Recommended Base Plate Solution To Tow 2007 Jeep Commander with Existing Road Master RM-576

Updated 10/16/2017 | Published 10/15/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(3330)

$575.00

Roadmaster High-Low Adapter for Tow Bars - 2" Hitches - 6" Rise/Drop - 10K GTW, 400 lbs TW

(1572)

$201.72

Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - 4-Way Flat Connectors

(3187)

$100.94

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

(157)

$1375.00

RoadMaster 68" Single Hook, Coiled Safety Cables - 6,000 lbs

(656)

$70.98

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

(755)

$1175.00

Question:

I purchased this tow bar for a 1999 Jeep Cherokee which I used to own. I do not own it now however I have all the tow bar parts from the arms forward to the motor home. only parts missing is the actual base plates installed on the jeep Cherokee. This is the question...I now have a 2007 Jeep Commander. I understand that the base plates bolt into the frame of either vehicle and that usually there are pre-drilled holes already in the frame. some of which may have to be drilled out a little larger. My question is this: My existing tow bar has a quick disconnectinch long bar that s down onto each pin that sticks up from each arm that comes out of the base plate. This bar is not adjustable in length. You may have to look at a picture of this quick disconnect bar on road masters site so that you know what it is. When the arms are slid into the base plates on the Cherokee, the arms which I have have a little shaft sticking straight up which the quick disconnect bar slides onto. I am getting to the question So the distance from left to right of these shafts and the length of this quick disconnect bar is determined by the width of the frame of the vehicle, since the base plates are mounted to the frame. Is the frame of the Cherokee the same width apart as the frame of my 2007 Jeep Commander? If they are not, then I can not use my quick disconnect bar after I install base plates into my 2007 Jeep Commander. Also...do I need to use the quick disconnect bar? If the frames of both vehicles are not the same width. I guess the answer would be the part number for the quick disconnect bar on either vehicle is the same?

asked by: Tim H

Expert Reply:

After doing some research, I have some answers for you. Let me start with I can not tell you for sure that the frames of both vehicles are the same width but I can assure you that the Roadmaster Sterling All-Terrain Tow Bar Item # RM-576 will work with the base plate kits on your 2007 Jeep Commander.

I recommend the Roadmaster MX Base Plate Kit Item # 1427-3 for your 2007 Jeep Commander. It will accommodate your existing Roadmaster tow bar Item # RM-576. I chose this base plate kit because it does not require the crossbar but does work well with your tow bar and vehicle. However, it will not work with the Sterling safety cables so you will either need to anchor in different locations on your vehicle or use different safety cables. The Roadmaster single hook safety cables Item # RM-643 would work nicely for your needs.

Beyond the base plate, you may also need a tow bar wiring kit. If you need this, I would recommend the Roadmaster Universal Wiring Kit Item # RM-154. This kit will give you everything you need to use your Jeep Commander's tail lights and wiring system with your RV while preventing feedback from your RV.

Depending on your situation, you may also need a braking system as well. If this is the case, I would recommend the SMI Stay-IN-Play Proportional Braking System Item # SM99251. This kit is a proportional braking system that will work well for you. It is the "go to" kit for our installers, is fairly easily to install, and is a one time "set-it and forget-it" kind of kit.

Another item you might need is a high-low adapter for your tow bar. To safely flat tow your vehicle, you have a "safe zone" of 3 inches above or 3 inches below level. Most people need a tow bar adapter to land in this "sweet spot" for flat towing their vehicle behind their RV. In case you need this, I have linked an article on adapters and different adapter options that we carry.

Links for more information and videos attached.