What do I Need to Flat Tow a Jeep Wrangler JK with Factory Bumper
Question:
What parts do I need to tow a Jeep Wrangler JK behind my motorhome? It has a stock front bumper, is that okay?
asked by: Ted G
Helpful Expert Reply:
To flat tow your Jeep Wrangler JK behind your motorhome, you will need a base plate kit, tow bar, safety cables, tail light wiring harness, and a supplemental braking system. Depending on the year of your Wrangler, you may also need a Brake-Lite Relay, # RM-88400, (2012, 2013, 2015-2018) or a Stoplight Switch, # RM-751452 (2007-2011, 2014).
For your base plates and tow bar, I recommend using the Roadmaster Direct Connect Base Plate Kit, # RM-521448-5 for 2010-2018 or # 1429-3 for 2007-2009, and the Nighthawk All Terrain Tow Bar, # RM-676. This combination provides one of the easiest to use connections on the market and the Nighthawk tow bar comes with safety cables and a wiring extension between your motorhome and Jeep. The tow bar is also non-binding, so you don't have to worry about unhooking on uneven terrain or at different angles.
For your wiring harness, I recommend the Hopkins Custom Wiring Kit, # HM56200. This harness requires no cutting, splicing into your vehicle's tail light wires to install, it simply plugs into the back of your tail lights. You will want to cut off the 4-pole end and connect the wires to the 6-way socket that comes with the Nighthawk tow bar for a cleaner look.
For a braking system, I recommend the SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO system, # SM99251, or the SMI Air Force One, # SM99243 if your motorhome has air brakes, because you only have to install the system once. It installs in the engine compartment and out of the way unlike the traditional portable box systems that have to be installed and removed every time you tow.
Finally, I recommend picking up a tow bar cover, # RM-055-3, to keep your tow bar protected from the elements when you aren't towing and the Roadmaster Tow Defender, # RM-4750, to protect the front of your Jeep from rocks and road debris. You may also need a high-low adapter if the the trailer hitch on your motorhome is significantly higher or lower than the base plates on your Jeep. I've attached a help article on high-low adapter that explains how to choose the correct adapter.
I've attached several help articles and installation videos on these products for you to check out.
Products Referenced in This Question
Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Tow Bar Base Plate
- Removable Draw Bars
- Hitch Pin Attachment
- Roadmaster
more information >
Hopkins Custom Tail Light Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles
- Flat Tow Wiring Harness
- Plugs into Vehicle Wiring
- Wiring Harness
- Custom
- Tail Light Mount
- Hopkins
more information >
- Accessories and Parts
- Tow Bar
- Covers and Storage
- Tow Bar Cover
- Sterling
- Eagle
- Falcon
- Blackhawk
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Tow Defender Protective Screen for Towed Vehicles
- Accessories and Parts
- Tow Bar
- Vehicle Guards
- Protective Screening
- Tow Defender
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Nighthawk All-Terrain Tow Bar w/ LED Lights - Non-Binding - RV Mount - 8,000 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Mount Style
- Telescoping
- Aluminum
- 8000 lbs
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates - Direct Connect
- Stores on RV
- Non-Binding
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Brake-Lite Relay Kit for Towed Vehicles
- Flat Tow Brake System
- Brake Light Relay
- Roadmaster
more information >
Demco Air Force One Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Air Brakes - Proportional
- Flat Tow Brake System
- Brake Systems
- Proportional System
- One Time Set-Up
- Fixed System
- Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Air Brakes
- Demco
more information >
Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Hydraulic Brakes - Proportional
- Flat Tow Brake System
- Brake Systems
- Proportional System
- One Time Set-Up
- Fixed System
- Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Hydraulic Brakes
- Demco
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Tow Bar Base Plate
- Removable Draw Bars
- Twist Lock Attachment
- Roadmaster
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Brake System
- Shop: Base Plate for Tow Bar
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Wiring
- Article: Flat Towing Package for 2007-2018 JK Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited
- Video: Review of Roadmaster Tow Bar - Hitch Mount Style - RM-676
- Shop: Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles
- Shop: Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Shop: Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Hydraulic Brakes - Proportional
- Shop: Hopkins Custom Tail Light Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - 7-Way to 6-Way Coiled Adapter Cord
- Video: Breaking Down the Blue Ox Patriot Portable Flat Tow Brake System
- Shop: Brake Buddy Select 3 Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional
- Shop: Blue Ox Patriot Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Q&A: Choosing Between the Brake Buddy Select 3 and the Blue Ox Patriot Supplemental Braking System
- Q&A: Where Does the Charge Line Circuit Run To On The Back Of a 6-Way On a Toad
- Search Results: rm9332
- Search Results: sm99251
- Article: Must-Have Flat Towing Components
- Shop: RV Jack Pads
- Video: Setting up the Roadmaster Brake-Lite Relay Kit for Towed Vehicles on your 2015 Jeep Wrangler
- Q&A: Parts Needed For Flat Towing a 2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon
- Video: Review of SnapPad RV Jack Pads - HiWay 8 Bus Jack Pads 8 Inch And 11-1/2 Inch Jack Foot - SP34FR74
- Search Results: snappad rv jack pads
- Search Results: rm~035
- Q&A: Determining The Correct Size Landing Gear SnapPad Size
- Article: We Used 34 RV Tow Bars, and These are the Best for Flat Towing
- Search Results: rm88400
on Tow Bar Base Plate
Don R.
3/1/2024
I plan on using your recommendations except for the braking system. I plan on the brake buddy. Do I need to buy the brake lite relay and stop light switch? 2013 Jeep Wrangler Sahara Unlimited.