Can 2011-2017 Jeep Compass Be Flat Towed With Manual Transmission
Question:
I am wanting to buy a Jeep Compass year 2011 through 2017 manual transmission can a 4wd or a fwd be towed
asked by: Mark
Helpful Expert Reply:
I looked at an owner's manual for a 2014 Compass online, because it's midway through the model year span you mentioned and saw that manual transmission equipped Compass models can be flat towed with the ignition in the ACC position and the transmission in neutral. The owner's manual doesn't mention anything specific about a 4WD vehicle, but typically if the transfer case can be placed in neutral as well, flat towing isn't an issue but I'd recommend checking with a Jeep dealer for clarification.
For base plates, the Blue Ox # BX1132 fits 2011-2016 and 2016 old body style Compass models. For a tow bar, I'd go with the Blue Ox Ascent, part # BX4375 which provides the needed safety cables. For a taillight wiring harness, use # RM-15267 and for a supplemental braking system, I'd recommend the Blue Ox Patriot # BLU37TR. I'd also recommend a towed vehicle charge line kit, part # RM-156-25 to keep your battery topped off while towing.
If the 15-1/2 inch installed height of the base plate (assuming factory tire size/ride height) is more than 3 inches higher or lower than the receiver height of the motorhome, you'll also need a high/low adapter to bring the towbar within 3 inches of level. I'll link to our selection of high/low adapters for you.

Products Referenced in This Question
Blue Ox Patriot Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional
- Flat Tow Brake System
- Brake Systems
- Proportional System
- Every-Trip Setup
- Built-In Battery
- Portable System
- Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Air Brakes
- Air Over Hydraulic Brakes
- Hydraulic Brakes
- Wireless Display
- Blue Ox
more information >
Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Tow Bar Base Plate
- Removable Draw Bars
- Twist Lock Attachment
- Completely Hidden
- Blue Ox
more information >
Blue Ox Ascent Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2-1/2" Hitch - 7,500 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Mount
- Telescoping - Non-Binding
- Aluminum
- 7500 lbs
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates - Crossbar
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates - Direct Connect
- Stores on RV
- Cables Included
- Blue Ox
more information >
Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - 7-Way to 6-Way Coiled Adapter Cord
- Flat Tow Wiring Harness
- Splices into Vehicle Wiring
- Diode Kit
- Universal
- Tail Light Mount
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles
- Accessories and Parts
- Flat Tow Wiring Harness
- Battery Charge Line Kit
- Roadmaster
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Tow Bar Base Plate
- Removable Draw Bars
- Twist Lock Attachment
- Completely Hidden
- Blue Ox
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Wiring
- Search Results: 39342
- Search Results: 39339
- Search Results: 39340
- Shop: T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Shop: Roadmaster FuseMaster Fuse Bypass Switch for Towed Vehicles - 50-Amp FMX Fuse
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: EcoHitch Stealth Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"
- Shop: Replacement Breakaway Kit for Brake Buddy Classic and Select Flat Tow Brake Systems
- Shop: Stealth Hitches Hidden Rack Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"
- Shop: Replacement Dash Mount Connector for Brake Buddy Systems - Classic II and 3 - Select II and 3
- Search Results: 118823
- Search Results: x7201
- Shop: Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Search Results: curt trailer hitch
- Search Results: 56460
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Shop: Base Plate for Tow Bar
- Video: B and W Tow and Stow 2-Ball Mount Review
- Article: Roadmaster Vehicle Specific Base Plates
- Video: Roadmaster Variable Voltage LED Tail Lights Wiring Kit Installation - 2022 Jeep Cherokee
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Brake System
- Video: How to Install: Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles on your 2022 Chevrolet Equinox
- Article: Can You Flat Tow a Jeep Compass?
- Q&A: Can I Flat Tow a 2017 Jeep Compass with Manual Transmission
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Video: Finding the Right Trailer Wiring Harness
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Video: An In-Depth Look at the Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit