Flat Towing Procedures and Setup for 2020 Jeep Gladiator

Updated 09/12/2019 | Published 09/11/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,000 lbs

(429)

$850.00

Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(3666)

$575.00

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

(679)

$73.40

Roadmaster Stop Light Switch Kit

(707)

$72.18

Roadmaster InvisiBrake Flat Tow Brake System - Preset

(309)

$1380.00

Question:

When flat towing a 2020 jeep truck how to you keep the steering unlocked.

asked by: SHARON B

Expert Reply:

On the Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Truck models the steering wheel does not actually lock with the ignition in the off position, it just has a loss of power steering-which is likely what you're experiencing. Jeep removed the steering wheel lock from their models in 2008, I believe, so even without a key in the ignition you'll be able to turn the wheels; it's just going to be really difficult. With that being said, in order to flat tow you'll need to have the transfer case set to N (neutral). There is a procedure that outlines how to complete this in your owner's manual since it's slightly different with automatic and manual transmissions.

In order to flat tow your 2020 Jeep Gladiator, you're going to need 5 main components: base plates, tow bar, safety cables, lighting, and supplemental braking. Some of these are vehicle specific, so you won't have much choice; others are universal so you'll be able to choose products that have features that will make your life easier during set up.

For baseplates, I recommend using the Roadmaster # RM-521453-5 which is a direct connect kit which provides a virtually invisible appearance and make it easy to mount/remove your tow bar. They also remove the need to get a quick-disconnect tow bar, since the base plates use that feature.

For a tow bar you'll need a crossbar style tow bar to go with the Roadmaster # RM-521453-5 baseplates, so I recommend the Roadmaster Falcon 2 # RM-520 . This is a hitch mounted tow bar for your motorhome with telescoping arms that lock into place and a large hookup radius to allow for connecting without having to perfectly line up the vehicles.

For supplemental braking, I recommend going with the Roadmaster InvisiBrake # RM-8700 which gives you automatic, real-time braking in your Jeep Gladiator. The actuator box installs permanently so that you never have to remove, adjust or reactivate and this system connects to your RV and engages car brakes when the RV brake lights illuminate.

For your lights to operate correctly on the Gladiator, you'll need the Roadmaster Stop Light Switch Kit # RM-751497 . You'll also need safety cables like the Roadmaster Single Hook # RM-643 to attach your toad to your motorhome.