Flat Towing Setup For 2017 Jeep Cherokee

Updated 04/06/2020 | Published 07/13/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - 7-Way to 6-Way Coiled Adapter Cord

(3183)

$179.84

Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(2125)

$575.00

Roadmaster Sterling All-Terrain Tow Bar - Non-Binding - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 8,000 lbs

(157)

$1375.00

Roadmaster Stop Light Switch Kit

(622)

$49.35

Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Hydraulic Brakes - Proportional

(754)

$1175.00

Question:

I have been told that a Jeep Cherokee can only be flat towed for 3 hours because the battery will die and then it will go into gear. Then I was told that the Jeep Grand Cherokee will last 10 hours flat Towing before the battery dies. I have been told this from a car salesman so trying to find out if theres any truth to this. He is trying to sell me the Jeep Sahara which has the manual.

asked by: Diane

Expert Reply:

He is giving you the information he knows, and isn't incorrect...but is incomplete. There are limits to the battery and that can cause issues, where the manual doesn't have that issue. However, there are many wiring kits, like the Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit # RM-15267 that will allow you the features to charge your battery while you drive so you are not limited in your hours of towing based on battery. There is a wiring tech bulletin 68321424AB from Jeep that tells you what needs to be installed for a bounce or wobble when flat towing to be avoided. I'll email you that tech bulletin so you have the info.

So, you were given partial truths and should get the vehicle you want. If you want the Cherokee and it is not the Trailhawk, I will give you recommendations. If it is the Trailhawk, let me know and I'll swap out a couple of the parts to fit that model.

For baseplates--Roadmaster EZ4 Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms # RM-521447-4
For tow bar--Roadmaster Sterling All Terrain, Non-Binding Tow Bar # RM-576
For Wiring--The kit listed above that will allow battery charging.
For Braking--- SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO Supplemental Braking System - Proportional # SM99251. This system becomes plug and play after initial install adjusting.
Note: You will need the Roadmaster Stop Light Switch Kit # RM-751471 for this vehicle.

You will also need a high low adapter, but this will be specific to your motorhome, so I've attached an article to measure and have linked the page to your options.

Let me know if you need further answers or recommendations.

expert reply by: Jason S

Allan K.

4/4/2020

I would like instructions on settings up a 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee limited for flat towing

Chris R.

4/6/2020

On your 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee the transmission needs to be in PARK and the transfer case has to be shifted to NEUTRAL. For more specifics on this process you'll want to reference your owner's manual under the "Recreational Towing" section. I also linked an article below that recommends specific parts for this setup.

Helpful Links

faq-flat-tow-package-2014-2018-jeep-grand-cherokee.aspx