Key Position When Flat Towing 2018 Jeep JK Wrangler

Updated 08/30/2020 | Published 05/17/2019

Question:

I have a 2018 Jeep JK model. When flat towing my Jeep do I need to leave the key in the ignition or can I leave the key out of the ignition Patriot 2 break system

asked by: Renny D

Expert Reply:

I looked though the online version of the owner's manual for your 2018 Jeep JK Wrangler and there isn't a clear indication as to whether or not the key should be left in the ignition while it's being flat towed. There is a detailed procedure for how to prepare the vehicle for recreational towing by shifting it into neutral starting on page 319 that you will need to follow.

Typically when flat towing a vehicle the key is left in the ACC/ACCESSORY position so that the steering wheel does not lock. I definitely recommend trying to verify this though either in your copy of the owner's manual or by checking with a local Jeep dealer.

The Blue Ox Patriot Braking System # BLU37TR is a really nice system that will physically press down on the brake pedal inside the Jeep with the same amount of force that you apply to the brakes in the RV. It's portability allows for easy removal and storage when not in use. Even if the vehicle's key isn't in the ignition and the power brakes aren't activated the Patriot still has enough force to apply the brakes when needed. I have attached a short video review that you can check out as well.

In order to flat tow your Jeep you will also need a set of base plates, a tow bar, safety cables, and a lighting solution. If you still need some or all of these parts please let me know and I will be happy to make some recommendations.

expert reply by: Chris R

Nick D.

8/13/2020

My 2017 jk unlimited sport manual says key to acc and disconnect ground from battery. Using brake buddy classic ,with Rm break relay kit 88400 ,Hopkins plug and play tail stop light kit .But not sure because everything on line is saying key off transfer case in neutral,trans in park. Steering wheel seems not to lock with key off .Also running a charge kit to restore battery but if ground cable is disconnected how wool brake buddy get 12 volt.?. Confused.

Jon G.

8/27/2020

I looked at the online owner's manual for your 2017 Jeep Wrangler JK and it didn't say anything about disconnecting the battery so you might want to double check that. The Brake Buddy Classic will actually be wired directly to your battery so it will draw power regardless of whether you disconnect the battery or not. Adding the charge line kit is a great idea so that you can keep your battery from draining.

Nick D.

8/30/2020

Yes but my brake buddy classic plugs in to 12 v receptacle found power source with key off powered all the time but with neg cable off won’t hav any power anywhere can run a direct wire to plug into the buddy system . Have to check into why they said reconnect neg battery never said to disconnect.Manual says in tow section after your transfer case is in nuatral,put trans in park ,turn key to acc. Then after tow take trans to nuatral put transfer case back into 2 wheel then trans back into park turn key off position reconnect ground cable .Rv forum claims the manual was a miss print .that was for vehicles that had locking steering wheel .ok thanks