How to Flat Tow a Second Generation Jeep Liberty 2008-2011

Updated 07/01/2024 | Published 08/09/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Roadmaster EZ Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(477)

$575.00

Roadmaster EZ Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(477)

$575.00

Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(4617)

$557.51

Blue Ox Avail Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 10,000 lbs

(751)

$954.61

Hopkins Custom Tail Light Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles

(37)

$75.67

Roadmaster Tow Bar Cover

(652)

$74.64

Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles

(1201)

$42.86

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

(157)

$1375.00

Roadmaster Stop Light Switch Kit - Jeep Liberty

(623)

$54.61

Roadmaster Battery Disconnect for Towed Vehicle w/ Flat Tow Brake System - Gas Only

(372)

$226.05

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

(755)

$1175.00

Question:

How do I flat-tow a second generation 2008-2011 Jeep Liberty?

asked by: Paolo

Expert Reply:

In order to flat-tow a second generation (2008-2011) Jeep Liberty with all four wheels on the ground you will need a base plate kit, tow bar, flat-tow wiring harness, safety cables, supplemental braking system, and possibly a high-low adapter. I have attached my recommendations for each of these parts below.

For a base plate kit I recommend the Roadmaster Base Plate Kit part # 521434-1 if you have a have rock guard or skid plate excluding Renegade, part # 521433-1 if you do NOT have a rock guard or skid plate excluding Renegade, or the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit part # BX1131 if you do have a Renegade (2010-2011). All of these base plate kits have removable arms which makes for a clean look while not in tow.

If you are using the Roadmaster base plate kit then I recommend the Roadmaster Sterling All Terrain part # RM-576 which mounts on the motorhome and includes safety cables but if you are using the Blue Ox base plate kit I recommend the Blue Ox Avail Tow Bar part # BX7420 which like the Sterling, also mounts on the motorhome and includes safety cables.

For a flat-tow wiring harness I recommend the Hopkins Custom Tail Light Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles part # HM56204 which is a plug and play option that will not require any cutting or splicing.

The supplemental braking system I recommend is the Stay-IN-Play DUO part # SM99251 which contains a unique G-Force controller that can adjust the sensitivity of the inertia-sensing mercury switch. It also offers a clean look once installed.

Since this generation has a dead brake light switch when the vehicle is off, you will need the Roadmaster Stop Light Switch Kit part # RM-751430. I also recommend the Roadmaster Automatic Battery Disconnect part # RM-766 which is a requirement if you have a 2008, 2009, or 2011 model year.

The SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO will draw power for the vehicle's battery and since the vehicle will not be running to charge the battery while in tow, a charge line kit like the Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit part # RM-156-25 will be needed. If you are also going to be leaving the tow bar attached to the motorhome while not in tow you may want to invest in a cover like the Roadmaster Tow Bar Cover part # RM-055-3 for the Sterling or the Blue Ox Tow Bar Cover part # BX88309 for the Avail.

Finally, you may or may not need to use a high-low adapter. In order to determine if there is a need to use one measure from the ground to the center of the base plate kit on the vehicle and compare that distance to the measurement from the ground to the top of the inside edge of your trailer hitch on the motorhome. If this distance is not within 3" of one another then you want to use a high-low adapter which I have attached a list of for you in addition to several other review videos on the above products.

expert reply by: Conner L

Lenny M.

6/30/2024

I have a 2011 Jeep Liberty and after reading this I went out to the driveway with no keys and stepped on the brake pedal and the brake lights lit up. Your article said that the brake light circuit is dead with the key off. This seems like a good thing to have with my patriot brake system.

Kevin C.

7/1/2024

@LennyM

Lenny M.

7/1/2024

@KevinC yes??

Kevin C.

7/1/2024

@LennyM Sorry I guess my comment didn't save before it sent. When you open the door the system "wakes up" but will go back to sleep after 30 minutes. If your braking system relies on the brake light switch wire for the indicator light then the stop light switch kit # RM-751430 would be needed. The Blue Ox Patriot doesn't tie into this and instead has it's own RF controller to display when the brakes are being applied.