What do I Need to Flat Tow a 2-Wheel Drive 1996 Jeep Cherokee Behind an RV

Updated 03/30/2018 | Published 03/29/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Fixed Arms

(372)

$524.21

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

(3187)

$175.28

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

(755)

$1175.00

Universal Magnetic Tow Lights - 20' Wiring Harness with 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector

(200)

$61.88

Question:

Recently purchased a Thor Axis 24.1 Next trip Id like to use our Blue Ox and add base plate equipment to a 96 jeep cheerokee 2 wheel drive vehicle! Is it possible? Parts needed? Regards

asked by: Billy B

Helpful Expert Reply:

Before towing your Jeep I recommend checking its owner's manual for any restrictions on it. From my research that Cherokee cannot be flat towed if it has an automatic transmission. The manual transmission can be though.

The Blue Ox base plate kit that fits your 1996 Jeep Cherokee is part # BX1110. I've linked a video of the kit being installed on a 1997 Cherokee for you. You didn't say exactly which tow bar you have but it works with pretty much all of them.

If the Jeep can be towed you're also going to need a braking system, a way to power its lights, and likely a high-low adapter to keep everyrhing level.

To power the Jeep's lights I recommend using a diode kit, part # RM-15267. It permanently installs giving you a 6-way connector at the front. It also includes the cord to connect the Cherokee and your Thor. If you prefer a less permanent install use a magnetic light kit like part # TL21RK. It plugs into a 4-way on the RV and then mounts to the Jeep. A lot easier to set up compared to the diode kit but you have to remove it before driving the Jeep each time.

The braking system I recommend is the Stay-IN-Play DUO, part # SM99251. It also completey installs on the Jeep and is ready to go just by connecting the vehicle and RV. It's a proportional system so it applies the Cherokee's brakes with the same intensity that the Thor is slowing down.

I've linked our selection of high-low adapters for you; as well as an article to help you find the rise or drop you need. I've also linked videos on the recommended products and some other articles on flat towing you might find helpful.