safely and efficiently flat tow your Jeep Grand Cherokee behind your RV. Enjoy the convenience and freedom of exploring new destinations with your vehicle in tow.
Highlights
- Flat towing, also known as four-down towing, is a method to tow a vehicle behind an RV without using a trailer.
- The base plate serves as a connection point between the tow bar and the vehicle's chassis.
- The Roadmaster Nighthawk All Terrain tow bar offers a 6000-pound gross towing capacity and features built-in LED lights for enhanced visibility.
- Proper wiring allows the Jeep Grand Cherokee's brake lights to function while being towed.
- Safety cables provide an additional safety measure in case the tow bar fails.
- The Air Force One braking system is recommended for RVs with air brakes, while the Stay 'N Play Duo system is suitable for RVs with electric or hydraulic brakes.
- A stop light switch is necessary to provide the required signal for the braking system to operate effectively.
- Using a battery charge line kit helps maintain the battery charge of the Jeep Grand Cherokee while flat towing.
FAQ
Q: Can I flat tow my 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee without using a brake system?
A: It is highly recommended to use a braking system when flat towing any vehicle, including the 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee. This ensures the safety of both your vehicle and others on the road.
Q: Can I use a base plate from a different manufacturer with the recommended tow bar?
A: It is essential to use a base plate that is compatible with the specific tow bar you choose. Using compatible components ensures a secure and reliable connection between the RV and the towed vehicle.
Q: Will installing a stop light switch void the vehicle's warranty?
A: Installing a stop light switch should not void your vehicle's warranty. However, it is always recommended to consult your vehicle manufacturer or a certified technician to ensure proper installation and to address any concerns regarding your warranty.
Q: Can I tow my 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee with a flatbed trailer instead of flat towing it?
A: Yes, using a flatbed trailer is an alternative option for transporting your 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee. This method eliminates the need for base plates, tow bars, and braking systems. However, it may be less convenient and might require additional equipment, such as a trailer hitch.
Q: Are there any weight restrictions for flat towing the 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
A: It is important to refer to the towing capacity and recommendations provided by the vehicle manufacturer. Ensure that your RV and the tow bar system you choose can handle the weight of the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
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