Flat Towing Setup for a 2016 Jeep Wrangler with a Lift

Updated 08/16/2017 | Published 08/15/2017

Products Featured in This Question

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

(157)

$1375.00

Hopkins Nite-Glow Tow Bar Extension Cord w/ Socket - Coiled - 7-Way RV to 6-Way Round - 8' Long

(188)

$79.15

Hopkins Custom Tail Light Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles

(532)

$73.21

Adapter for Jeep D-Ring Bumper Mounts to Roadmaster Motor Home Mount Tow Bars - 1" Thick

(558)

$134.45

Roadmaster Brake-Lite Relay Kit for Towed Vehicles

(700)

$47.74

Demco Air Force One Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Air Brakes - Proportional

(494)

$1329.00

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

(754)

$1175.00

Question:

Im purchasing a 2016 Jeep Wrangler in November, and have a couple of questions about the tow bar. The Jeep Im purchasing has an aftermarket front bumper, and is a bit lifted with 37inch tires. What would I need to use to attach the tow bar to the Jeep? What will I need to have the lights/signals work? Ive got years of towing experience, but only with trailers. Thanks for your help!

asked by: Mike J

Expert Reply:

If the aftermarket bumper on your 2016 Jeep Wrangler has the 1 inch D-Ring bumper mounts, which it looks like it does, then you can use the Adapter for Jeep D-Ring Bumper Mounts # RM-035-1 which is compatible with the Roadmaster tow bar like the Sterling # RM-576. You can determine if these adapters are compatible by measuring the thickness of the D-Ring mounts. If they are 1 inch thick then these will work great!

A complete flat towing setup includes a Tow Bar, Base Plate Kit, Safety Cables, Vehicle Tow Bar Wiring, a Supplemental Braking System, and a High-Low Adapter. Since the Alpha Tow Bar comes with Safety Cables and the D-Ring Adapters take the place of a Base Plate Kit we are already halfway there.

For Vehicle Tow Bar Wiring I recommend installing the Hopkins Custom Tail Light Wiring Kit # HM56200. If the connector on your RV is a 7-Way then you can cut the 4-Way off of the wiring kit and install the Hopkins Nite-Glow Tow Bar Extension Cord w/ Socket # HM47054 so that it is compatible. This exact thing is done in the installation video that I have attached for you to review. Since you will be installing a Supplemental Braking System you will also need to install the Brake Light Relay # RM-88400.

Since most states require the use of a Supplemental Braking System while flat towing we always recommend installing one, plus it makes your flat towing setup much more secure. If your RV has hydraulic brakes then I recommend the SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO Supplemental Braking System # SM99251 but if it has air brakes then I recommend the SMI Air Force One Supplemental Braking System # SM99243 instead. Sample installation videos for each of these units have been linked for you as well.

One huge key to ensuring that you have a safe setup is to make sure that your Tow Bar sits at the proper height. Since your Jeep has a lift this can be accomplished with a High-Low Adapter. I have linked our selection of High-Low Adapters for you to filter through as well as a helpful article on how to choose the correct one for your setup.

You will also want to look in your owner's manual for any specific instructions that relate to flat towing your Jeep Wrangler.