Flat Tow Package for 2011-2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Flat Towing Package for 2011-2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a great vehicle to bring along on your travels—from the campground to the trail, it comfortably carries the whole family. This article will cover the basic components needed to flat tow your 2011-2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee, including a base plate kit, tow bar, safety cables, tow bar wiring, and a supplemental braking system.

Base Plates
Tow Bar
Safety Cables
Tow Bar Wiring
Supplemental Braking System
Additional Components

Flat Towing Package

Finding everything you need to flat tow your Jeep Grand Cherokee can be a hassle—that's why we've assembled our favorite packages for you. Check out our top product picks below. Note: Only 4WD Jeep Grand Cherokees with Quadra-Trac II/Quadra-Drive II are able to be flat towed.

To flat tow a 2011 to 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee there are 5 major components needed: base plates, tow bar, safety cables, lighting, and supplemental braking.

The base plates are what attach to the front of the Jeep and provide a safe and proper attachment point for the tow bar. For the 2011 to 2013 Grand Cherokee I recommend Roadmaster EZ5 base plates # RM-521440-5. These base plates feature removable arms that, when removed, makes the base plates almost invisible. I have linked a video showing an example installation for you...

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-Michael H

Jeep Grand Cherokee Flat Tow Restrictions

Restrictions: There are no distance or speed limitations when flat towing the 2011-2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee. However, note that only 4WD Jeep Grand Cherokees with Quadra-Trac II/Quadra-Drive II are able to be flat towed. Flat towing a 2WD model or a 4WD model with the Quadra-Trac I/Single-Speed Transfer Case option will cause damage to your vehicle.

Installation Notes: A common installation question we receive from customers regards the installation of the Automatic Battery Disconnect from Roadmaster, which is required on 2013 model year Jeep Grand Cherokees. While the vehicle's manual states that the negative battery cable should be disconnected during flat towing, the Automatic Battery Disconnect instructs that the solenoid be installed in line of the positive battery cable.

The Automatic Battery Disconnect needs to be installed on the positive side of the battery so that the battery can still power certain aftermarket components needed for flat towing while cutting power to the OEM components. Aftermarket components such as supplemental braking systems typically pull power from the vechicle's battery. Some RVers also choose to run a charge line from their motorhome to their flat towed vehicle's battery while towing. Neither of these scenarios would work if the negative battery cable was disconnected during towing.

Generally, vehicle manufacturers suggest removing the negative battery cable for safety reasons. Using hand tools to remove the positive battery cable without first disconnecting the negative battery cable can result in sparks flying if the tool simultaneously makes contact with the positive battery terminal and a ground location, such as the vehicle frame. Roadmaster's Automatic Battery Disconnect allows you to avoid this dangerous situation and safely disconnect the battery with the simple flip of a switch.

Flat Towing Products

Base Plates for 2011-2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Base plates are the custom-fit attachment points that install on the frame of your Jeep and allow you to connect a tow bar to your vehicle. This is the part of a flat towing setup that is truly vehicle specific and custom fit for a particular vehicle and style.

Easily removable arms
Compatible with Quick Disconnects and all Roadmaster tow bars
Made in the USA

Installation: Trimming of spoiler, air dam, grille or plastic fascia may be required. Product does not fit models with brush guard. Tow hooks, if present, will be removed and remain off the vehicle after installation.

Removable draw bars
No protruding brackets
Compatible with Demco tow bars
No welding required
Made in USA

Easily removable arms
Steamlined design
No Quick-Disconnect crossbar needed
Compatible with Roadmaster motorhome-mounted tow bars
Made in USA

Installation: Trimming of spoiler, air dam, grille or plastic fascia may be required. Safety chain anchor brackets for Sterling cables does not fit; the Sterling cable anchors must be attached to vehicle frame or welded to receiver portion of bracket. Product will not accommodate Guardian rock shield, Tow Defender # RM-4700, Stowaway, or StowMaster and StowMaster All Terrain tow bars. Product does not fit models with brush guard. Tow hooks will be removed and remain off vehicle after installation.

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Tow Bars for 2011-2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Another necessary component of a flat towing setup is the tow bar. While tow bars are not a custom-fit component, it is important to make sure that the tow bar and base plates you choose for your Jeep Grand Cherokee are compatible with each other. A good rule of thumb is to use a tow bar from the same manufacturer as your base plate kit. If you have base plates or a tow bar of one brand and wish to use a counterpart from a different manufacturer, you will likely need an adapter. Check out our base plate adapter table for help on choosing the correct product.

Tow bars come in two styles: those that mount on the motorhome (hitch mount style) and those that mount on the vehicle (coupler style). For frequent RVers, motorhome-mounted tow bars are generally preferable. They provide a more stable connection, are easy to adjust, and do not require a separate coupler. On the other hand, those who RV less frequently may consider a vehicle-mounted tow bar for a more economical option.

8,000-lb. capacity
Hitch mount style - stores on RV
Non-binding
LED lighted arms
Safety cables and wiring included
Made of lightweight aluminum
Compatible with Roadmaster Direct-Connect base plates
Made in USA
1-year limited warranty

8,000-lb. capacity
Hitch mount style - stores on RV
Non-binding
Safety cables and wiring included
Made of lightweight aluminum
Compatible with all Roadmaster base plates
Made in USA
1-year limited warranty

7,500-lb. capacity
Hitch mount style - stores on RV
Non-binding
LED lighted arms
Safety cables included
Made of lightweight aluminum & durable steel
Limited lifetime warranty

6,000-lb. capacity
Hitch mount style - stores on RV
Non-binding
Made of durable steel
Compatible with all Roadmaster base plates
Made in USA
1-year limited warranty

6,000-lb. capacity
Hitch mount style - stores on RV
Made of durable steel
Compatible with all Roadmaster base plates
Made in USA
1-year limited warranty

10,500-lb. capacity
Hitch mount style - stores on RV
Non-binding
Safety cables included
Made of durable steel
Limited lifetime warranty

6,000-lb. capacity
Coupler style - stores on Jeep
Made of durable steel
Compatible with Roadmaster crossbar-style base plates
Made in USA
1-year limited warranty

5,000-lb. capacity
Coupler style - stores separately
Made of durable steel
Safety cables included
Limited lifetime warranty

5,000-lb. capacity
Coupler style - stores separately
Compatible with Roadmaster crossbar-style base plates
Made of durable steel
Made in USA

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Safety Cables for 2011-2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Safety cables are a necessary component of a flat towing setup. Keep the weight of your Jeep in mind when choosing safety cables, as safety cables come in a variety of capacities. Blue Ox and Demco typically include safety cables with their tow bars, making it easy to complete your flat towing setup. Both manufacturers also offer replacement safety cables. Some premium Roadmaster tow bars include safety cables, but most do not. Roadmaster offers a number of capacites and both coiled and straight cables for your flat towing setup. The coiled design helps keep the safety cables from dragging the ground, while straight cables work best with tow bars that have channels, or cable guides, for the safety cables to feed through.

Straight Safety Cables

For use with tow bars with cable guides

Coiled Safety Cables

Prevents cables from dragging the ground
For use with tow bars without cable guides

Tow Bar Cable Channel Guide

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Tow Bar Wiring for 2011-2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee

It is important for your Jeep Grand Cherokee to be wired for flat towing. Tow bar wiring allows your vehicle to have functioning stop, turn, and tail lights while being towed. You can use the existing tail lights by installing a tow bar wiring kit that plugs or splices into your current wiring. You can also bypass your factory wiring by installing a bulb and socket wiring kit that uses the vehicle's tail light housings. Finally, you can install a universal magnetic or trunk-mounted lighting kit to add additional lights to your Jeep specifically for towing.

Battery must be disconnected to tow the 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Battery Disconnect # RM-766 required for 2013 models. Please refer to owner's manual for more information.

6-way plug on Jeep
Hardwire installation
Won't interfere with Jeep's factory wiring
6-way to 7-way wiring extensions included

4-way flat plug included
Plugs in quickly and easily
Custom designed for Jeep
Won't interfere with Jeep's factory wiring

Diode wiring kit
6-way coiled lighting cable
7-way to 6-way adapter
Vinyl storage cover included

4-wire harness
Ideal if wiring included with tow bar
Hardwire installation

Bulb and socket kit
Bypasses vehicle wiring
Independent plugs and sockets mount inside tail lights

Economical option
Bypasses Jeep wiring
Magnetic light bases hold firmly to any metal surface
Long-lasting LEDs provide superior operation
Brake-lite relay not required

Universal trunk mount kit
Bypasses Jeep wiring
20-ft. cord with 4-pole trailer end

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Supplemental Braking System for 2011-2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Using a supplemental braking system, also called a tow bar braking system, helps make sure your towed Jeep slows down as your motorhome slows down. This helps reduce wear and tear on both your Jeep and your motorhome, as well as helps shorten the braking distance of your towing setup. It is also important to keep in mind that supplemental braking systems are required by law in many states. It is important to check the requirements for areas you will be traveling through.

Roadmaster InvisiBrake

Pre-set braking
One-time setup
For RVs with hydraulic brakes
Integrated battery protection
Made in USA
1-year warranty

Note: Stop Light Switch # RM-751449 required

SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO

Proportional Braking
One-time setup
For RVs with hydraulic brakes
Made in USA
5-year warranty

Roadmaster BrakeMaster

Proportional braking
Recurring setup
Options for hydraulic and air RV brakes
Made in USA

Note: Stop Light Switch # RM-751449 required
Installation: Anchors to required seat adapter # RM-88287 at floorboard and clamps around brake pedal.

SMI Air Force One

Proportional Braking
One-time setup
For RVs with air brakes
Made in USA
5-year warranty

SMI Delta Force

Proportional braking
Recurring setup
For RVs with hydraulic, air, or air over hydraulic brakes
Made in USA
5-year warranty

Installation: If Jeep is equipped with active power assist braking system, this product can be used. Check owner's manual.
Note: 12 Volt Outlet Kit # RM-9332 required.

Roadmaster Even Brake

Proportional Braking
Recurring set-up
For RVs with hydraulic, air, or air over hydraulic brakes
Made in USA
1-year limited warranty

Note: Stop Light Switch # RM-751449 required
Note: 12 Volt Outlet Kit # RM-9332 required
Installation: If Jeep is equipped with active power assist braking system, this product cannot be used. Check owner's manual.

Roadmaster 9700

Pre-set Braking
Recurring set-up
For RVs with hydraulic, air, or air over hydraulic brakes
Made in USA
1-year limited warranty

Note: Stop Light Switch # RM-751449 required
Note: 12 Volt Outlet Kit # RM-9332 required
Installation: If Jeep is equipped with active power assist braking system, this product cannot be used. Check owner's manual.

Blue Ox Patriot II

Proportional braking
Recurring setup
For RVs with hydraulic brakes
Made in USA
2-year warranty

Note: 12 Volt Outlet Kit # RM-9332 required
Installation: If Jeep is equipped with active power assist braking system, this product can be used. Check owner's manual.

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Additional Flat Towing Components

To complete your Jeep Grand Cherokee's flat towing setup, a few additional parts may be required or recommended. Some of these components, such as 12-volt accessory outlets, stop light switches, and high-low adapters, ensure that your flat tow setup functions properly. Other accessories work to protect your Jeep from rocks and other road debris while your vehicle is being towed.

Required Accessories

In addition to your main wiring harness, you'll also need a Stop Light Switch to make your setup fully functional. A stop light switch activates your RV monitoring system to alert you when the brakes of your towed car are being applied. A 12-volt outlet kit provides power to portable braking systems but is not required for fixed systems.

Stop Light Switch

Activates supplemental braking system monitor in motorhome
Wires directly into towed car
Custom-fit for 2011-2013 Jeep Grand Cherokees
Made in USA

12 Volt Outlet Kit

Provides power for portable braking systems
Creates 12-volt power outlet with 20 amps power
5-ft. wire included

The battery must be disconnected to flat tow the 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Roadmaster's Auto Battery Disconnect lets you easily disconnect your battery so that your vehicle can be towed behind your RV. A charge line kit maintains the battery charge in your towed vehicle (though it is not required when using the Roadmaster Invisibrake, which provides its own charge).

Roadmaster Automatic Battery Disconnect

Lets you easily disconnect battery your vehicle can be towed behind your RV
Eliminates inconvenience and the potential danger of pulling your battery cable
Comes pre-assembled for easy installation

Charge Line Kit

Maintains battery charge in towed vehicle
Provides 15 amps to avoid overcharging
Requires # RM-156-75 if no charge line present in RV
Made in USA

Recommended Components

If your tow bar is level when you attach it to your Jeep and RV, then great! You don't need a high-low adapter. However, if your tow bar is not level, you will need a high-low adapter. Your tow bar should always be within 3 inches of level. A tow bar cover is also recommended to protect your tow bar when not in use.

High-Low Adapter

Allows tow bar to remain level
Tow bar should be within 3 inches of level

Roadmaster Combo Towing Kit

Kit includes wiring, safety cables, tow bar cover, and storage bag
Wiring provides 4-pole and 7-way connectors
Straight safety cables offer 8,000-lb. capacity
Tow bar cover protects stowed tow bar from elements
Storage bag lets you keep components organized for easy access

Tow Bar Cover

Keeps dirt and road grime off tow bar when not in use
Various sizes available

Protective Shields

Protective guards such as the Roadmaster Guardian Rock Guard and Demco's Sentry Deflector attach to your tow bar and protect the front of your Jeep from road debris.

Sentry Deflector for Demco Tow Bars

Protects Jeep's finish and resale value
Attaches to connecting ears (20-30 in.) of Demco tow bars
Adapter kit required with Roadmaster and Blue Ox tow bars
Easy installation - no tools required
Made in USA
1-year warranty

Roadmaster Guardian Rock Guard

Shields Jeep from rocks and road debris
Easily removable
Attaches to tow bar mounting bracket and side panels
Fits all RoadMaster tow bars with Quick Disconnects

Protective Screening

The Roadmaster Tow Defender provides a heavy-duty nylon screen to deflect rocks, gravel, and road debris down and away from your Jeep. The Tow Defender may also be used in conjunction with the Roadmaster Guardian Rock Guard for ultimate protection.

Roadmaster Tow Defender Protective Screening

Deflects rocks, gravel, and road debris
Lightweight - 15 lbs.
Rolls up to 4-in. diameter for storage
Fits most Roadmaster tow bars with Quick Disconnect systems

Roadmaster Tow Defender Protective Screening

Deflects rocks, gravel, and road debris
Lightweight - 15 lbs.
Rolls up to 4-in. diameter for storage
Fits Demco tow bars, Roadmaster motorhome-mounted tow bars, and Blue Ox tow bars

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Related Products

Shop RV Hitches

Shop Wiring Extensions

Shop Quick Disconnects

Written By: Amber S

Updated By: Jacob J

Updated on: 12/7/2023

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